Maui wildfire updates for Aug. 13: West Maui Placard system announced; Unsafe water maps released

Wildfire updates for Sunday Aug. 13 are posted: HERE.

Afternoon Recap Update
Update: 11 p.m., 9:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 3:17 p.m., Aug. 13, 2023

FIRE UPDATE

• Upcountry/Kula fire (initially reported 8/8): Now 60% contained. Estimated 678 acres. Hot spots in gulches and other hard to reach places, along with land divisions and fences, make establishment of complete control lines difficult. During daylight hours, Monday, 8/14, air support will be deployed to hit hot spots.
• Lahaina fire (initially reported 8/8): 85% contained. Estimated 2,170 acres. Multiple fire crews are assigned to monitor and address any flareups. There are no active threats at this time.
• Pūlehu/Kīhei fire (initially reported 8/8): Remains 100% contained. The Pūlehu/Kīhei fire was declared 100 percent contained Saturday. Fire personnel are staying vigilant for flare-ups. There are no active threats at this time.
• Puʻukoliʻi / Kāʻanapali fire (initially reported 8/11): One acre. Extinguished 8/12. Remains extinguished.

*Note: When a fire is 100% contained, that does not mean it has been extinguished. It means that firefighters have it fully surrounded by a perimeter. Once a fire is declared “extinguished,” then it’s over.

RESPONSE

• FEMA has 416 personnel in the state of Hawaiʻi, including the Administrator.
• 35 additional people coming from FEMA’s Urban Search and Rescue division.
• 20 cadaver dogs will work the scene.

FATALITY UPDATE

Maui Police Department around 9 p.m. said there are 96 confirmed fatalities. On Sunday, Gov. Green said he does expect the numbers to rise.

DAMAGE ESTIMATE:

• Lahaina: FEMA maps show 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed in Lahaina. Estimated cost to rebuild in Lahaina is projected at $5.52 billion.
• Kula/Olinda: There have been 19 homes destroyed in the that wildfire that started Aug. 8, 2023, including three homes in Olinda and 16 in Kula. Estimated cost to rebuild in Upcountry is $434 million.

ROAD CLOSURES

• To expedite travel into West Maui, a system using access placards will begin on Monday, Aug. 14, to ensure efficient traffic management and prioritize the safety of all road users. Placards will be issued based on the following categories: West Maui residents; West Maui resort personnel; first responder personnel; medical personnel; utility personnel; county personnel; supply transport personnel; volunteer personnel. For details, visit the Maui Police Department website.
• Access into West Maui via Kahakuloa for West Maui residents: Open.
• Access into West Maui via Māʻalaea: Restricted for pre-approved.
• Exit West Maui via Māʻalaea: Open.
• Exit West Maui via Kahakuloa: Closed.

RECENTLY RESTORED IN WEST MAUI

• Nāpili Plaza is now open 24/7 and has power restored.
• Gas is available at: ʻOhana Fuels/ Minit Stop on Keawe Street in Lahaina and Kahana Gateway Shell

EMERGENCY SHELTERS (Due to privacy, no media allowed inside)

There are six shelters open on Maui:

• Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Pukalani
• South Maui Community Park Gymnasium, Kīhei
• War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kahului
• Kings Cathedral Church, Kahului
• Grace Bible Church, Kahului

*Maui High School, Kahului – Closed today, 8/13. People staying at Maui High School shelter were transported this morning to South Maui Community Park Gymnasium, Kihei

WEST MAUI DISTRIBUTION SITES

County facilitated distribution sites for food, water and other needs and supplies include:

• Lahaina Gateway Center (10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Aug. 14)
• Nāpili Plaza (10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Aug. 14)

Other volunteer run distribution sites are available at:

• Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary
• Nāpili Park
• “S Turns”
• Honokōwai Beach Park
• Kahana Boat Ramp
• Hawaiian Homes

WEST MAUI MEDICAL

Kaiser Permanente outpatient health and medical clinics will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at:

• Lahaina Gateway: Mobile Health Vehicle providing first aid, pediatric services, and OB/GYN services. OB/GYN services begin Aug. 14 and will be offered every Friday beginning Aug. 18.
• Nāpili Park: First Aid Station providing first aid and pediatric services.
• Hyatt Regency Lahaina, Lahaina Ballroom: First Aid Station providing first aid services.

