When the devastating fires tore through Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, they left 102 native Hawaiian families in a challenging situation. While their homes remained standing, they were severely impacted by toxic ash and smoke. Yet, proving the extent of the damage and securing the necessary resources for repairs became a complex process.
The cost to make these homes safe again was staggering—around $200,000 per home—yet many families were initially offered far less. Hawaii Community Lending (HCL) established the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund to front the restoration costs for these families through 0 percent interest loans with no monthly payments.
SBP recognized the urgent need to support native Hawaiian families facing barriers in their long-term recovery and partnered with HCL to address these challenges. Through our Share Program, SBP fills critical capacity gaps by equipping local nonprofits with targeted funding, training, and resources to accelerate recovery efforts.
The Kānaka Fund not only addresses immediate housing needs but also combats the historical displacement of native Hawaiian families. “The people who have been on the land the longest are usually the first to be displaced after disasters,” explains Jeff Gilbreath, Executive Director of HCL. “But thanks to this fund, native Hawaiians are among the first to return, turning their community into a beacon of hope for all of Lahaina.”
After the Fire: More Than Just Rebuilding Homes
SBP awarded HCL a $480,000 long-term recovery grant that they used to strengthen the Fund and other services focused on getting the displaced native families back on their ancestral land.
The SBP grant covered hygienic testing for 52 homes, allowing families to move forward with their insurance claims and access additional funds for cleanup.
Initial damage assessments underestimated the level of contamination and made it difficult for families to receive the full support they needed, Gilbreath says. “But when we hired nationally licensed and certified testers, they found toxicity levels as much as seven times higher than earlier reports indicated,” he adds.
With the Fund’s zero-percent forgivable loans, HCL can cover restoration costs for native Hawaiian families, ensuring they can submit the necessary invoices for insurance reimbursement. Once reimbursed, the repaid funds are reinvested to assist the next family in need.
In addition, SBP’s support helped HCL hire staff to assist families with the FEMA appeals process, helping them navigate the system and access the assistance they need.
“Recovery is more than just rebuilding homes—it’s about keeping communities intact and ensuring that those most at risk of displacement have the resources they need to stay,” says Angela Calabro, SBP Share Program Director. “By supporting HCL’s efforts, SBP is helping native Hawaiian families navigate complex recovery systems, secure the assistance they deserve, and reclaim their homes with dignity.”
Reducing the Recovery Timeline for native Hawaiian Families
The Fund’s impact is already visible. One of the first homeowners to benefit was a retired couple whose home was heavily contaminated with toxic ash and smoke. “Because of SBP’s support, this family is back home, safe and healthy. They are forever grateful,” says Gilbreath.
Looking ahead, HCL hopes to expand the fund beyond native Hawaiian families on trust lands to other impacted residents in Lahaina. “Our mission is to level the playing field, giving native Hawaiians the same opportunities as other local families. SBP’s support has been crucial in disrupting a harmful system,” says Gilbreath.
With SBP’s long-term recovery grant, HCL was able to:
• Offer zero-percent interest recovery loans with no monthly payments through the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund.
• Complete hygienic testing for 52 homes.
• File 68 appeals on behalf of 44 households.
• Help families receive more than $360,000 FEMA funds to date.
• Serve 100 household members with support services and remediation.
• Receive $8.25 million in leverage funding from other foundations.
With a goal to double the fund and reduce the recovery timeline from 24 months to 12, HCL’s work continues. But the success so far stands as a testament to the power of community-driven recovery in the face of disaster.
