Maui wildfire updates for Aug. 12: 93 confirmed deaths, 2 Identified; 150 FEMA personnel on Maui

Wildfire updates (for Saturday Aug. 12): HERE.

Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pūlehu/Kīhei  and Upcountry Maui. As of today:

• There are 93 deaths, Identified 2
• 150 FEMA personnel on the ground now, 90 of them assisting with search and rescue
• New FEMA maps show 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed in Lahaina. This is a stark difference from the 270 structures initially reported by county authorities.
• Estimated cost to rebuild in Lahaina is projected at $5.52 billion; in Kula is $434 million 
• 3 active fires: Lahaina; Pūlehu/Kīhei; and Kula
• Unsafe water advisory in affected wildfire areas of Lahaina and Upper Kula.
• Nearly 9,000 customers remain offline in Lahaina (Power was restored to about 3,700 customers in Nāpili, Puʻukoliʻi, and Māhinahina, where essential public services, such as water pumps, and first responder facilities are located.; 70 without power in Upcountry
• Mass visitor/resident evacuations out of West Maui continue
• A total of 1,418 people are at six shelters: at War Memorial Gymnasium, Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Maui High School, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani, Kings Cathedral Church and Grace Bible Church
• 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.

Lahaina, Pūlehu and Upcountry Maui fires
Update: 10:05 p.m., Aug. 12, 2023

Firefighting crews are continuing to extinguish flare-ups in the Lahaina and Upcountry Maui fires. In the Upcountry Maui fire, three structures in Olinda and 16 structures in Kula were destroyed. The Pūlehu/Kīhei fire was declared 100 percent contained Saturday. Containment indicates what percentage of the fire perimeter has been enclosed by a control line and reflects opportunities for the fire to spread beyond its original border into new areas.

A 1-acre fire reported Friday evening in Kāʻanapali above Puʻukoliʻi was extinguished.

The number of confirmed fatalities increased to 93, with two of them identified. Police have not released their names, pending notification of their families.

The American Red Cross emergency evacuation shelter at Maui High School in Kahului is being moved Sunday to the South Maui Gymnasium in Kīhei. All activities are canceled at Kīhei Regional Park due to the gym being used as an emergency evacuation shelter as of 9 a.m. Sunday.

Kaiser Permanente outpatient health and medical clinics will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Lahaina Gateway Center, Nāpili Park and Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center at the Lahaina Civic Center.

Two donated Wi-Fi trucks are stationed at Nāpili Park and Honokowai Park to provide Wi-Fi service and the ability to charge cellphones. The service is free to the public.

About 180 people staying in emergency evacuation centers obtained reissued driverʻs licenses and state identification cards Saturday morning at the county Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing. Fees were waived. County employees volunteered to open the division, and Department of Transportation buses took evacuees to the center.

Lahaina Gateway Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday for distribution of food, water and other supplies. A potable water tanker is at the location.

Nāpili Plaza is also distributing food, water and other supplies.

Donations of non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene products are being accepted at a War Memorial Complex field off Kanaloa Avenue from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. West Maui residents have requested coolers, slippers, underwear, flashlights and generators.

With power being restored in some areas of West Maui, Ohana Fuels/ Minit Stop on Keawe Street in Lahaina and Kahana Gateway Shell are open for gasoline.

A county Department of Water Supply precautionary unsafe water advisory remains in effect for Upper Kula and Lahaina areas affected by the wildfires. The advisory that residents should not drink and not boil water is issued out of an abundance of caution pending testing, and water tankers are in place at affected locations. In Lahaina, the advisory does not apply to Kaniau Road and areas north of the road including Villages of Leialiʻi. In Kula, water tankers are available at Crater Road, Copp Road, Kula Fire Station, Rice Park, Kula Community Center and Keokea. Visit mauicounty.gov/water for maps of affected Upcountry areas.

Governor Green, Federal officials provide updates on Maui damage
Update: 9:20 p.m., Aug. 12, 2023

Click here to view the press conference video.
Lahaina fire is deadliest in US since Cloquet fire in 1918, and death toll likely to rise

Governor Josh Green, M.D., Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell and other federal officials joined together on Maui to deliver a united briefing about the Maui wildfires’ impacts and round-the-clock efforts for Maui residents and visitors.

