Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino speaks during Friday’s blessing ceremony for 23 temporary emergency shelters at Waiale Park in Wailuku. The project is a County of Maui partnership with local agencies to provide temporary shelter for displaced families and individuals impacted by COVID-19. The 64-square-foot structures, which cost $4,900 each before shipping and add-ons, can hold up to four people, but they are currently housing one to three people each, said county spokesman Brian Perry. Each unit has power, but water, shower, toilet and kitchen facilities are located in a separate place on the property with a community design similar to a campsite. Those attending the blessing included (clockwise from Victorino) state Sen. Gil Keith-Agaran, Council Member Tasha Kama, council Chairwoman Alice Lee, state Rep. Troy Hashimoto and pastor Kalani Wong, who led the blessing. The first residents moved in the day the structures were blessed.

County of Maui photo