Maui Health clinicians and physicians from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 14, will provide first-aid, wound care, health and wellness checks pharmacy services, including baby formula for all community members in need, regardless of health insurance, at Lahaina Gateway and Nāpili Park.
Starting Monday, Aug. 14, Kaiser Permanente will provide medical services to KP members and non-members at three locations in Lahaina. Pharmacy courier services will be available at all three sites. These locations are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. For details, visit at kp.org/hawaii.

MATERIAL DONATIONS

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.

At the state Capitol, 10,000 pounds of food and other high need items, including diapers and baby formula, have been sent to Maui as part of the Maui Fire Relief Donation Drive at the State Capitol.

TRANSPORTATION

New, daily shuttle service is available for those staying at shelters in central Maui. The service is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. so that people housed at these facilities can go to Central Maui shopping and medical locations. The service launched today. *Call Roberts Hawaiʻi for reservations at 808-871-4838. Luggage and bags is limited to what can be carried.

FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (Due to privacy, no media allowed on premises)

The Family Assistance Center for those seeking information about loved ones who are unaccounted for in wildfires is now open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Kahului Community Center. The center launched Aug. 10 at, 275 Uhu St. Maui Emergency Management Agency passes out forms to be filled out to help in the process of locating unaccounted for family members. Maui Emergency Management Agency and FAC staff will work with families and individuals to gather detailed information and administer DNA swabs.

UNSAFE WATER ADVISORY:

Unsafe water advisory in affected wildfire areas of Lahaina and Upper Kula. Full details HERE. The advisory remains in effect for certain areas until further notice and states that residents should not drink and/or boil water. Bottled water should be used for all drinking, brushing teeth, ice making and food preparation until further notice. Residents are unable to treat the water in any way to make it safe.

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.

COMMUNICATIONS:

Text, not talk, is best for locations that have connectivity. Maui County updates are repeated on radio stations at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. Civil Air Patrol via air is also announcing important public messages.

5th EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION ISSUED:

Governor Josh Green, M.D., returned from Maui today and issued the fifth Emergency Proclamation (EP) relating to the ongoing devastation created by the wildfires on Maui and in Hawaiʻi Counties. Full details are posted HERE.

EMERGENCY HOUSING RELIEF:

Emergency housing relief program by Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation will assist wildfire-displaced Maui residents by connecting them with property owners who wish to provide them with rooms, dwelling units, houses and other accommodations immediately. Program application forms will go live on HHFDC’s website, https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/, at 8 a.m., Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. A list of available properties should be online by Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. The program will remain active indefinitely. Full details are posted HERE.

Unsafe water advisory for Upper Kula and Lahaina areas includes new maps
Update: 10:16 p.m., Aug. 13, 2023

For residents in Lahaina and Upper Kula areas, maps of affected areas in Upcountry and in Lahaina were recently released on the county Department of Water Supply website.

The advisory remains in effect for certain areas until further notice and states that residents should not drink and/or boil water.

Bottled water should be used for all drinking, brushing teeth, ice making and food preparation until further notice. Residents are unable to treat the water in any way to make it safe.

Water buffalo tankers (one per site) with drinkable water are stationed at the following Upcountry locations: Crater Road, Copp Road, Kula Fire Station, Rice Park, Kula Community Center and Keokea. The West Maui locations include: Puamana Street, Kahoma Village, Lahaina Gateway Shopping Center and Honokohau. One tanker is at each site, with the exception of Lahaina Gateway, which has two.