Officials summarized an assessment of affected neighborhoods and business districts earlier in the day, as well as detailing federal and state relief made available by this week’s presidential disaster declaration, requested by Governor Green.

“We ask for a lot of understanding about traveling into the zone where the fire occurred,” said Governor Green. “The reason is the health consequences, the heavy metals … the recommendations are to avoid the structures because they could still fall on people and we’ve lost too much life already.”

“I think what people are most interested in is housing, how we’re going to house our people,” Governor Green said. “We put together a Temporary Housing Task Force to work with our federal partners. We’ve already secured 1,000 rooms. Five hundred rooms will go to families that have been displaced because of the terrible fire, the other 500 rooms will go to support, initially …In the days that follow, we’ll have long-term rentals, those are the short-term rentals-turned-long-term. All of that is going to be covered, some by the state, some it’s going to begiven charitably and finally, FEMA will cover a great deal of the cost,” he said.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen spoke of the dangers to the public in the hardest-hit area of Lāhainā and the need to allow for recovery of the victims, with 89 being the latest available number.

“We’re not letting anybody into the impacted zone … It is not safe, it is a hazardous area and that’s why experts are here,” he said. “We’re not doing anybody any favors by letting them back in there quickly, just so they can get sick. That can wait. A lot of what’s happening now is, we’re asking for the respect and dignity of recovering anyone who is still there … That’s the phase we’re in.”

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell accompanied Governor Green and others on the assessment visit Saturday.

“What I always find, even during these incredibly tragic times, is the resilience of a community to come together … it always gives me hope that we will be able to rebuild,” she said. “We are going to be here every step of the way, to help this community recover. We already have 150 people on the ground and we have more coming,” she said. Administrator Criswell strongly encourages affected families to contact their insurance companies and to register for FEMA assistance via disasterassistance.gov or by calling 1-800-FEMA (3362).

Additional dignitaries at today’s news conference included U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono; U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda; U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman; U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell; Joint Task Force Commander, Brigadier General Stephen F. Logan; Hawai‘i Army National Guard Col. David Hatcher, and U.S. Army Col. David Fielder.

Assets from the site assessment today can be found at the link below. Photos are courtesy Office of Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green, M.D. (Local outlets are welcome to credit Office of the Governor.)

Free shuttle for Central Maui shelters starts Sunday
Update: 8:08 p.m., Aug. 12, 2023

A free Central Maui shuttle will be available starting Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, for people who are staying at any of the county-listed Central Maui shelters, the County of Maui Department of Transportation announced today. Shelters include War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku, King’s Cathedral in Kahului and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kahului. The on-demand shuttle will be available for same-day rides to most shopping destinations and medical facilities in Central Maui. The shuttle will be available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last pickup). Riders will be required to call Roberts Hawaii for reservations at 808-871-4838. Mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, can be accommodated. Luggage and bags will be limited to what can be carried.

Power restored to more areas of West Maui; Hotels plan to house residents displaced by fire
Update: 7:30 p.m., Aug. 12, 2023:

Hawaiian Electric restored additional circuits today in West Maui, picking up customers along the Kā‘anapali Coast, including many of the hotels, resorts and condominiums that had been without electricity since Tuesday.

Since Friday, service has been restored to about 5,500 customers in West Maui. Once power is fully restored to the resort area, state and Maui County officials will work with participating hotels and resorts to provide rooms for displaced residents who have been in shelters since the fire.

Crews on Saturday also completed installation of a mobile substation at the Lahainaluna substation. The mobile unit is expected to help restore power Sunday to customers in the neighboring subdivision, which includes homes, three schools and county water facilities.

Hawaiian Electric restoration efforts continued with more than 300 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors working to safely bring power back to communities in West Maui and Upcountry. Employees from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i are also providing additional response resources, including staffing, expertise, materials and equipment to expedite and respond to the restoration efforts on Maui.

Everyone is reminded to exercise caution as certain areas are brought back online and to stay away from downed power lines – at least 30 feet or more (at least two car lengths). If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Report downed lines immediately by calling Hawaiian Electric’s Maui Trouble Line at 808-871-7777.

Updates are also available at hawaiianelectric.com/windstormresponse

Afternoon Wildfire Update:
Update: 4:25 p.m., Aug. 12, 2023:

The number of confirmed fatalities remains at 89, according to Gov. Green.

