By Yiming Fu, Report for America Corps Member
(Yiming Fu is covering the recovery from the Maui Fires for AsAmNews)
Four tenants moved into newly completed housing units in Lāhainā along Lahainaluna road, according to the governor’s office.
“The space was named La‘ikū, which means ‘a calming space,’ a fitting name for families affected by the wildfires, some of whom have moved six or seven times,” Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of CNHA, said in a statement. “This project represents hope for Lahaina and demonstrates the power of community organizations working alongside the government.”
The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (HDOT) and the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (DOE), as well as the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF) Maui Strong Fund collaborated on housing construction.
Monthly rent for homes in La‘ikū is $1,750, which tenants can pay with rental assistance from FEMA, or insurance proceeds. Water and sewer services, up to $75 per month as well as trash removal, are included for each unit. The units can be occupied by 2-5 people.
CNHA Kākoʻo Maui Resource Center will verify eligibility. Families who may have temporarily relocated to other islands can apply.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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