Valerie Hoʻopai (pictured in white blouse) stands with Hoʻōla LTRG team members outside her newly rebuilt home in Lahaina. Courtesy photo

A Lahaina family displaced by the August 2023 wildfires has returned home after nearly three years.

More than 150 project partners, community members, friends and family gathered for a home dedication and blessing honoring Valerie Hoʻopai and her ohana as they moved into a newly rebuilt home in Lahaina.

The project was completed through a partnership involving Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group, Mennonite Disaster Service, Cajudoy Construction, Hawaii Community Foundation and nonprofit, faith-based, government and community organizations.

The ceremony included remarks from Hoʻopai and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, along with prayers, blessings and a tour of the new home.

“After almost three years away from Lahaina, I kept praying and hoping for a miracle,” Valerie Hoʻopai said. “Today, that miracle became real as Milo and I were welcomed home. This home is more than we could have ever asked for, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us, believed in this project and helped make this day possible. We are forever grateful.”

Valerie Hoʻopai (right) sees her newly furnished home for the first time with Robyn Iaea, Hoʻōla LTRG rebuild navigator and House to Home program coordinator, who completed the furnishing and staging of the home. Courtesy photo

According to Hoʻōla LTRG, the home is the first completed project to benefit from its House to Home Program, which helps wildfire survivors furnish and equip newly rebuilt homes with essential household items such as beds, dining tables, kitchen supplies and outdoor furniture.

Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, executive director of Hoʻōla LTRG, said the project reflects the work of volunteers and partner organizations that have supported Lahaina families throughout the recovery process.

“This blessing represents so much more than the completion of a house,” Alexander-Monkres said. “It reflects the love, volunteer service and commitment of so many people who have walked alongside Lahaina families on the long road to recovery. We extend a big mahalo to all of the generous nonprofit, faith-based, governmental and community partners, and everyone who helped make this new home construction project possible.”

The organization has completed four homes in Lahaina to date and continues to provide disaster case management, volunteer coordination and rebuilding assistance for wildfire survivors.

Owner-occupied single-family homeowners whose homes were destroyed in the wildfire and who are uninsured or underinsured may apply for assistance through Hoʻōla LTRG at mauilongtermrecovery.org.

Family, friends, partners and community supporters start to gather for Valerie Hoʻopai’s home dedication and blessing in Lahaina. Courtesy photo