A fire reported Friday night in Kaʻanapali above Puʻukoliʻi remained contained Saturday after burning about 1 acre. Firefighters were working to fully extinguish the fire.

Two donated Wi-Fi trucks are stationed at Nāpili Park and Honokowai Park to provide Wi-Fi service and the ability to charge cellphones. The service is free to the public.

About 180 people staying in emergency evacuation centers obtained reissued driverʻs licenses and state identification cards Saturday morning at the county Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing. Fees were waived. County employees volunteered to open the division, and Department of Transportation buses took evacuees to the center.

Lahaina Gateway Center will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday for distribution of food, water and other supplies. A potable water tanker is at the location.

With power being restored in some areas of West Maui, Minit Stop on Keawe Street in Lahaina and Kahana Gateway Shell are open for gasoline.

A county Department of Water Supply precautionary unsafe water advisory remains in effect for Upper Kula and Lahaina areas affected by the wildfires. The advisory is issued out of an abundance of caution pending testing, and water tankers are in place at affected locations. In Lahaina, the advisory does not apply to Kaniau Road and areas north of the road including Villages of Leialiʻi. In Kula, water tankers are available at Crater Road, Copp Road, Kula Fire Station, Rice Park, Kula Community Center and Keokea. Visit mauicounty.gov/water for maps of affected Upcountry areas.

Maui-Lānaʻi Passenger Ferry Resumes for community assistance
Update: 4:57 p.m, Aug. 12, 2032

Today, the Maui-Lānaʻi Passenger Ferry, operated by Expeditions, resumed interisland service. 

The DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation worked expeditiously to clear the ferry dock of fire ash and debris at the Māʻalaea Small Boat Harbor to accommodate the ferry. 

Typically, it operates between the Lāhainā Small Boat Harbor on Maui and the Manele Small Boat Harbor on Lānaʻi but numerous burned and sunken vessels and debris in the water at Lāhainā Small Boat Harbor led to the US Coast Guard establishing a temporary emergency Safety Zone at the harbor and in surrounding waters with no vessels allowed without USCG approval. 

The ferry service is a critical mode of transport, providing access to medical care for Lānaʻi
residents, and access between the islands for first responders.

Expeditions has told DOBOR leadership that the company expects to offer ferry services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to provide transportation for service providers and first responders. 

“To the extent the demand is higher from the first responder groups or the community, additional routes will be added,” the company wrote in an e-mail to DOBOR. The Hawai‘i Public Utilities Commission was informed of the reinstatement of the Māʻalaea to Manele route and acknowledged the change on Friday. 

DOBOR Administrator Ed Underwood said, “We had nearly 100 vessels moored in the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor before the fire and now only seven are above water. The US Coast Guard, which currently has jurisdiction over the water, has informed us that it will take some time to restore the ability of ferries to dock there. Fortunately, the new ferry dock at Lāhainā is one of the few structures that appears to have withstood the flames.” 

DLNR First Deputy Laura Kaakua noted, “The Maui-Lānaʻi Passenger Ferry is a lifeline between the islands and that’s especially true at this time. We’re pleased, that working together, service has been restored and we look forward to the day when the ferry returns to Lahaina.” 

Access Update for West Maui
Update: 2:04 p.m., Aug. 12, 2023

Maui police say that in the wake of the wildfire disaster in Lahaina, the department “has been working tirelessly to coordinate a thorough and respectful body recovery operation within the affected area.”

“Our primary objective is to ensure the proper handling and identification of deceased individuals while maintaining the safety of the community and public safety personnel on the scene,” police said.

Access to West Maui is open for area residents who are being allowed to enter the area through Waiheʻe and leave through Māʻalaea.

Residents must show proof of residency through a driver’s license or state identification card with a West Maui address.

Travel in West Maui on Honoapiʻilani Highway through Māʻalaea is limited to emergency operations including transporting supplies and personnel.  Access into West Maui through Māʻalaea requires official authorization from emergency operations officials.

Honoapiʻilani Highway is open for vehicles leaving West Maui through Māʻalaea.

The public is required to stay out of the area, where search-and-rescue operations are underway, as there are loved ones whose families have not been notified yet and possible hazards, including toxic particles from smoldering areas.

