Maui County to lead case management program for disaster survivors

Gov. Josh Green and the Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services are extending the Disaster Case Management Program to ensure survivors can access necessary resources and support on their path to recovery.

The program, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), connects disaster survivors with trained disaster case managers to assess and address their needs through a disaster recovery plan. This plan includes resources, decision-making priorities, guidance, and tools.

Launched in November 2023, following the devastating Maui wildfire, the program has helped more than 6,800 survivors by connecting them with services worth over $163 million.

This grant extension will transition the program from a state-led initiative to a Maui County-led program by August 2026, enabling it to continue supporting survivors and align more closely with local recovery efforts.

During this transition, the program will continue to provide services. Survivors currently participating do not need to take any action and will continue receiving uninterrupted services.

“My administration is committed to helping all survivors of the Maui wildfires get the support they need, and we are proud to be transitioning the Disaster Case Management Program to Maui County,” Green said. “The Disaster Case Management Program has successfully connected survivors to available resources and is an essential component in the recovery process of thousands. I have asked the Department of Human Services team to support the county in taking the reins on this crucial program and look forward to its continued success.”

Local providers will continue providing support, with Global Empowerment Mission stepping in as the lead support organization. They have played a key role in ongoing wildfire recovery efforts, including the Department of Human Services Rental Assistance Program, which helped more than 1,000 FEMA-ineligible survivors and their families find housing options.

“Global Empowerment Mission is proud to support the communities affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires, especially through the Disaster Case Management Program,” said Danielle Dreis of Global Empowerment Mission. “This program is valuable in helping connect survivors with the resources they need — and we are thankful to the Department of Human Services and Mayor Bissen for their trust in continuing this work. With their support and our partnership with other locally based community organizations involved in this vital program, we will continue the work of the Disaster Case Management Program towards our shared goal of recovery.”

A significant part of the ongoing work will support FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance for Maui wildfire survivors, recently extended through February 2027, providing critical stability for survivors in need of housing.

“The Department of Human Services Disaster Case Management Program has been a trailblazer in disaster recovery, always keeping the Maui community and wildfire survivors at the center of every decision,” said Dr. Jennifer Monaghan, Department of Human Services Disaster Case Management Program Director. “I am proud to continue leading a team that is trauma-informed and rooted in compassion as we move forward together. This next phase of recovery is about supporting wildfire survivors as they navigate what comes next and about moving forward together, stronger than ever.”