KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Later this month, Maui will welcome the opening of its first kauhāle village, marking a milestone in expanding affordable housing solutions across the neighbor islands. Named Kīpūola Kauhāle and located on Pulehu Place in Kahului, the development is the largest of its kind on any non-Oʻahu island to date. n nBacked by Governor Josh Green, the project aims to support 64 individuals affected by homelessness or displaced due to recent wildfires. The tiny homes are arranged into four distinct clusters, each offering shared amenities such as kitchens, showers, and multipurpose areas to foster community interaction. n nBeyond housing, the site features a central community building, laundry access, administrative offices for on-site management and social services, and even a designated dog park, allowing residents to stay with their pets. The name Kīpūola, meaning to wrap oneself in life, wellness, and health, was bestowed by Maui cultural practitioner Kumu Pueo Pata, reflecting values of recovery, unity, and revitalization. n nAccording to Gov. Green, the kauhāle approach has emerged as one of the most impactful strategies in addressing housing instability in Hawaiʻi. He emphasized that this initiative delivers not just shelter but also dignity, long-term security, and access to growth opportunities. It stands as a tribute to Maui’s enduring spirit in rebuilding after disaster. n nResidents will have access to job training programs in partnership with local employers, with focus areas including landscaping, security services, cleaning, and community maintenance. Additional support includes medical care, mental health counseling, personalized case coordination, and culturally rooted activities designed to guide people from hardship toward self-sufficiency. n nThe total construction cost for Kīpūola Kauhāle was estimated at $15.3 million. A collaboration between the state and nonprofit HomeAid Hawaii helped reduce public expenditure by $5.25 million through the use of underutilized government land, grants, volunteer labor, and discounted construction rates. As a result, $10 million in public funds were allocated toward infrastructure and site development. n nEach enhanced micro-home carries a price tag of about $20,500, a figure reflecting durable materials selected to endure Maui’s harsh climate and environmental conditions. n— news from Hawaii News Now n
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Maui’s first kauhale village to open in Kahului
KAHULUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state’s first and largest neighbor island kauhale village is set to open on Maui later this month. n nGov. Josh Green says Kipuola Kauhale, which will be located on Pulehu Place in Kahului, marks a major step forward in expanding the successful kauhale model to the neighbor islands. n nThe village will provide 64 tiny homes and a new path to economic mobility for wildfire survivors and individuals experiencing homelessness. The homes are grouped into four clusters, each with a shared kitchen, showers and flex spaces. n nThe site also includes a community center, laundry facility, offices for community management and service providers, and a dedicated dog park for residents to remain with their pets. n nKīpūola means to enfold oneself with life, health and well being. The name was gifted by Maui cultural practitioner Kumu Pueo Pata, symbolizing healing, community and renewal. n n“The kauhale initiative has proven to be one of Hawai‘i’s most innovative and effective solutions to homelessness,” said Gov. Green. “Kīpūola kauhale not only provides homes – it provides dignity, stability and opportunity. It’s how we honor Maui’s resilience and commitment to rebuilding stronger, together.” n nResidents will participate in workforce development programs with local businesses in fields such as landscaping, security, janitorial work and community operations. n nSupportive services include health care, counseling, case management and cultural programming, helping residents move from crisis to stability. n nKīpūola’s total development cost was projected at $15.3 million. n nThrough a public-private partnership between the state and HomeAid Hawaii, taxpayers saved $5.25 million using vacant state land, grants, volunteerism and builder discounts, resulting in $10 million in public funding supporting infrastructure and site work. n nEach upgraded tiny home costs approximately $20,500, reflecting higher-quality materials designed to withstand Maui’s strong environmental and surrounding conditions. n nClick here for more information.