Hunt Capital Partners Celebrates Reopening of Rebuilt Kaiāulu o Kupuohi Affordable Housing Community in Lahaina
Hunt Capital Partners, together with managing general partner Blieu Companies, LLC and co-general partner Ikaika ʻOhana, has celebrated the reopening of Kaiāulu o Kupuohi, an 89-unit affordable housing community located at 258 Kupuohi Street in Lahaina, Hawaiʻi. The community’s return marks a significant milestone following the devastating August 2023 Maui wildfires, which destroyed the newly opened development just months after residents first moved in.
Originally completed and opened in December 2022, Kaiāulu o Kupuohi was built to provide affordable housing for Lahaina families and local workers. However, the catastrophic wildfires that swept through Maui in August 2023 caused widespread destruction across the region, including the complete loss of the community. Nearly two years later, the property has been fully rebuilt, achieved LEED Gold certification, and is once again home to residents.
The restored community is now fully occupied, with approximately half of the 89 households consisting of returning residents who previously lived at Kaiāulu o Kupuohi before the fires. The remaining residents include wildfire survivors, many of whom spent nearly two years living in temporary housing while waiting for permanent homes to become available.
“Seeing this community open its doors again is a moment none of us will forget. We are honored to stand with Blieu Companies and Ikaika ʻOhana in welcoming residents home to Lahaina,” said Jeff Weiss, President of Hunt Capital Partners.
Following the immediate aftermath of the wildfire, the development team prioritized helping displaced families by providing financial assistance, releasing available property reserves, and supporting relocation efforts at affiliated communities in Kīhei. The team also maintained communication and outreach with former residents who had temporarily relocated to other areas.
For the project partners, rebuilding Kaiāulu o Kupuohi was about more than restoring a physical structure — it was about helping residents return to a place they considered home.
“From day one, our commitment was to the families who made Kaiāulu o Kupuohi their home. Every decision was guided by the goal of helping residents return to a safe, stable, and resilient community,” said Thomas Fischer of Ikaika ʻOhana.
The rebuilding process presented significant challenges, requiring close coordination among developers, government agencies, contractors, lenders, and community partners. Because Kaiāulu o Kupuohi provides affordable workforce housing supported in part by federal resources, the redevelopment needed to be completed within a 24-month period following the fire in order to maintain essential funding.
The timeline was further complicated by restricted site access, as FEMA managed the property for approximately six months during search, recovery, and initial cleanup operations. Despite these obstacles, the project team worked quickly to restore the community and meet the required deadlines.
Hunt Capital Partners and Bank of Hawaiʻi supported early redevelopment efforts by providing predevelopment assistance, including the advance release of insurance proceeds. Maryl Construction Group evaluated the remaining structural components and prepared a complete construction strategy as soon as access to the site was restored.
Design Partners Inc. and D&T Designs collaborated with the County of Maui to accelerate permitting processes, while Mayor Richard Bissen’s administration helped move forward cleanup approvals and supported the project through gap funding secured by the Maui County Council.
“What kept us going was the resilience of the families themselves. They never gave up on Lahaina,” said Douglas Bigley, CEO of Blieu Companies. “Kaiāulu o Kupuohi reflects what is possible when residents, public agencies, construction partners, lenders, investors, and the development team work toward the same goal. More than a rebuilt property, it represents the continued strength of this neighborhood.”
The reopening ceremony included a traditional blessing led by Kahu Anela Rosa of Waiola Church, followed by the untying of the maile lei to officially mark the community’s return. The celebration featured remarks from project leaders, government officials, and community representatives, including Thomas Fischer of Ikaika ʻOhana, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, West Maui Council Member Tamara Paltin, Hunt Capital Partners President Jeff Weiss, and Bank of Hawaiʻi’s Christopher Abbott.
Residents also shared their personal experiences and stories of returning home after a challenging period of displacement. The event concluded with a community lunch and guided tours of the rebuilt property, allowing residents, partners, and local leaders to experience the renewed spaces.
Designed with long-term sustainability and resilience in mind, Kaiāulu o Kupuohi has been rebuilt to support future generations of Lahaina residents. The LEED Gold-certified community incorporates energy-efficient systems, water conservation features, and environmentally responsible materials.
Key sustainability features include:
- Solar photovoltaic energy systems to improve energy efficiency
- Solar thermal water heating systems
- Solar-reflective roofing designed for climate resilience
- Filtered drinking water systems in shared community areas
- Water conservation technologies throughout the property
- Recycled-content site furnishings
The reopening of Kaiāulu o Kupuohi represents a powerful example of community recovery and collaboration. Through the combined efforts of residents, developers, government agencies, financial partners, and construction teams, the community has been restored as a safe and sustainable home for Lahaina families.
More than a housing project, Kaiāulu o Kupuohi stands as a symbol of resilience, rebuilding, and the enduring strength of the Lahaina community.
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