Maui wildfire updates for Aug. 10: Death toll rises to 55; fires still active; FEMA assistance available

Wildfire updates (new link for Aug. 11): https://tinyurl.com/ysxnykpb
List: closed/cancelled/postponed: https://tinyurl.com/4b28993k
School closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/f6jh372w
Power outage updates: https://tinyurl.com/yn8pkhzx
Road closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/487vhcsn
Lahaina Front Street photo journey: West Maui wildfire aftermath: https://tinyurl.com/4ratx8aj

Maui fire crews continue to battle three large wildfires–one in Lahaina, one in Pūlehu that has traveled down to Kīhei; and one in Kula, which has burned more than 1,000 acres since it was first reported early Tuesday morning. As of today:

• There are 55 deaths
• 270 structures impacted/destroyed
• 3 active fires:
  • Lahaina 80% contained,
  • Pūlehu/Kīhei 70% contained; and
  • Kula – no containment information
• Mass visitor/resident evacuations out of West Maui continue
• Still no power in West Maui – approximately 12,400 customers remain offline
• 1350 people at five shelters (as of Thursday)
• 14,000 departed Maui on Wednesday; Another 14,900 departed on Thursday
• Disaster assistance: If you are impacted by the fires, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App for more information.

Below are updates, which are posted as they become available.

Overnight updates
Update: 2:45 a.m., Friday, Aug. 11, 2023

Firefighters continued working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pūlehu/Kīhei and Upcountry Maui. The firefighting effort was bolstered by 21 firefighters from the Honolulu Fire Department, seven supervisory personnel and four vehicles. A nine-member search-and-rescue team also arrived on island.

Power was restored to all Upcountry water pumping stations today, water will be restored after lines are flushed.

County refuse collection in West Maui will resume on Friday, 8/11.

Six emergency shelters are open. 

• Wailuku: War Memorial Gymnasium. 
• Pukalani: Hannibal Tavares Community Center
• Kahului: Maui High School, King’s Cathedral Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani and Grace Bible Church

Visitors wanting to leave Maui are asked to book a flight with an airline. Travelers can book flights to Honolulu, then continue on another flight to the Mainland.

A Maui Oil tanker parked on the side of the road in North Kāʻanapali provided fuel for West Maui residents from noon to 5:30 p.m., pumped 370 gallons of diesel and 2,198 gallons of gas.

Food, water, supplies and clothing will be distributed to residents from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. A limited supply of baby products will alsobe given out.

A Federal Emergency Management Area search-and-rescue team with the Nevada Task Force arrived last night with two K-9 cadaver dogs.

Donations of non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene items and blankets are being accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at the War Memorial Complex. Also needed are slippers, menʻs underwear, clothing, pillows, large duffel bags and storage containers.

Some cellphone service was available in West Maui today. If you have a cell signal and cannot make a call, try texting instead.

Twenty-five buses operating a shuttle service from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Thursday transported more than 1,200 visitors from Kāʻanapali hotel areas to Kahului Airport. On Thursday, 14,900 visitors left on flights departing Maui.

55 fatalities confirmed amid active Lahaina fire
Update: 9:10 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023

As firefighting efforts continue, two additional fatalities have been confirmed this evening amid the active Lahaina fire. This brings the death toll to 55 people. Thirty-six fatalities were confirmed as of Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Another 17 were confirmed midday today, Aug. 10, 2023. Two were added by end of day today.

Governor Josh Green, M.D., Mayor Bissen, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, Major General Kenneth Hara, and various federal and county government officials joined together on Maui to provide a coordinated update on the status of Maui’s damage and ongoing efforts to support those affected from the Maui wildfires. The event was livestreamed on Maui Now’s Facebook page and sought to share the latest news after an on the ground assessment of the affected areas.

“What we saw today was likely the largest natural disaster in Hawai‘i state history,” said Governor Green. “It’s going to take a great deal of time to recover from this, but we have the support from every level of government all the way up to the federal level, especially given President Biden’s approval of my disaster declaration request today. It will be a tremendous effort, but we will come together as a community and begin working toward rebuilding from this tragedy.”

Federal Disaster Assistance
Update: 8 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023

The Federal designation of the disaster has opened up FEMA resources. Here is the contact information for families:

• Disaster assistance: If you are impacted by the fires in Hawaiʻi, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App for more information on available resources.

