Maui is taking crucial steps to address its ongoing affordable housing crisis. The County of Maui Department of Housing recently announced the opening of applications for projects seeking funding from the Affordable Housing Fund for Fiscal Year 2027. This announcement signals a continued commitment to providing housing options for income-eligible residents across the island. The projects seeking funding must specifically target families earning at or below 140% of Maui's median family income, ensuring that the available housing meets the needs of a significant portion of the local workforce and families.
Project readiness is a key factor in the application review process. As highlighted by Maui Recovers, site control and completion of all applicable environmental reviews will be critical components of the evaluation. Additionally, the Department will award extra points to proposals that prioritize off-site infrastructure funding, address households earning between 81% and 140% of the Area Median Income, and propose housing on county-owned parcels. This strategic approach aims to streamline project development and maximize the impact of the funding.
This effort aligns with other initiatives to increase affordable housing. A Civil Beat article from earlier this year detailed the Maui Council's allocation of funds to support affordable housing, including a specific project in Kīhei. These initiatives underscore the growing need for affordable housing and reflect the County's multi-pronged approach to solving the issue. Another news report revealed the opening of applications for the Hale O Piʻikea project in Kīhei, targeting individuals and families earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). This project and others demonstrate a focus on varying income levels needing affordable housing on Maui, further emphasizing that this is a priority for the island’s government.
These funding opportunities will undoubtedly be of interest to developers, investors, and community stakeholders. This is particularly relevant to anyone in the real estate sector, as highlighted by the Maui County Department of Housing. By attracting proposals that provide sustainable and affordable housing, the initiative contributes to the diversification of housing options, encouraging housing construction while at the same time providing crucial relief to families and individuals struggling to secure affordable housing, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and economically stable community.
