AUTHOR: Bob Wills R(B) - 20826 | MBA, REALTOR®-BROKER

There have been numerous articles and reports concerning the interaction between FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), survivors of Lahaina fires, landlords, Maui property owners, and in general, all the citizens of Maui.  These various writings date all the way back to June 3, 2024 (Link), and August 14, 2024 (Link).  More recent articles; (Jan 27, 2025 Link), February 5, 2025 (Link), and February 21, 2025 (Link) all discuss the end of FEMA assistance.  So, it would seem obvious, that the end of FEMA assistance has been blowing in the Maui wind for quite a while.

And FEMA assistance ALWAYS ends.  Whether that is the end of the contract for assistance or the end of the entire government agency – it ends.

FEMA also has an appeal process for those who cannot afford to pay the rent at this time (Link)

Recent discussions about ending FEMA as it is known now, ending it as a federal program but rather transferring the money allotted to FEMA directly to the states where it is needed.  The thought behind it is that the states could handle the situation much better as they are closer to the affected citizenry. (Link).  On the face of it, this makes pretty good sense.

But what about this little nugget?  FEMA extended the assistance program through February 10, 2026.  Yes, that’s right…..2026 (Link)

Confused yet?

Well apparently, everyone involved is confused.  Reports today (March 20, 2025) of draconian cuts of “all future payments from FEMA toward rent” only serve to confuse the issue.  The sky is not falling.  Here is an article dated TODAY…March 20, 2025, essentially states there will be a REVIEW of procedures and effectiveness at FEMA.  That is quite different from “the entire agency is ending”.  The executive order that was released on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 “is perhaps the clearest signal that President Donald Trump is stepping back from his threats to abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency.” (Link)

One can get easily mired in all this uncertainty – ‘Is there an extension to Fed 2026 or not?” “Is FEMA being phased out in order for states to handle emergencies or not?”  In any case or scenario, it would behoove Maui residents who have been involved in any FEMA-related housing, to understand that anything FEMA-related is going to end.  It ends.  So, it is best to be prepared and keep an eye on the current market with the help of real estate professionals with decades of MAUI real estate experience found at Romvari Realty.

The housing situation (both condos and homes) is always in a state of motion.  Frankly, as of today, this is an EXCELLENT market in which to be a buyer.  Prices on many condos have dropped dramatically since the onset of discussions on STVR.  The residential market (homes) can be rising in one area while going down or seemingly stagnant in very specific other areas.  All of that would mean good news for buyers.  BUT, how does one sort all of this out?  Let’s talk.  We listen.  We don’t sell, we solve.