Airlines add more flights on Friday, for evacuees fleeing Maui
Update: 9:44 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023

The Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation has announced additional flights out of Kahului, Maui on Friday, Aug. 11, to support the ongoing evacuation of West Maui. There are additional flights added on Hawaiian and Southwest Airlines to Honolulu from Kahului.

Seats are available on scheduled departures from noon through 9:45 p.m. If you were unable to get a flight out before then, please try again. There is an Emergency Assistance Center at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center in Honolulu offering meals, water, and help to booking lodging and travel for evacuees.

Extra Flights / Times / Destination / Seats
WN8931 / 12:10 p.m. / HNL / Available
WN8933 / 3:25 p.m. / HNL / Available
WN8935 / 6:40 p.m. / HNL / Available
HA1103 / 4:09 p.m. / HNL / Available
HA1104 / 6:35 p.m. / HNL / Available
HA1101 / 7:25 p.m. / HNL / Available
Scheduled Flight / Time / Destination / Seats
HA505 / 7:15 p.m. / HNL / Available
HA535 / 7:48 p.m. / HNL / Available
HA545 / 8:15 p.m. / HNL / Available
HA565 / 8:45 p.m. / HNL / Available
HA575 / 9:45  p.m. / HNL / Available

County of Maui to air daily public updates on Maui radio stations
Update: 9:06 p.m., Aut. 10, 2023

Starting Friday, Aug. 11, 2023, radio stations on Maui will air County of Maui updates on the Lahaina wildfire incident at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.

Radio updates will supplement information posted on the county’s website, Facebook and Instagram pages.

Maui radio stations include the following:

• Pacific Media Group on KPOA FM 92.9 (west side) / FM 93.5; KJKS FM 99.3 (west side) / FM 99.9 FM; KJMD FM 107.1 (west side) / FM 98.3; KHLI FM 101.7 (west side) / FM 92.5; KMVI AM 900 / FM 102.5; and KNUI AM 550 / FM 106.1
• KAOI Radio Group on 1110 AM / 96.7 FM
• KPMW FM 105.5
• Akaku’s KAKU 88.5

West Maui public school campuses to remain closed through next week
Update: Aug. 10, 2023

HIDOE’s four public school campuses in Lāhainā will remain shut down for an additional week, through Friday, Aug. 18.

• Lahainaluna High
• Lāhainā Intermediate
• Princess Nāhi‘ena‘ena Elementary
• King Kamehameha III Elementary

While the Department is working to solidify next steps for what school operations will look like for West Maui, we are also making sure all students, staff and families are accounted for. The extended closures are also aimed at allowing students, families and staff to care for themselves and loved ones and start to reestablish their bearings during this stressful and devastating time.

Damage assessments of the Lāhainā campuses are pending safe access to the sites. A HIDOE representative was able to confirm the severe fire and structural damage to King Kamehameha III Elementary on Front Street in Lāhainā on Thursday. The Department is working with emergency response officials to gain access to the area as soon as safely possible to assess the scope and degree of damage to each of the Lahaina schools.

For all other Maui public schools, an update on reopening plans will be made tomorrow. Schools in Upcountry, South and Central Maui will have phased reopening plans to first bring back staff, followed by students. This will give school teams time to assess damage and capacity to welcome students back safely.

In response to the outpouring of generosity and support toward the recovery of our West Maui school communities, the Department is partnering with the Public Schools of Hawai‘i Foundation to support our impacted school communities. The most immediate need and request from our Maui schools is for monetary donations that can provide direct support for response efforts. Learn more at bit.ly/HelpMauiSchools.

West Maui Road Update
Update: 4 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023

Access to Lahaina on both sides remains closed for emergency traffic only.

The public is permitted to leave the west side via the Lahaina Bypass only.

Kahakuloa residents only will be allowed to leave the west side via Waiheʻe.

Residents of Kahakuloa, Honokōwai and Kāʻanapali, and essential Kāʻanapali resort staff only may access Kahakuloa via Waiheʻe (ID required).

Press briefing on Lahaina Wildfire
Update: 3:30 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023

State, local and federal authorities provided an update on the Maui wildfires during a press briefing this afternoon.  Governor Josh Green said the funding for the disaster will be in the billions of dollars, and it will take many years to rebuild. He also called the current situation possibly the largest natural disaster in Hawaiʻi history.  

While 53 deaths have already been confirmed, more are expected and search and recovery continues.   Mayor Bissen said the current phase is focused on saving lives and gaining fire containment.

Officials are looking to eventually house thousands of displaced residents utilizing 2,000 rooms.

