A free training program is equipping volunteers with the skills needed to help rebuild homes in Lahaina. The Habitat Maui Volunteer Academy, a partnership between the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College and Habitat for Humanity Maui, provides five days of hands-on training in carpentry, plumbing and electrical work.
The program addresses the critical skilled labor shortage and fosters community engagement in the rebuilding process. Interested volunteers can register for the . No prior construction experience is required.
Lahaina homes
Since its launch, 21 participants—including Habitat Maui construction team members, community volunteers and AmeriCorps members—have completed the training. These individuals are now prepared to assist in Habitat for Humanity’s reconstruction efforts, which are set to begin soon in Lahaina’s Kahoma neighborhood. Six new homes will be built in an area where 10 previously constructed Habitat homes were lost in the devastating wildfires.
“Since the Volunteer Academy course was designed to support the rebuild, we anticipate seeing participants on our job sites as soon as construction begins,” said Kala Vallecillo, Habitat Maui’s community engagement coordinator. “Many will continue their involvement through H4H Pilina, our long-term volunteer program dedicated to fostering community engagement and skilled volunteerism.”
H4H Pilina provides kama‘aina volunteers with additional support, including childcare services, meals and gas mileage reimbursement. The program will hold weekly meetings from February through May 2025, with plans to expand if successful. Volunteers who wish to gain more skills will have access to the Habitat Maui Volunteer Academy at the start of each session.
Workforce development is one of the UH System Strategic Plan’s four imperatives.
