Open for public comment

Nāʻālehu Interim disaster housing

In response to Hurricane Lala, the Department of Human Services (DHS) plans to set up 12 interim homes next to the Nāʻālehu Public Library. Come to the community meeting, or share your manaʻo here.

Community meeting Thursday, October 8 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Where Nāʻālehu Public Library 95-5669 Māmalahoa Hwy, Nāʻālehu, HI 96772
Comments open through Tuesday, October 20 Online, by email, or at the meeting

Share your comment Read the project brief (PDF)

What is proposed

DHS plans to provide 12 interim homes in Nāʻālehu for residents displaced by Hurricane Lala. The proposed budget includes one year of housing, utilities and maintenance at no cost to residents.

12 interim homes
2 bedrooms and 1 bath in every unit
12 months of housing at no cost to residents
Occupancy goal of Friday, October 16, 2026

A single-story modular home with wood siding, a small front deck and landscaping. — One of the two-bedroom units. Photo from the DHS project brief.

Aerial site plan showing 12 units in two rows behind the Nāʻālehu Public Library, off Māmalahoa Highway. — Proposed layout: 12 units next to the library, off Māmalahoa Highway. From the DHS project brief.

Homes for daily living

Each two-bedroom, one-bath unit includes queen-size beds, closet space, ceiling fans and air conditioning; a refrigerator and stove with oven; a full-size shower and a washer/dryer.

A second use beyond disaster recovery

After their use as disaster housing, the structures are intended to serve as interim workforce housing for educators and clinicians.

Proposed timeline

The ready-for-occupancy date depends on weather and on the HECO connection to the grid. The whole schedule is subject to weather conditions.

Week of September 14Land clearing and rough grading; completion of civil and structural designs.
Week of September 21Ship and deliver units from Lahaina to Nāʻālehu; site utility procurement, trenching and installation.
Week of September 28Prepare and pour concrete foundations; continue site utility procurement, trenching and installation.
Week of October 5Install units and complete final grading.
Week of October 12Connect utilities to units; complete final cleaning, pedestrian walkways, asphalt installation and parking-lot striping.
Friday, October 16Ready-for-occupancy goal, subject to the conditions above.

Flyer for the Nāʻālehu public community meeting on Thursday, October 8, 5 to 7 PM at the Nāʻālehu Public Library.

Meeting flyer and brief

Share these with your neighbors, or print a copy for someone who is not online.

Share your comment

Comments on this project are open through Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and are collected for the Department of Human Services. You can also email input@communityvoice.net.

Full name

Phone (optional)

Home or mailing address (optional)

ZIP code 5 digits. If you were displaced, use the ZIP code where you lived before the hurricane.

Which best describes you? I live in Nāʻālehu I live elsewhere in Kaʻū I was displaced by Hurricane Lala I work or own a business in Kaʻū I live elsewhere on Hawaiʻi Island Other

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