Police Chief John Pelliteir described the damage as a scar on the face of Maui. He called for patience and prayer as responders work. According to police traffic into West Maui is limited to first responders.  

Fire Chief Brad Ventura provided us with an update on the latest firefighting efforts, which is not only limited to Lahaina Town, but other wildfires that are burning in other parts of the island.

53 fatalities confirmed amid active Lahaina fire
Update: 1:12 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023

As firefighting efforts continue, 17 additional fatalities have been confirmed today amid the active Lahaina fire. This brings the death toll to 53 people.

Thirty-six fatalities were confirmed as of Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Another 17 were confirmed midday today, Aug. 10, 2023.

The status of all three fires remains unchanged from the last update at 10:30 a.m. this morning.

Alaska Airlines adds flight tonight, to return with supplies
Update: 2:48 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023

While Alaska Airlines does not normally operate flights between the Hawaiian Islands, it has added an extra flight between Kahului Airport and Honolulu tonight, (Aug. 10), to help move guests off of Maui.  The flight will also return to Maui with critical supplies from O‘ahu.  Flight #AS9265 departs Maui at 9 p.m. and arrives in Honolulu at 10 p.m. The flight can be purchased for $19 on Kayak and Google Flights, or by calling Alaska Airlines Reservations at 1-800-252-7522.

Hawaiian Electric assisting West Maui emergency
Update: 2:27 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023

Hawaiian Electric is currently coordinating and assisting with State and County emergency response efforts in West Maui.

Hawaiian Electric is currently coordinating and assisting with State and County emergency response efforts in West Maui.

As part of this response effort, the company is currently focusing on:

• Ensuring safety and supporting the State and County emergency response, which includes crews assisting with first clearing and maintaining access to impacted areas in West Maui today
• Starting critical damage assessments to begin restoration efforts once areas are safe and accessible
• Asking West Maui customers without power to prepare for extended outages that could last several weeks in some areas.

Approximately 12,400 customers in West Maui remain without power as access continues to be limited to many impacted areas due to safety and emergency response concerns. Damage assessments and restoration efforts will advance as areas become safe and accessible.

In Upcountry, crews are also making progress and are working to restore a remaining small pocket of Upcountry customers at this time. Additional crews and resources from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island and Lāna‘i have been deployed to assist with massive response efforts, and the company’s Incident Management Team continues to coordinate closely with Hawai‘i’s Emergency Management Agency and other emergency response organizations.  Full report HERE.

Coast Guard continues response to West Maui wildfire, search and rescue continues
Update: 1:11 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023

The US Coast Guard, along with federal, state, and local partners continue to respond to Lahaina where a wildfire destroyed hundreds of businesses and homes. 

A total of 17 lives were saved from the water and 40 survivors were located ashore by Coast Guard Station Maui boat crews. The Coast Guard has no reports of missing persons in the water, however Coast Guard aircrews and surface assets continue search and rescue operations.

“Today, our assets remain actively engaged in the search and rescue response and our responders are operating and searching as though there may still be survivors in need of assistance,” said Capt. Aja L. Kirksey, Sector Commander of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.  

US Coast Guard aircrews are also supporting overflight assessments of the impacted area and are transporting additional personnel with specialized training and equipment to assist in the response efforts. Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke flew aboard a Coast Guard C-130 to assess the fire damage and observe response efforts firsthand.  Full report HERE.

Maui Visitors Relocated Off-Island

Through efforts of airline, hotel, and ground transportation partners, more than 14,000 people were moved off the island of Maui on Wednesday, Aug. 9, to return home or continue with their vacation elsewhere in Hawai‘i. By the end of Thursday, it is estimated that an additional 14,500 people will be moved off Maui. More tourism industry updates HERE.

Family Assistance Center open today and Friday for those seeking information about loved ones who are unaccounted for in wildfires
Update: 11:53 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

A Family Assistance Center is open at Kahului Community Center for family members who are looking for information about loved ones who are unaccounted for and may be affected by the wildfires on Maui. The center at 275 Uhu St. is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday. Hours after Friday have not been set. The Maui Emergency Management Agency will pass out forms to be filled out to help in the process of locating unaccounted for family members. People trying to locate loved ones who may be impacted by the fires also can call the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767.

Lahaina fire reported 80% contained, progress reported in firefighting effort
10:54 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

A wildfire that caused widespread damage in Lahaina town was 80% contained this morning. Fire crews continue to battle active fires in Pūlehu/Kīhei and Upcountry/Kula as well.

