Questions before a rebuilding conversation.

Regen Maui is a Hawaiʻi Benefit Corporation focused on helping Lahaina families explore healthier, more resilient rebuilding pathways. We work with architects, engineers, watershed specialists, builders, educators, and community partners to develop homes inspired by Living Building Challenge principles and adapted for Maui's climate and culture.

These homes were developed primarily with Lahaina wildfire recovery in mind, but the design principles may be relevant to other Maui property owners interested in healthy, resilient, lower-operating-cost homes.

No. While the project was developed in response to Lahaina's recovery needs, we welcome inquiries from property owners, partners, funders, agencies, and others interested in regenerative housing.

The first step is a conversation. Regen Maui will review the information you provide and may follow up to learn more about your property, household needs, timeline, and goals. Submitting an inquiry does not obligate you to move forward.

No. Many people contact us early in the process. If you know your property location, approximate lot size, household needs, and general timeline, that is usually enough to start the conversation.

The flagship home has a completed permit drawing package and is intended as a demonstration project. The smaller home designs are conceptual pathways that may help accelerate future projects but still require site-specific review and adaptation.

Yes. The designs should be viewed as starting points rather than fixed products. Site conditions, household needs, permitting requirements, and budget considerations may all influence the final design.

The answer depends on your household size, lot characteristics, budget, and long-term goals. The inquiry process is intended to help identify which design pathway may be most appropriate.

No. Every property is different. Setbacks, slope, utilities, access, drainage, easements, environmental constraints, and permitting requirements can all affect feasibility.

The goal is to provide a menu of options that share many of the same regenerative design principles while meeting the needs of different households.

There is no single answer. Construction costs depend on factors such as site conditions, permitting requirements, contractor selection, material pricing, utility connections, and design modifications.

Some features may increase initial construction costs, while others may reduce long-term operating costs. The goal is to evaluate the total cost of ownership over time rather than focusing only on initial construction cost.

Not necessarily. Solar production, battery storage, household energy use, utility rates, weather, and system design all influence long-term performance.

That depends on your insurance policy, available funding, and project scope. Regen Maui does not provide legal or insurance advice.

No. Regen Maui is not a lender. We may help identify resources, programs, or funding opportunities when appropriate.

The Living Building Challenge (LBC) is a performance-based framework developed by the International Living Future Institute. It encourages buildings that are healthier, more resilient, and more connected to place.

Not necessarily. These homes are Living Building Challenge-informed and designed around LBC principles. Certification depends on project scope, documentation, performance requirements, and verification.

It means the design process uses LBC principles to guide decisions related to health, water, energy, materials, beauty, equity, and place.

Because many of the principles align with practical homeowner benefits such as lower operating costs, healthier indoor environments, increased resilience, and stronger connections to the surrounding environment.

Strategies may include healthier material selections, natural ventilation, daylighting, efficient cooling systems, improved indoor air quality, and stronger indoor-outdoor connections.

The Living Building Challenge identifies certain chemicals and materials that may be harmful to human health or the environment. Designers often seek alternatives when practical and feasible.

Natural ventilation can improve comfort, reduce cooling demand, and help maintain healthier indoor environments when properly designed.

In Hawaiʻi's climate, shaded outdoor spaces can improve comfort, reduce heat gain, support family life, and strengthen connections to place.

Strategies may include efficient fixtures, drought-tolerant landscaping, stormwater management, and water reuse systems where appropriate and permitted.

Some projects may incorporate treatment and reuse systems that allow water to be used beneficially in the landscape. System design and approvals depend on site-specific conditions and regulatory requirements.

Yes. Solar readiness and renewable energy integration are central design considerations.

Not necessarily. Battery systems depend on project goals, budget, utility requirements, and final design decisions.

Potential strategies include Class A roofing, fire-resistant materials, protected openings, defensible space planning, durable construction assemblies, and careful landscape design.

No. There is no such thing as a completely wildfire-proof home. The goal is to reduce vulnerability and improve resilience.

Yes. Plant selection, maintenance, spacing, irrigation, and defensible space planning can all influence wildfire resilience.

Regen Maui is a project coordinator and regenerative rebuilding platform. Construction is performed by licensed contractors.

Permitting timelines vary significantly depending on project complexity, agency review, staffing levels, and site conditions.

No. Permit decisions are made by the appropriate agencies and jurisdictions.

No. Construction costs and schedules depend on many factors outside of Regen Maui's control.

Licensed architects and engineers prepare and stamp the documents required for permitting.

A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a model that can help maintain long-term affordability by separating land ownership from home ownership under certain arrangements.

The project combines expertise in architecture, engineering, watershed management, housing, education, sustainability, and community recovery.

We welcome conversations with homeowners, partners, funders, educators, agencies, and community organizations interested in regenerative rebuilding.

Yes. Please contact Regen Maui and tell us about your expertise, interests, and experience.

Start with the Home Designs Menu, Executive Summary, Living Building Challenge Homeowner Guide, and other resources available on the Resources page.