Philanthropist Ed Freedman of Stable Road Foundation joined community leaders from across Maui to celebrate the opening of seven new homes in Laihana for local residents who were displaced by the deadly 2023 wildfires.
The $650,000 project was a collaboration of Stable Road Foundation, its longtime disaster relief partner Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), Maui Brewing Company, Treecovery Hawaii, and the Laihana residents themselves.
As a result of these efforts, 15 local people will have modern, comfortable Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on their own land, where they can live as they rebuild their permanent homes. Each unit has been connected to Maui’s electrical, water, and sewage systems, and all are equipped with amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and outdoor gardens.
Several of the ADUs were given to members of the multigenerational Rickard family. Led by Uncle Scotty and Aunty Pikake, the Rickards had been living on that land for nearly 60 years. After the wildfires, the Rickards were separated for 19 months until the completion of the new project.
“Our motto is ‘feel the impact,’ and this project really made those words come alive,” said Freedman, founder of Stable Road Foundation. “The people who live here are our friends and neighbors. Getting them back on their land has been a top priority for our whole team, and we’re thrilled to see the smiles on their faces today.”
The ceremony featured a traditional Hawaiian blessing, along with speeches by Freedman and survivors like the Rickards. Journalists from the local KITV news were on hand to cover the event.
Founded in 2017 by Freedman, Stable Road Foundation is dedicated to strengthening communities and ensuring every child has what they need to achieve their fullest potential. Helping Maui residents return to their land had been a top priority for the Foundation, which donated $1 million toward relief efforts following the fires.
Stable Road Foundation had previously worked with GEM and local partners on the intermediate-term project to rebuild Sacred Hearts School, as well as providing immediate relief in the form of cash cards, tools, and emergency supply kits.
After seeing the impact of the initial ADU pilot project, Freedman announced that Stable Road Foundation and its partners would be donating two more units to help more people move back to their land. The Foundation and its partners are also accepting donations toward the construction of additional homes that may be built as more community members are inspired to return back to their land as well.
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“Our motto is ‘feel the impact,’ and this project really made those words come alive,” said Ed Freedman, founder of Stable Road Foundation.