On August 8, 2023, devastating wildfires swept through Maui, leaving widespread destruction across the island, with Lahaina suffering the most severe damage. Even before the disaster, Hawaii faced a housing crisis, with many residents struggling to find stable shelter. The wildfires intensified this need, highlighting the urgent demand for safe and secure housing—particularly for families and elderly individuals.

In response, Family Life Center in partnership with Hawaii Off Grid Architecture & Engineering, developed a temporary mid-term housing community on a vacant 10-acre lot in Kahului. This project, known as Ohana Hope Village, aims to provide a refuge for those displaced by the fires while addressing the broader housing shortage. The development will consist of 88 homes, accommodating approximately 350 individuals.

Construction is already underway, thanks to the collaborative efforts of dedicated sponsors and on-the-ground teams. The homes are designed with sustainability in mind, featuring off-grid power systems provided by Hawaii Off Grid. These systems include solar panels and residential batteries, ensuring residents have access to reliable and eco-friendly energy solutions. Hawaii Off Grid has been instrumental in managing the construction, as well as the energy and infrastructure design, creating a safe and comfortable living environment.

The design of Ohana Hope Village prioritizes multi-generational families, allowing them to remain together rather than being separated in their search for housing. Each unit includes private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and lanai, offering residents a dignified and independent living experience. The community’s layout fosters a “home-like” atmosphere, featuring shared spaces such as a community garden and community gathering spaces.

The project is being executed in phases, with Family Life Center overseeing on-site security and property management to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Beyond providing immediate shelter, Family Life Center remains committed to supporting families as they transition to long-term housing solutions.

Ohana Hope Village serves as a beacon of hope for Maui, demonstrating the power of collaboration and innovation in addressing housing challenges in the wake of disaster.

Who is Family Life Center?

Family Life Center has been a trusted resource in the county of Maui and Kauai offering housing and homeless services since it was established in 1982. They have managed federal, state, and county funded programs via their offices and shelters in Kahului, Lihue, and Kaunakakai. With 40 years of service Family Life Center has impacted the lives of many and continues to do so through projects like Ohana Hope Village.

About Hawaii Off Grid

Hawaii Off Grid (HIOG), founded in 2015, is the largest architecture and engineering firm on Maui focusing on general architecture with an emphasis on off-grid water, wastewater, and energy system-specific projects. HIOG provides their clients with sustainable options for materials, methods, and the newest technologies in renewable energy, water, and waste systems. HIOG is the first architecture firm in the world to require all new builds to be net zero at a minimum.

Canadian Solar’s Impact

Canadian Solar’s EP Cube team partnered with Hawaii Off Grid, Kapp Electric and Alika Ma'alaea at Ohana Hope Village to accelerate the installation of EP Cube residential solar batteries. Our installation support specialist, Edwin Diaz, trained the Kapp Electric team on the best practices for installing the EP Cube. Thanks to the lightweight battery modules, the team was able to easily transport the units throughout the village and equip the homes with their batteries. Once trained, the crew of three was able to successfully install and commission systems for two homes a day.

"It took a little finessing in the beginning but once we got rolling it was so fast! We did the unboxing, attached the brackets, and in four hours we had the EP Cube ready to commission. We love the EP Cube!" says Don Kappenman of Kapp Electric, Maui.

EP Cube is a modular system; you can increase the kWh capacity by simply adding another battery unit. Each battery unit is expandable from 9.9 kWh to 19.9 kWh, making it ideal for tiny off-grid homes. Its sleek and compact design was perfect for these homes, providing ample power without taking up little space. The modular nature of the EP Cube batteries made maneuvering around the construction site easy and convenient and enabled quick installation. To date six homes have been equipped with EP Cube battery units for overnight use.