In Lahaina, firefighting crews further secured the perimeter of wildland areas that burned. That effort is continuing today, along with patrolling areas where structures burned. Civil Air Patrol flyovers Wednesday of Lahaina Town showed more than 270 structures were impacted by the fire.

The Pūlehu fire, in an area mauka of Kīhei, was 70% contained this morning, after heavy equipment was used to create firebreaks through the night. Firefighters are continuing to secure the perimeter this morning.

A containment percentage for the fire Upcountry is pending further assessment. Firefighting efforts focused on two main areas of Olinda and Upper Kula. Firefighting crews are continuing efforts to protect structures and extinguish smoldering hot spots. State forestry workers were leading the firefighting effort in the Olinda area. On the Kula side, the fire is most active in gulches that are difficult to access.

Entry into Lahaina remains restricted while the firefighting efforts continue. Lahaina-bound vehicles are being stopped on Honoapiʻilani Highway at Māʻalaea. Honoapiʻilani Highway is only open to outbound traffic leaving West Maui. Motorists can also leave West Maui through Waiheʻe. Only Kahakuloa residents may access the village through Waiheʻe.

Lahaina remains without power. There were an estimated 12,400 West Maui customers without power at last report. State and county crews are working to clear roads and other areas of trees and debris.

Buses were sent to the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and Whalers Village in Kāʻanapali this morning to continue the mass transport of visitors to Kahului Airport.

Emergency evacuation shelters at War Memorial Complex in Wailuku, Maui High School in Kahului and Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani housed about 1,050 people overnight. Another 300 residents and visitors stayed at emergency evacuation shelters opened Wednesday night at Kingʻs Cathedral Maui in Kahului and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani. Many of the visitors were taken to Kahului Airport this morning.

Some visitors who took flights from Maui to Honolulu on Wednesday were among 18 people sheltered at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Oahu.

Kahului Airport reported that 1,400 people stayed overnight Wednesday while waiting to take flights departing Maui this morning. Airlines have added additional flights for visitors leaving Maui.

People trying to locate loved ones who may be impacted by the fires can call the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767.

Info on reuniting with loved ones
Update: 10:15 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

Individuals wishing to reunite with loved ones who may be impacted by the fires can call the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767.

Also,  Maui Health is asking families who are looking for loved ones at Maui Memorial Medical Center to call the main hospital line at 808-244-9056 and provide a first and last name to verify whether their family member is being treated at MMMC. 

To contact Kula Hospital residents and patients, please call 808-878-1221. If prompted, leave a voice message with your name and contact information and a hospital representative will return the call as soon as possible.

Haleakalā NP’s Summit and Kīpahulu Districts remain closed through morning of Aug. 14
Update: 11:10 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

Haleakalā National Park’s Summit and Kīpahulu Districts remain closed through the morning of August 14, 2023. Visitors should not plan to drive to or visit the park until it has been officially reopened. We ask for patience and the public’s cooperation during this time.  

Camping reservations for Hosmer Grove, backcountry tent camping and cabins, and Kīpahulu campground for Aug. 10, 2023 through Aug. 14,2023 are canceled. Sunrise reservations for Aug. 11, 2023 through Aug. 14, 2023 are canceled.  

Any changes in the park’s status will be posted at www.nps.gov/hale. 

Maui Police ask for patience as fire suppression continues
Update: 10 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

The Maui Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones, their homes, or businesses.  We are asking the community for their patience as first responders continue their efforts to suppress the active fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas. 

Right now, our priority is to ensure the safety of first responders and expedite our process of evaluating the Lahaina Town area.  We have dedicated teams consisting of MPD, Hawaii National Guard, and Maui Search and Rescue personnel currently processing the area.

Due to biohazard and safety concerns, no unauthorized entry into the area is allowed at this time. We appreciate the cooperation of our community at this challenging time so we can collectively mitigate potential safety risks.

Arrangements to allow residents into the area will be announced at a later time.

President Joseph Biden approves Hawaiʻi Disaster Declaration
Update: 7:14 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaiʻi and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing.

The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Maui County.

Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Further details are posted HERE.

Flags lowered in mourning of lives lost in Maui wildfires
Update: 7:08 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawai‘i State Capitol and at all state offices and agencies, as well as at Hawai‘i National Guard facilities in the State of Hawai‘i, effective immediately, in mourning of those lost from the Maui wildfires. The flags will remain lowered until further notice while recovery efforts are underway.

