The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approved a one-year extension of its temporary housing assistance for survivors of the 2023 Maui wildfires. FEMA assistance is now extended through February 28, 2027.

The initial 18-month period of assistance following the wildfires on August 8, 2023 was set to end on February 10, 2025. In October of 2024, FEMA approved a one-year extension through February 10, 2026 and later adjusted the program’s end date to February 28, 2026 – providing applicants with housing support through the full calendar month. Due to extraordinary circumstances, FEMA has now authorized a further extension of the program to February 28, 2027 under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and at the request of the State of Hawai‘i.

“We recognize FEMA and are beyond grateful for their steadfast support as we work to recover from this significant disaster. From the very beginning, the leadership and relentless dedication of Governor Green and Mayor Bissen have been instrumental in providing vital resources and guidance to survivors of the wildfires. It has always been a kākou effort – all partners have united in their efforts to serve the impacted communities, helping them find a pathway to rebuild their lives,” said James Barros administrator of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency.

The program extension was necessary as Maui continues to face severe housing supply constraints following the wildfires, combined with prolonged rebuilding timelines and limited affordable rental availability. These extraordinary circumstances have made it difficult for many displaced households to secure permanent housing without continued FEMA temporary housing support.

“We are grateful for the continued coordination with the State of Hawaiʻi and Maui County to help households transition toward permanent housing solutions,” said FEMA Region 9 Regional Administrator Bob Fenton.

Survivors with demonstrated need that are residing in FEMA’s Kilohana temporary group housing site, Direct Lease units, temporary housing units on private property, or other FEMA provided temporary housing sites, may remain until February 28, 2027, provided they maintain eligibility. Additionally, households participating in FEMA’s Rental Assistance program may continue receiving financial assistance to help pay their rent if they continue to demonstrate need and meet eligibility requirements.

To maintain eligibility for FEMA housing assistance, individuals and households must meet regularly with their Recertification Advisor. Additionally, survivors in the Direct Housing program are required to pay their monthly rent on time, with rent amounts beginning March 1, 2026 at a new minimum amount of 25% of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) FY2026 Fair Market Rent for Maui County.

During the extended assistance period, survivors living in FEMA-provided temporary housing are expected to work on their permanent housing plan and must demonstrate progress towards their housing goal. FEMA is collaborating closely with the State of Hawai‘i, the County of Maui, local officials and community organizations to help ensure survivors transition to permanent housing.

“Our Lahaina families have endured much, and this key extension comes at a critical moment, as we continue to bring permanent housing online amid an ongoing housing crisis,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “I’m deeply grateful to FEMA and our federal partners at DHS for approving this one-year extension, as well as to Governor Green, our Congressional delegation, FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton, and the many leaders and advocates whose efforts made this possible for our community. Now, maintaining this momentum is essential. We remain fully committed to seeing this recovery through and delivering permanent housing solutions for every household —whether through long-term rental options, rebuilding or homeownership.”

For more information on temporary housing assistance, call your Recertification Advisor or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators can assist survivors in multiple languages.

Survivors can also reach out to the Disaster Case Management Program by calling 2-1-1.

For the latest information on Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.gov, mauirecovers.org, fema.gov/disaster/4724 and Hawaii Wildfires - YouTube. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema.