The Maui County Department of Housing has launched a voluntary deed restriction pilot program for Molokai aimed at preserving long-term housing.

The program is offering grants of up to $100,000 to qualified applicants who agree to a voluntary 25-year deed restriction. To be eligible, homeowners must earn less than 140% of the county’s area median income, occupy the property as their primary residence and own no other residential property.

Homes must be located on Molokai, classified as owner-occupied under Maui County Code and free of other mortgages, deed restrictions and tax liens.

Grant funds may be used for home repairs, renovations or other eligible expenses, including mortgage or utility payments. Recipients will have 12 months from the program’s implementation date to use the funds.

Applications became available May 4 and must be received by the Housing Department by 4 p.m. May 29.

Under the deed restriction, homeowners who decide to sell must notify the county, which will have the first right of refusal.

The department will then initiate a buy-back process and calculate the allowable sale price to ensure the property is sold to an income-qualified Maui County resident household.

The deed restriction will remain in effect for the balance of the 25-year term and will continue to apply to any subsequent owner during that period.

The department expects to assist five households, with a lottery determining the order applications are reviewed. Applications may be mailed, dropped off or emailed to the Housing Programs Division.

For questions, email the County Department of Housing at chp.housing@co.maui.hi.us.