Residents and visitors in West Maui impacted by brush fire to be transported to Kahului Airport or Central Maui shelter
Update: 3:51 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

A mass bus evacuation for residents and visitors in West Maui will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10. Bus boarding will be staged at Whalers Village entryway fronting Kāʻanapali Parkway. Visitors will be taken directly to the Kahului Airport. Residents will be taken to a Central Maui shelter. Three Roberts Hawaiʻi Motor coaches, each with a capacity of 49 people will be available. Additional buses from partner agencies will be added in based on demand. 

Two additional shelters opened in Central Maui
Update: 1:31 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023

The County of Maui opened two additional emergency evacuation shelters—at King’s Cathedral Maui at 777 Maui Veteran’s Highway in Kahului and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1300 Maui Lani Parkway in Kahului. The additional shelter sites were opened in order to accommodate full occupancy at existing shelters locations.

Evacuees are reminded that emergency shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care items. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained.

Death toll rises with 36 fatalities in Lahaina
Update: 10 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023 

As firefighting efforts continue, 36 fatalities have been discovered amid the active Lahaina fire. The 36 total includes the six deaths reported earlier on Wednesday.

Three active fires on Maui remain unchanged:“
Update: 10 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023 

The Maui Fire Department reported no significant changes for the Lahaina, Upcountry and Pūlehu/Kīhei fires on Wednesday evening. There are no containment numbers at this time. MFD expects to conduct an assessment at first light Thursday.

Firefighters have dealing with multiple flareups. Additional firefighter personnel from Honolulu have been requested.

Thirty US Army service members arrived tonight and are conducting search and recovery efforts on Thursday morning.

Three shelters are currently open: Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, War Memorial gymnasium in Wailuku and Maui High School gymnasium in Kahului. American Red Cross said that 942 people are at the three shelters as of 10 p.m.

On Tuesday night, there were about 2,100 in Maui shelters.

Entry into Lahaina remains restricted as firefighting efforts continue. Motorists already in West Maui may exit the area via Māʻalaea and Waiheʻe. Only Kahakuloa residents may enter Kahakuloa via Waiheʻe.

11,000 travelers, 400 airline personnel leave Maui in mass visitor evacuation:
Update: 10 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023 

On Wednesday, the evacuation of West Maui visitors continued, with more than 11,000 travelers and 400 airline personnel leaving Maui, said Ed Sniffen, director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.

“We are trying to get the travelers who need to leave, off the island,” he said at a news conference Wednesday night.

A mass evacuation for visitors at Sheraton Maui Resort in Kāʻanapali ended late Wednesday. County transportation officials said bus evacuations for visitors will resume Thursday at a Lahaina location and time to be announced.

To get more visitors off the island, the transpacific flights — Alaska, Delta, United and American — have increased capacity by bringing in larger planes to get more seats. 

“Southwest has dropped its fares and Hawaiian Airlines is operating until 2 a.m. [Thursday] to get as many people off Maui as possible,” Sniffen said. “Even with that, we still had some empty seats on the flights because today the [Honoapiʻilani] Highway was shutdown for most of the day and for good reason. 

“Poles were down, and thereʻs wires jumping across the highway in different areas. And we had the backroad opened up. Now we have Honoapiʻilani Highway and the Lahaina Bypass open going east to make sure we get everybody to the airport.”

Maui County ran nine buses on Wednesday to get 450 to 460 people out to Kahului Airport to ensure people flew on the flights Hawaiian Airlines had added.

Sniffen said 600 people would be staying at the airport Wednesday night, and be “accommodated,” to get them ready for the early Thursday morning flights.

Maui County will be running more buses on Thursday. The buses pickup people in West Maui and bring them to the airport. Sniffen said there will be an additional capacity of 2,000 seats for the 1,500 or so passengers that want to leave the island Thursday.

The Hawaiʻi National Guard helicopter crews flew 13 hours on Wednesday, making 58 drops with 150,000 gallons of water for fire suppression. The crews will make more water drops on Thursday as needed, said Major General Kenneth S. Hara with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Defense.

*Cammy Clark and Wendy Osher contributed to this update.

Wildfire updates (new link for Aug.10): https://tinyurl.com/4ratx8aj
List: closed/cancelled/postponed: https://tinyurl.com/4b28993k
School closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/f6jh372w
Power outage updates: https://tinyurl.com/yn8pkhzx
Road closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/487vhcsn
Lahaina Front Street photo journey: West Maui wildfire aftermath: https://tinyurl.com/4ratx8aj