Highlighted News Stories from November & December 2023.
Developer breaks ground on 223-unit Kihei rental project Hale O Pi’ikea.
A new housing project in Kihei broke ground, aiming to complete 223 affordable rental units by 2025. The $135 million Hale O Pi’ikea development will unfold in three phases, offering a mix of residential spaces. Originally planned as a mixed-use space with commercial areas and a movie theater, community feedback plus market demand led developers to shift the focus. The project seeks to address a growing need for housing, aiming to support individuals and families with limited incomes. This is seen as a crucial response to the housing shortage exacerbated by recent fires, providing much-needed relief and offering amenities like a community resource center, and laundry facilities. This is about creating a thriving community, emphasized Mayor Bissen.
$150M fund for victims of Maui fires – Some may receive more than $1M.
More than $150 million is committed to the Maui Recovery Fund, aiding victims of the devastating Aug. 8 wildfires, announced Gov. Green. The fund, modeled after the 9/11 victim compensation initiative, provides relief to those facing loss or injury, with commitments from partners like the State of Hawaii, Maui County, Kamehameha Schools, and HECO. This initiative is part of the One ‘Ohana program, which includes various recovery efforts across the state. Green plans to hold meetings on Maui to discuss eligibility and details, aiming to distribute payments of over $1M to those who opt-in as early as Q2 2024. Choosing to receive these funds entails waiving the right to bring legal action related to the claims. Green also outlined plans for a legislative package to protect consumers from higher electric bills, fortify the grid, address climate change impacts, and secure homeowners’ insurance, to help prevent future fire risks. FEMA and other federal programs continue to provide assistance to the affected, supporting housing, medical care, and mental health services.
‘Condorama’ to discuss Lahaina fire’s impact on insurance premiums.
The “Condorama XI” webinar, a free event on Sat., Nov. 18, will cover key topics relevant to condo owners. Hosted by the Real Estate Commission and the Community Associations Institute Hawai’i Chapter, this event focuses on crucial areas including:
- Impact of Lahaina Fires on Insurance Premiums
- Misinformation in Community Associations
- Dealing with Rogue Boards
- Labor Law Essentials
To join, register at www.caihawaii.org. A recording will be accessible on the Community Associations Institute and Real Estate Branch Condorama websites. Hosted by the Real Estate Commission, this session is open to the public and promises valuable insights on pertinent condominium law topics.
Note: Parts of this post were written using ChatGPT, with details gathered from Maui News.