Federal Emergency Management Agency officials are providing temporary modular housing in Lahaina for survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires that killed 102 people and destroyed a large portion of Lahaina, including its historic town. Photo courtesy/FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved the state of Hawaii’s request to receive financial and direct temporary housing assistance for Lahaina wildfire survivors through Feb. 10, 2026. The initial 18 months of aid was scheduled to expire on Feb. 10, 2025.

More than $476 million in federal assistance has been made available to survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires on Maui, according to FEMA.

According to the agency, assistance includes $63.3 million for more than 7,150 individuals and households for housing and rental assistance as well as other needs.

The assistance currently includes FEMA leases for survivors in modular housing, also known as Alternative Transportable Temporary Housing units, at the Kilohana temporary group housing site in Lahaina on Fleming Road and Malo Street. The agency plans to provide temporary housing in 167 modular units and had its first resident in November.

Some 1,170 households are living temporarily in FEMA’s direct-lease housing, the agency said.

Homeowners in the Direct Housing Program may be eligible to place an alternative transportable temporary housing unit on their property to live in while they rebuild their home.

The property must meet lot size requirements and be outside of the high hazard coastal floodplain.

FEMA also is seeking to lease vacant lots from property owners who do not intend to rebuild on them within the next two to three years. These properties will house individuals and families who were displaced by the wildfires and will be selected by FEMA for placement on the leased property.

The property must meet lot size requirements, be outside of the high hazard coastal floodplain and allow for the placement of two or more temporary units.

Survivors, who will receive a 30-day advance notice prior to the deadline for meeting their rental requirements, are encouraged to stay in touch with their FEMA recertification advisor, the agency said.