Current:Home > ScamsAgencies release plans for moving hotel-dwelling Maui fire survivors into long-term housing -Blueprint Wealth Network
Agencies release plans for moving hotel-dwelling Maui fire survivors into long-term housing
View
Date:2025-04-28 00:46:14
HONOLULU (AP) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Friday it plans to move thousands of hotel-dwelling survivors of wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui into long-term housing over the next month.
The agency expects households living under long-term leases directly funded by FEMA to rise to 1,500 over the next month from 100 currently, TJ Dargan, federal coordinating officer for the Maui fires, said at a news conference.
The increase would house a large portion of the 2,400 households who are still living in hotels months after wildfires scorched historic Lahaina on Aug. 8. Many are stuck in hotels because they have been unable to find rentals in Maui’s exceptionally tight housing market.
FEMA, the state, county and non-profit organizations have urged owners of Maui’s 27,000 short-term rental properties to make their units, which normally house tourists, available to wildfire survivors.
The agency is working with three property managers on Maui and the mayor’s office to identify units that could be rented to wildfire survivors for 18 months. It has found 600 and is pursuing 1,000 more, Dargan said.
The agency has distributed fliers and letters explaining how long-term FEMA leases offer stability.
“So we’ve shaken that tree pretty hard ... and will continue shaking that tree until we’ve got sufficient resources for all,” Dargan said at the news conference, which was held in Wailuku on Maui and streamed online.
Other programs are housing hundreds more, including one which has Hawaii families host displaced residents in return for a monthly stipend from the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
FEMA’s hotel short-term stay funding runs out on Feb. 10 but Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has requested an extension that the agency is considering, Dargan said.
Even so, Green said he expects all Lahaina evacuees to be out of short-term hotels by March 1. Months after that, modular homes built around Maui by FEMA and the Hawaii Community Foundation nonprofit will add housing for several hundred more people, according to plans announced by federal, state and county governments and non-profit organizations.
Green in December threatened to use his emergency powers to impose a moratorium on short-term rentals on Maui if officials were unable to line up enough long-term rentals for fire survivors. But he backed away from the statement on Friday.
“If we meet these milestones, it’s very unlikely we’ll need to invoke the moratorium on short-term rentals,” Green said at the news conference.
Kuhio Lewis, the CEO of the Council on Native Hawaiian Advancement, recognized protesters who have been camping on the beach in Lahaina to demand housing for residents.
“This is in response to that kahea,” Lewis said, using the Hawaiian word for call or alarm. “We also recognize how important it is. And now we’re responding.”
veryGood! (17214)
Related
- FACT FOCUS: Inspector general’s Jan. 6 report misrepresented as proof of FBI setup
- Senators push federal commission to help defend voters from artificial intelligence disinformation
- Beyoncé shies away from limelight, Taylor Swift fangirls: What you didn’t see on TV at the Grammys
- 'Extremely dangerous situation' as flooding, mudslides swamp California: Live updates
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Tarek El Moussa Details Gun Incident That Led to Christina Hall Split
- Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says Senate immigration proposal ends the practice of catch and release
- Beyoncé hasn't won Grammys album of the year. Who was the last Black woman to hold the prize?
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Céline Dion's Rare Outing With Son René-Charles at 2024 Grammys Put the Power of Love on Display
Ranking
- Google unveils a quantum chip. Could it help unlock the universe's deepest secrets?
- Kelly Rizzo Dating Breckin Meyer 2 Years After Husband Bob Saget’s Death
- Killer Mike taken in handcuffs after winning 3 Grammys. Here's why the rapper was arrested.
- Fate of 6-year-old girl in Gaza unknown after ambulance team sent to rescue her vanishes, aid group says
- Average rate on 30
- Killer Mike escorted out of Grammys in handcuffs after winning 3 awards
- Apple Vision Pro makes triumphant appearance courtside on Celtics fan's face
- 'Survivor' Season 46 cast: Meet the 18 contestants playing to win $1 million in Fiji
Recommendation
Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
Try to Catch Your Breath After Seeing Kelly Clarkson's Sweet 2024 Grammys Date Night With Son Remy
Father of Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes arrested in Texas on suspicion of drunk driving
Michigan mayor calls for increased security in response to Wall Street Journal op-ed
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
Why problems at a key Boeing supplier may help explain the company's 737 Max 9 mess
Jenna Ortega’s Thoughts on Beetlejuice 2 Costar Wyonna Ryder Will Make You Excited for Showtime
Kelly Rizzo Dating Breckin Meyer 2 Years After Husband Bob Saget’s Death