If your home or former home is in the affected area, you will not be allowed to do so until the affected area has been declared safe by Hazmat teams after the recovery has been completed.

“Once we have secured the affected area, we will open that area for travel.  We are asking for the public’s assistance to please be patient and not rush to return,” police said.

“In the face of adversity, our community has always demonstrated resilience and unity. We understand that this is a trying time for everyone, and thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work through this challenging period together,” according to police.

Police say anyone entering the disaster area, in violation of the second emergency proclamation that Mayor Bissen signed Aug. 8, 2023. The violation is considered a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Short runway closes at Kahului Airport to support cargo operations; This will NOT impact commercial flights
Update: 1:36 p.m., Aug. 12, 2023

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) will be shutting down Kahului Airport (OGG) Runway 523 to accommodate cargo operations, assisting in airlifting goods and necessities to Maui. 523 is a short runway that will not affect any commercial flights, but will have an impact on the general aviation community. HDOT will prioritize commercial flights.

MECO Power Outage Updates for Saturday, Aug. 12
Update: 1:05 p.m., Aug. 12, 2023

Hawaiian Electric restoration efforts continue today with more than 300 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors working to safely bring power back to communities in West Maui and Upcountry. Employees from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i are also providing additional response resources, including staffing, expertise, materials and equipment to expedite and respond to the restoration efforts on Maui.

Today, crews are setting up a mobile substation at the damaged Lahainaluna substation to help restore power to customers in the neighboring subdivision, which includes homes, three schools and county water facilities. Crews today are also working to replace some of the estimated 40 poles and other equipment damaged by the fire and high wind. Additional damage assessments by helicopter in the air and on the ground are being conducted and extensive restoration repairs are continuing in areas that are safe and accessible. 

On Friday, Hawaiian Electric restored power to one of three main transmission lines serving West Maui and restored service to about 3,700 customers in Nāpili, Puʻukoliʻi, and Māhinahina, where essential public services, such as water pumps, and first responder facilities are located. The number of customers restored is still relatively small and the aim is for additional circuits to be brought online this weekend.

That represents just a small portion of the need with nearly 9,000 still without power in West Maui

Because there has been a tremendous amount of damage to the system at the distribution and substation level – these are the parts of the system that deliver electricity to communities and neighborhood – the system is still fragile and the restoration must be done carefully to, above all, ensure the safety of the public and our workers. 

After the power comes back on, there may be intermittent outages. All Maui customers are asked to be mindful of their use of electricity and conserve by limiting non-essential uses. In Upcountry Maui, 74 customers remain without power, and crews are working to repair equipment, though they are being challenged by a number of burned trees and branches.

Hawaiian Electric President and Chief Executive Officer Shelee Kimura has been on site on Maui to support the response efforts and to ensure that the company’s full resources across the five islands the company serves are responding to support the needs of the Maui community. Kimura and the company continue to coordinate closely with state, county and emergency response officials in the restoration planning and community response efforts.

“Hundreds of Hawaiian Electric employees from across the islands are on the front lines on Maui, working with many others to safely restore electricity, assess damage, remove debris and support our families, neighbors and employees,” Kimura said. “At times of crisis, Hawai‘i always comes together and Hawaiian Electric will be here to work with our communities to recover and rebuild, no matter how long it takes.”

The HEI Charitable Foundation, which is administered by Hawaiian Electric’s parent company, has donated $100,000 to assist recovery efforts — $50,000 to Maui United Way and $50,000 to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund. American Savings Bank, whose parent company is also HEI, has donated $100,000, including to the American Red Cross.

As a reminder, customers affected in West Maui and parts of Upcountry have received notifications that bills and payment collections are currently on hold. If you have questions, contact customer service at 808-871-9777. 

If using a portable generator, carefully follow instructions in the manufacturer’s manual, for your safety and the safety of Hawaiian Electric employees working to restore electricity to the distribution system. Don’t plug household electrical outlets to the generator. Instead, plug your equipment or appliance directly into the generator. Make sure the wattage requirements of the appliance don’t exceed the capacity of your generator or extension cord. Also, be sure to provide adequate ventilation for exhaust and cooling. And store reserve fuel in a safe place away from the generator or any other equipment that might ignite the fuel; use containers designed for fuel storage.

