Ka La‘i Ola: A Testament to Resilience, Partnership, and Hope

On September 24, I had the honor of joining our Chief Affiliate Officer, Brenda Ketah, in Lahaina for the dedication of Ka La‘i Ola, Maui’s largest interim housing development for wildfire survivors. Standing on that land and seeing what has been accomplished in just two years since the devastating fires was deeply moving and unforgettable.

When the wildfires swept through Lahaina in 2023, the loss was staggering; families displaced, homes destroyed, and an entire community shaken. Yet what I witnessed this week was the remarkable resilience of Maui. On 57 acres of land, 450 homes have been completed, providing safe housing for more than 320 families and nearly 900 individuals, all built in less than 18 months. Ka La‘i Ola is more than a development; it is a symbol of hope, healing, and the strength of community.

This extraordinary outcome would not have been possible without the leadership of Kimo Carvalho, Executive Director of HomeAid Hawai‘i. Kimo’s vision, fortitude, and tireless work over the past two years have been nothing short of inspiring. Working together closely with Governor Josh Green and the State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services, the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, private funders, local organizations, and the people of Maui in a partnership made this day possible.

I left Lahaina filled with gratitude not only for the lives that have been changed but for the example set by Kimo and HomeAid Hawai‘i. Their work reminds all of us why HomeAid exists: to build a future without homelessness, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.