Maui Homestead Beneficiary Alleges Construction 'Nightmare,' Retaliation

“We look forward to being able to look at this beautiful view for years to come,” Ashley Caris said.

A Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary is facing what she describes as a construction nightmare and subsequent retaliation after trying to address mold and damage at her new Kula property, Hawaii News Now reported.

Caris was eager to move into the 3-bedroom, post-and-pier Keokea Hawaiian Homestead house, which features panoramic views stretching mauka to makai. While the exterior of the home appears finished with fresh paint and a well-maintained lawn, Caris said the interior is far from move-in ready.

The trouble began in April of last year when contractor Habitat for Humanity ordered drywall and left the materials outside on the lawn for 50 days exposed to heavy rain. Staff and volunteers eventually opened the bundles in June and noticed water damage, but proceeded to install the drywall anyway, according to Caris.

By August, fuzzy green and grey substances began growing on the textured drywall inside the home. Habitat for Humanity told Hawaii News Now that staff identified and discarded several pieces of material showing visible signs of mold, and that the home subsequently passed applicable inspections. The nonprofit also engaged outside professionals to evaluate the homeowner’s concerns and recommend corrective measures.

Maui homestead beneficiary alleges construction ‘nightmare,’ retaliation — Hawaii News Now

“The proposed remedy from Habitat is to paint over the mold that’s on the walls, when we have multiple documents stating otherwise,” Caris told Hawaii News Now.

In addition to the drywall dispute, Caris claimed that Habitat workers damaged electrical equipment on the property.

Habitat for Humanity Maui issued a statement addressing the situation.

“For 28 years, Habitat for Humanity Maui has worked alongside local residents to build more than 125 safe, affordable homes and strengthen our communities. We take concerns about construction quality seriously,” Habitat for Humanity Maui said in a statement to Hawaii News Now.

The nonprofit acknowledged that the construction of this specific home in Kula took longer than anticipated. The organization pointed to early project delays compounded by the devastating August 2023 wildfires, which created unprecedented operational challenges. Ten homes that Habitat had built in Lahaina were destroyed in the disaster, prompting the team to mobilize and assist affected families.

Caris acknowledged the gravity of those regional challenges while emphasizing accountability on open contracts.

“It is important to put time and effort and resources into the Lahaina builds, yes, and it’s important for a contractor to follow through on all their open contracts,” Caris told Hawaii News Now.

Maui Homestead Beneficiary Alleges Construction 'Nightmare,' Retaliation | Hawaii News Now

Caris further alleged that her complaints regarding the construction quality have been met with retaliation from the organization. She reported that the locks on the property were changed, the water supply was shut off, and staff instructed her that she was not permitted to be on the premises.

“I never wanted this process to come this far, we thought we would be able to remedy the situation between myself as owner and Habitat as contractor, but we’re at the point where we need assistance and resolution,” Caris told Hawaii News Now.

Caris has filed formal complaints with the state and the Better Business Bureau as the dispute continues.

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