Everyone is reminded to exercise caution as certain areas are brought back online and to stay away from downed power lines – at least 30 feet or more (at least two car lengths). If you see a downed power line, assume it is energized and dangerous. Report downed lines immediately by calling Hawaiian Electric’s Maui Trouble Line at 808-871-7777.

Updates are also available at hawaiianelectric.com/windstormresponse

Access open through Waiheʻe for West Maui residents only
Update: 11:08 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

West Maui residents can once again access the West Maui area. The announcement was made at around 11 a.m. by County officials and Maui Police. The current entry point for West Maui residents is through Waiheʻe, and the exit is through Māʻalaea.

Residents must show proof of residency through a driver’s license or state identification card with a West Maui address.

Travel into West Maui on Honoapi’ilani Highway through Māʻalaea is limited to emergency operations including transporting supplies and personnel. Access into West Maui through Māʻalaea requires official authorization from emergency operations officials.

Honoapiilani Highway is open for vehicles leaving West Maui through Māʻalaea.

The Lahaina wildfire disaster area, including the Maui Police Department checkpoint at the intersection of Honoapiʻilani Highway and the start of Lahaina Bypass Road, Lahaina town and the MPD checkpoint near Wahikuli Wayside Park, is barricaded. People are required to stay out of the area, where search-and-rescue operations are underway, and there are possible hazards including toxic particles from smoldering areas.

Anyone entering the disaster area, in violation of the second emergency proclamation signed Aug. 8, 2023, by Mayor Richard Bissen, is subject to a misdemeanor crime punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Update: 10:51 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

MPD reminder: the Lahaina Civic Center is NOT open to the public
Update: 10:50 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

The Maui Police Department would like to clarify that the Lahaina Civic Center is NOT open to the public.

Food and supply distribution is available today at the Lahaina Gateway Center and the Nāpili Plaza.

Maui Police Department advisory
Update: 10:25 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

Access to Lahaina via Maalaea remains closed – authorized public safety traffic only.

WEST maui residents and essential resort staff may access Lahaina through Kahakuloa. The public is permitted to exit Lahaina through Maalaea. ONLY Kahakuloa village residents may exit Lahaina through Kahakuloa.

NO ONE will be allowed to enter residences within the containment zone.

Violators will be removed from the area and may face arrest.

DLNR Wildfire Updates
Update: 9:56 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources did flyovers today, of all four fires spread this week by winds from a hurricane passing south of the state. 

Olinda fire (Upcountry Maui):  The security camera images show personnel from the Maui Bird Conservation Center attempting to fight the fire.  Lance DeSilva with the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife-Maui Branch was on hand for a recap.

Kula fire (Upcountry Maui):  Numerous homes in this area were destroyed and Maui County firefighters were still on the scene this morning.  

Pulehu wildfire (Central Maui):  This fire scorched grasslands above Kīhei and burned mostly on Haleakalā Ranch lands. A few small “smokers” were visible from the air on Friday.

Lahaina fire (West Maui): Firefighting efforts continue today.

All fires are still active.

Maui Wildfires Overnight Update
Update: 2:05 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pūlehu/Kīhei  and Upcountry Maui.

The number of fatalities is now confirmed at 80.

New damage assessment maps from multiple wildfires in Maui County were released by the Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

According to PDC, as of Aug. 11, 2023, damage assessments related to the Lahaina Fire resulted in an estimated total of 2,719 structures exposed; 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed; and 2,170 acres burned. 86% of buildings exposed to the fire were classified as residential. 

The new information far exceeds the 270 structures which had been reported as damaged or destroyed in initial estimates. The estimated cost to rebuild in Lahaina is projected at $5.52 billion. 

In Kula, 544 structures were exposed, 678 acres burned, and the estimated cost to rebuild is $434 million, according to the maps.

A Kāʻanapali fire reported above Puʻukoliʻi at 6:10 p.m. Friday was reported to be 100 percent contained before 8:30 p.m. The fire is in the area where a county fueling station was positioned Friday to distribute an estimated 3,000 gallons of gas and 500 gallons of diesel for an estimated 400 vehicles that were lined up before the operation began. No fuel will be distributed Saturday.

