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Council approves purchase of eighth kupuna unit in Lahaina using reprogrammed CDBG-CV funds
Summary
Maui County authorized acquisition of a studio condominium unit in Lahaina to add to the Na Hale Kupuna affordable rental program for kupuna displaced by the August 2023 wildfires. The county will use reprogrammed CDBG-CV (CARES Act) funds; the acquisition leaves a remaining CDBG-CV balance of about $67,891.65.
The Maui County Council voted 9-0 March 7 to authorize the acquisition of a studio condominium unit at 3740 Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road (unit F-102) for use as an affordable rental for kupuna displaced by the August 2023 wildfires.
Julie Jenkins, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program manager, said the unit will be the eighth and final unit of the Na Hale Kupuna program in West Maui and will provide a permanent, long-term rental for a low- or moderate-income kupuna displaced by the fire. "I humbly ask that you support this resolution," Jenkins told the council.
Councilmembers asked operational questions during the meeting. Jenkins said the unit is a 357-square-foot studio on the first floor, partially furnished, and not formally designated as an ADA unit; the homeowners association (HOA) fee for Unit F-102 is $621.98 per month. She said Cameron Center is the property manager and maintains a wait list; the purchase will require an amendment to the county's property-management contract (current contract covered seven units) to add the eighth unit.
Jenkins explained funding details: the purchase will be financed from unspent CDBG-CV (CDBG CARES Act) reprogrammed funds. If the acquisition goes forward, the remaining CDBG-CV balance will be approximately $67,891.65. Jenkins said the program uses residual funds from prior CDBG program years to cover HOA fees and maintenance shortfalls; she and councilmembers discussed plans to align CDBG within a broader Department of Housing structure to find long-term sustainability for the units.
Chair and council members emphasized outreach to other parts of the county for future similar acquisitions; Jenkins said the current acquisition is intended to conclude the Na Hale Kupuna acquisitions but that CDBG staff would consider broader countywide needs in future projects.
Action: Resolution 25-74 (FD1 substituted) was adopted after a substitution and suspension of Rule 19 to allow final action the same day; motion passed 9-0.
Clarifying details: HOA fee $621.98/month; unit is on the ground floor but not ADA-certified; purchase is funded by CDBG-CV (CARES Act) reprogrammed funds with $67,891.65 remaining in that fund after the acquisition; contract amendment required to add the eighth unit to the county's property-management agreement with Cameron Center.
Ending note: Council directed CDBG and housing staff to provide a follow-up summary of all kupuna-unit commitments, including rents collected, expenses and remaining funding, as requested by councilors during the meeting.
