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Non-profits seek protections for citizens whose homes were destroyed

By Staff | Oct 2, 2023

WEST MAUI — In response to the devastating losses due to Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina firestorm, community based nonprofit organizations have joined together to request a three-year deferment on home mortgage payments and legal protection against foreclosure action for all whose homes were destroyed in this fire.

Letters have been sent by attorney Lance D. Collins and local nonprofit organizations to Senators Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono, as well as Representatives Jill Tokuda and Ed Case, and to Gov. Josh Green.

Why three years?

Reliable sources estimate that it will be three or more years before Lahaina’s residences are rebuilt. Yet, in less than two months, those who have obtained natural disaster forbearance will be required to resume making mortgage payments to their lenders despite the fact that they have no such near-term prospect of returning to the ordinary use of their properties for residential living.

The coalition of non-profits wrote: “Still reeling from loss of family, friends, pets, homes, businesses, churches and all the familiar landmarks of ‘home,’ to say nothing of loss of jobs/regular income, we know it is essential to the vitality of the greater Lahaina area to give all who have lost their homes long-term mortgage payment deferments, as well as protection against foreclosure due to non-payment. Without such protection, we believe the migration out of Lahaina and probably off of Maui will cause great and long- lasting harm to the area’s cultural vibrancy and economic health.”

Maui non-profits and representatives supporting this request include Aha Moku o Maui, Hawai’i Institute for Philippine Studies, Hawai’i Working Consumers Hui, HK West Maui Community Fund, Hui Aloha ‘Aina o ka Malu Ulu o Lele, Kia’i Kauaula, Maui Medic Healers Hui, Na Aikane o Maui, Na Papa’i Wawae ‘Ula’ula, Napili Bay and Beach Foundation, North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund, Restore with Resilience, and West Maui Preservation Association.

“This is a way we and the thousands of people from these organizations stand strong with Lahaina and Maui,” the groups concluded.