Following the devastating August 2023 Maui fires that destroyed nearly 1,900 residential structures and claimed the lives of at least 102 individuals, many families found themselves displaced and in need of housing solutions. One such family, the Akionas, who previously resided in a bustling Lahaina home with 10 occupants, were forced to relocate to a two-bedroom condo in Wailuku, 40 minutes away from their original home.
Recognizing the cultural significance of families coming together during times of crisis, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) implemented a unique disaster-relief program to support those who took in displaced loved ones. Through the Host Housing Support Program, households received stipends of $500 per person, up to $2,000 monthly, for a year. This initiative aimed to alleviate the demand for temporary housing, preserve family bonds, and ease financial burdens.
