The Teran James Young Foundation (TJYF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit seeking funds for the purchase of 41.337 acres in Kihei, Island of Maui, for transitional housing, wetland regeneration, and sustainable farming. Acquisition of the land by the County of Maui enables community partners to restore the wetland and cultural resources, while providing supportive housing, social services, and locally-sourced food.
The project site is identified as TMKs (2) 3-9-002:014, 116, 150 and 151. The subject property is situated on the northeast corner of South Kihei Road and Welakahao Road, makai of Piilani Highway in Kihei. We need more transitional housing options for individuals and families that are struggling to find placement on the island of Maui. 

Supportive Transitional Housing Solutions

Transitional housing will help homeless individuals in Maui County. Governor Josh Green has stated that chronically homeless individuals are most of the highest Medicaid utilizers in the state. The average cost per person to the health system is $4,650 per day. TJYF is developing supportive housing that pairs housing with case management and supportive services to achieve long-term housing stability, and also improve their health and well-being. Without stable housing, chronic houseless people cycle in and out of emergency departments, inpatient hospital stays, psychiatric centers, detoxification programs, and jails, resulting in high public costs and poor health outcomes for individuals including premature death.

Avoid Wetland Losses & Regenerate the Wetland

Local concerns about a proposed subdivision, and a desire to protect and regenerate the wetland and nearby coastal ecosystems have motivated this proposal. Wetlands act as a natural flood retention basin during stormwater events. The historic and recent urbanization of Southwest Maui watersheds has had a negative impact on runoff and pollutant loads of the area. Wetlands in Kihei were determined to have decreased from 199 acres in 1965 to 83 acres in 2001 (including 7.3 acres of mitigation). These wetland losses occur due to development and from aquifer drawdown. TJYF has been working with environmental scientists, architects, and engineers to design solutions that reflect the community’s values and vision.

Proposal

TJYF is requesting $20 million in appropriations, from sources such as the Housing Finance and Development Corporation, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, and the Capital Improvement Program to enable the County of Maui to acquire the land from the private landowner and implement a comprehensive plan. TJYF will develop partnerships with stakeholders representing diverse interests including government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to help facilitate the project using a transparent consultative framework and process.