The lack of affordable and attainable housing is one of the most significant issues in Maui County today. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and related economic impacts, the housing issue not only affects residents’ quality of life, it poses a hurdle to employers seeking to attract and retain desirable employees and increases the load on social, economic and community support services.

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Following the onset of the pandemic, median prices for single-family homes and condominiums in Maui County skyrocketed, reaching new record highs in 2022. And, while housing prices have and will continue to fluctuate over time, for many Maui Nui residents, affording a home remains a daunting challenge due to the limited supply and high cost of housing.

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To address the housing issue, several initiatives have been put forth, including the Maui County Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s House Maui Initiative. 

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Related to the development of new housing inventory is Maui Nui’s construction industry. Though this sector tends to grow or contract in response to broader market and demographic conditions, it remains an important economic driver for Maui County, accounting for nearly 6% of all jobs in Maui Nui in 2021.