Police are restricting access into West Maui through both Māʻalaea and Waiheʻe. Honoapiʻilani Highway is open for vehicles leaving Lahaina. The burned historic Lahaina town area remains barricaded, with people warned to stay out of the area due to hazards including toxic particles from smoldering areas. Wearing a mask and gloves is advised.

Volunteers are distributing food, water and other supplies at Nāpili Plaza from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.

Food, water, toiletries, canned goods, diapers, baby formula, clothing and pet food will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lahaina Gateway Center.

Donations of non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene items will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 pm. Saturday at the War Memorial Complex field in Wailuku. No clothing is being accepted.

A Family Assistance Center for family members who are looking for information about loved ones who are unaccounted for will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Kahului Community Center.

The county Department of Transportation is coordinating buses to transport people staying at emergency shelters to the county Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing, which will be open for special hours from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday so shelter occupants can have their driver’s licenses and state identification cards reissued. Fees will be waived. County are volunteering to work to open the department.

On Friday, a total of 1,418 people were emergency evacuation shelters at War Memorial Gymnasium, Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Maui High School, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani, Kings Cathedral Church and Grace Bible Church.

For organizations and individuals wishing to offer services or donations to aid in the county rescue and relief efforts, an online tool is available. Information can be provided at https://tinyurl.com/mauireliefsurvey to be used to help organize and deploy resources.

Limited cellphone service is now available in West Maui. West Maui residents are encouraged to limit phone calls and video streaming services in order to free up bandwidth with telecommunication providers. Cellphone users are reminded to text, rather than call so everyone can share the limited resources.

Pacific Disaster Center and FEMA release Fire Damage Assessment Maps
1:57 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

The Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency released damage assessment maps from multiple wildfires in Maui County. 

According to PDC, as of Aug. 11, 2023, damage assessments related to the Lahaina Fire resulted in an estimated total of 2,719 structures exposed; 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed; and 2,170 acres burned. 86% of buildings exposed to the fire were classified as residential. 

The new information far exceeds the the 270 structures which had been reported as damaged or destroyed in initial estimates. 

The estimated cost to rebuild in Lahaina is projected at $5.52 billion. 

In Kula, 544 structures were exposed, 678 acres burned, and the estimated cost to rebuild is $434 million, according to the maps.

MEO collecting funds to put those displaced by fires into housing
Update: 6:24 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

Maui Economic Opportunity has started the MEO-Maui Fires Fund to help place those who lost their homes in Maui fires into safe and secure housing as soon as possible. Donations will be used to pay for rents. MEO and others have put out a call for available units in the community and have been assembling lists. MEO is currently designing a housing program and should have it up and running soon with the scope based on donations received. The 58-year-old nonprofit has familiarity providing rental assistance for Maui County residents in need.  MEO operates the county’s Rental Assistance Program and ran federally funded rental and mortgage assistance programs during the recent pandemic. For more information, monitor MEO’s website, www.meoinc.org, and social media sites.

FEMA, Federal Family Unite to Support Hawaiʻi Wildfire Response, Recovery
Update: 6:41 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

More than a dozen federal agencies and departments are mobilized to assist state, county, nonprofit and private sector partners to help the people of Hawaiʻi with recent devastating wildfires. Personnel from FEMA, federal agencies and voluntary organizations are arriving daily to Hawaiʻi to support active response and initial recovery efforts. 

FEMA has deployed more than 150 FEMA personnel, including search and rescue teams, with more on the way. Today, Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are in Maui to help residents register for assistance and address any critical needs in the affected neighborhoods. Full story HERE.

Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance starts Kokua Fund for Maui displaced hospitality workers
Update: 6:44 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

Hawai‘i Ag & Culinary Alliance will reinstate the Kokua Restaurant and Hospitality Fund for Maui to provide immediate assistance to the dedicated restaurant, bar and hospitality workers who have been displaced by the recent catastrophic wildfires that have devastated West Maui communities from Lāhainā to Kapalua, a cherished home of the renowned Hawai’i Food & Wine Festival.

The Kokua Restaurant and Hospitality Fund for Maui will channel resources directly to support culinary, restaurant and tourism workers in West Maui who have been impacted most severely.
The organization is also working with World Central Kitchen and their partners on the ground, Chef Hui, to feed communities affected by the Maui wildfires. Full report HERE.