Lahaina Community Land Trust secures parcels for affordable housing post-disaster

Maui County officials are taking significant steps to address the ongoing recovery efforts in Lahaina following the devastating fires. During the regular council meeting on February 21, 2025, discussions centered around the urgent need to fill vacant positions on boards and commissions that are crucial for the rebuilding process. Council members emphasized the importance of timely appointments to ensure that these bodies can operate effectively and support the community's recovery.

Elizabeth Jarmanski, appointed by the mayor to the Real Property Tax Review Board, expressed her commitment to aiding the community as it rebuilds. She highlighted the need for thoughtful tax assessments to support residents during this critical time. Her testimony underscored the collaborative spirit among community members as they navigate the complexities of recovery.

Autumn Ness, executive director of the Lahaina Community Land Trust (CLT), provided an update on the organization's initiatives aimed at preventing displacement and promoting affordable housing. She announced that Lahaina CLT has secured two parcels for community ownership and is under contract for four more, which will provide forever affordable homes for local residents. Ness also detailed the launch of an insurance gap program to assist families in rebuilding their homes, ensuring they remain in Lahaina and protecting their land from speculative pressures.

The council discussed a resolution to expand the Lahaina CLT's access to $5 million from managed retreat funds for land acquisition. This funding aims to support generational landowners facing difficult decisions about their properties in the wake of the fires. Ness emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with these families to ensure they can continue their cultural practices and stewardship of the land.

The meeting highlighted the council's commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the Lahaina community while laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience. As the council moves forward, the focus remains on empowering local organizations and ensuring that recovery efforts are inclusive and sustainable. The next steps will involve finalizing appointments to key boards and securing additional funding to support ongoing initiatives.