When did Hawaii Community Foundation stop funding individuals?
HCF only funds nonprofits, except for their scholarships department. They contract with mental health providers to provide services but do not directly fund individuals.
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Is there a way for the county parks department to get funding from HCF to improve parks?
If a nonprofit wants to serve that purpose, it can apply for funding from HCF. HCF suggests looking into "Friends of the Park" or other stewardship organizations.
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Can homeowners get grants or funds from Hawaii Community Foundation for housing or other needs?
HCF requires a nonprofit to apply for funding on behalf of homeowners. They encourage homeowners to engage with organizations like Hawaii Community Lending that have specific programs for Lahaina homeowners.
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How does HCF ensure the nonprofits they fund are actually providing the promised services?
HCF does progress reports, site visits, and other checks to ensure nonprofits are completing the work they committed to. If an organization is unable to do so, HCF asks them to return the funds.
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Where can the public find a list of the nonprofits that HCF has funded? Answer: HCF has a Maui Strong Fund page on its website that lists the funded nonprofits by category. A QR code can be scanned to access the full list.
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What percentage of the Maui Strong Fund goes to HCF's administrative costs? HCF does not take any administrative fees from the Maui Strong Fund donations. All 100% of the donations go directly to nonprofit programming and services.
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How can the community better access information about the nonprofits receiving HCF funding and the services they provide?

HCF encourages nonprofits to improve the visibility and accessibility of their services on their own websites. HCF will also be more proactive in amplifying the resources available.
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Is there a way for individual mental health providers who are already working with survivors to get involved with HCF's mental health support programs?
HCF works directly with mental health professionals to help get them connected with the team managing the mental health provider contracts.
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What is the process for homeowners to access assistance if they are not being served by the nonprofits receiving HCF funding?
HCF reiterated the need for a nonprofit to apply for funding on behalf of homeowners and suggested that the county may be able to help identify unserved homeowners to connect with the appropriate nonprofit partners.
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What is the plan for the remaining 130 households in FEMA housing who are not eligible for the direct lease program?
To qualify, residents must be part of the direct lease program. FEMA is working to relocate West Maui residents currently living in central Maui and upcountry back to West Maui. The details regarding this process are still being determined. However, the Kilohana group site is projected to be online this Fall, likely in late October or early November.
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What are the permit requirements for placing temporary housing like mobile homes, RVs, or tiny homes on private property?
Temporary structures are allowed under the mayor's proclamation, and setback enforcement is not being strictly applied under the current situation. Property owners currently in FEMA Direct Housing that would like to have temporary units on their properties will need to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to assess if their property can accommodate a temporary unit.
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How can homeowners whose insurance is expiring get FEMA assistance quickly without having to wait months?
FEMA is encouraging residents to apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA) before insurance expires, which can provide initial and extended rental assistance. CTHA offers continued rental assistance after initial insurance coverage, with the initial two months at 100% of HUD Fair Market Rate and then extensions as long as residents apply before their insurance runs out. Residents are encouraged to speak directly with FEMA staff at the Office of Recovery-West Maui for details and assistance with the application process. Residents in urgent need of housing can apply to the Hawaii Interim Housing Program (HIHP) to inquire about temporary housing options.
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Will temporary homes on properties impact future rebuilding efforts?
Temporary structures are authorized for up to five years, and the County of Maui will assess the situation as that timeline approaches to coordinate the transition to permanent housing.
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If my insurance is running out, and I need to apply for FEMA assistance, will FEMA cover a full year-long lease?
FEMA cannot guarantee coverage, as assistance is on a case-by-case basis. However, it is possible to be fully covered.
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What is the timeline and process for 211 call center support, and how can residents get faster assistance?
There is an approximate one-week wait time for a response. Additional staff is being hired to help expedite this process. Residents are encouraged to contact Malia Davidson directly at m.davidson@globalempowermentmission.org for case management support. Residents can also email Joe Campos at jcampos@dhs.hawaii.com for additional support.
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What energy solutions and cost-saving options is the community being provided?
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is currently engaging with the community to understand their priorities and aiming to develop a more affordable energy system for the future. Residents are encouraged to share what they feel are the most important concerns.
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Is FEMA considering extending their assistance timeline beyond the current February 2025 expiration date?
FEMA will consider an extension once requested by the state, and then will provide at least 60 days' notice before making any changes.
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What resources are available to help homeowners navigate the rebuilding and permitting process?
The public is encouraged to contact the Hawaii Community Lending Homeowners Assistance Program for additional resources. A FAQ sheet with details is available.
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Can a proclamation or program be created to provide relief or an extension for homeowners to help cover their mortgage payments and subsidized rental costs during the rebuilding process?
The inquiry will be communicated to the County’s leadership team.
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Are there any updates on the Hawaii Interim Housing Program and the potential for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) on properties?
The State of Hawaii is exploring ADUs as a potential housing solution, however, a timeline has not yet been established.
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Can the governor’s administration consider a proclamation to extend Additional Living Expenses (ALE) benefits?
This recommendation is being forwarded to the governor’s office.