‘Nightmare’: Maui homeowner claims Habitat for Humanity neglected contract, retaliated

MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Hawaiian Home Lands beneficiary claims a non-profit contractor made mistakes while building her new home and then retaliated after she complained.

Ashley Caris could not wait to move into the 3-bedroom, post-and-pier Keokea Hawaiian Homestead house with panoramic views mauka to makai.

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

From outside, one would think the home is finished, as the exterior is painted and the lawn is well-maintained.

But Caris said her dream home is far from move-in ready, adding, “The construction part quickly turned into a nightmare.”

In April of last year, Caris claims contractor Habitat for Humanity ordered drywall and left it outside on the lawn for 50 days in heavy rain.

“So when the drywall was finally opened in June, the bundles were opened in June, staff and volunteers saw that there was water damage to them, but still installed them,” Caris said.

Caris added Habitat staff knew of the issue in July, then come August, “Green and grey fuzzy substances started growing on the textured drywall now in the house.”

Habitat told Hawaii News Now it discarded the moldy drywall and the home passed inspections.

The nonprofit said it also consulted with outside professionals for corrective measures.

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

Caris also claimed Habitat workers damaged electrical equipment.

The organization offered a statement to HNN and said:

“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.

We recognize that construction of this particular home in Kula has taken longer than anticipated. The project experienced delays early in the process, and the devastating August 2023 wildfires created unprecedented challenges for our organization. Ten homes Habitat had built in Lahaina were destroyed, and our team mobilized to help families affected by the disaster. We recognize the frustration this caused.

Regarding concerns about drywall, several pieces of material showing visible signs of mold were identified and discarded. The home subsequently passed applicable inspections, and Habitat engaged outside professionals to evaluate the homeowner’s concerns and recommend appropriate corrective measures. We have taken steps to address those recommendations."

In response to Habitat’s statement, Caris said: “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 added her complaints are now being met with retaliation.

“The locks were changed, the water to the property was shut off and staff started telling me that I’m not allowed to be up here,” Caris said. “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 also filed complaints with the state and the Better Business Bureau.