• In Lahaina, the advisory applies to all areas except Kaniau Road and all areas north of Kaniau Road, including Villages of Leialiʻ i.
• In Kula, the unsafe water advisory is in place for the following areas:

Lower Kimo Road, Ainakula Road, Kukia Place, Malanani Drive, Kaalele Place, Uau Place, Malapua Road, Huina Place, Kulamanu Circle, Paliuli Place, Kulalani Drive, Kulalani Circle, Kualono Place, Kekaulike Avenue, Anuenue Place, Haleakala Highway, Upper Kimo Drive, Alanuilili Place, Meakoho Place, Upu Place, Keai Dha, Nana Pono Place, Kaui Place, Kuilalani Drive, Kulalani Circle Ainakula Road, Kukia Place, Nana Pono Place, Copp Road, Holomakani Drive, Kamila Street, Kamehameiki Road, Pulehuiki Road, Kolohala Drive, Ihe Place, Kahoea Place, Kamila Place, Mauna Place, Wahelani Road, Wahelani Street, Loio Place, Hoihoi Place, Waiakoa Road, Kuulani Place, Waiakoa Place, Kekaulike Avenue, Cooke Road, Johnson Road, Alae Road, Foster Place, Kepa Road, Puakea Place, Crater Road, Hapapa Road, Napoko Place, Puanani Place, Aolewa Place, Ponimoi Place, Kula Hwy at Keokea, Thompson Road, Ulupalakua, Kanaio, Polipoli Road, Kulanani Place, Koheo Road, Monden Drive, Pilikino Place, Area of Kula Hwy between Lepelepe Place and Malamahale Place, Lepelepe Place, Malia Uli Place, Malamahale Place, Naalae Road, Section of Lower Kula Road between Naalae and Waipoli roads, Waipoli Road, Kawehi Place, Oluolu Place and Kaolu Place.

Customers are advised to:

• Limit the use of hot water
• Limit shower and bathing time and use lukewarm water and ventilated area
• Use a dishwasher and the air-dry setting to wash dishes
• Wash clothing in cold water and avoid using clothes dryer
• Not use hot tubs or swimming pools
• Not use ice from icemakers
• Use proper ventilation when using water indoors

For maps of the affected areas, visit mauicounty.gov/water. For more information, call the department at 808-270-7344.

West Maui Access Placard system begins on Monday
Update: 5:17 p.m, Aug. 13, 2023

To expedite travel into West Maui, access placards will be distributed on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. Maui Police say this is to ensure efficient traffic management and prioritize the safety of all road users.

Placards will be issued based on the following categories:

  *   West Maui Residents
  *   West Maui Resort Personnel
  *   First Responder Personnel
  *   Medical Personnel
  *   Utility Personnel
  *   County of Maui Personnel
  *   Supply Transport Personnel
  *   Volunteer Personnel

Placards may be obtained at Keōpūolani Park (enter via Wahinepiʻo Avenue, exit via Kanaloa Avenue) and Nāpili Park between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. beginning Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.

Residents must show proof of residency through a driverʻs license or state identification card with a West Maui address. Identification cards without a street address will require an accompanying utility bill as proof of West Maui residency.

All personnel must show proof of employment through a valid company-issued identification card.

Volunteers will be granted 72-hour access passes. At the end of the 72 hours, a new placard will need to be obtained.

For questions regarding placards, please inquire with on-site personnel at the Keopulani and Napili Parks. Do not call dispatch via 911 or the non-emergency number; those lines need to remain open for emergencies and call for service.

Beginning Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023, at 5 p.m., no entrance into West Maui will be allowed without a placard.

“Public safety personnel have 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.

To allow entrance into West Maui as we continue our efforts and to ensure efficient traffic management, effective Monday, Aug. 14, 2023, West Maui residents and West Maui resort personnel will be allowed access to West Maui through Waiheʻe. All other placard holders must enter West Maui through Māʻalaea. The only exit from West Maui will be through Māʻalaea for all residents and placard holders.

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.

19 homes destroyed so far in Upcountry/Kula wildfire
Update: 5:07 p.m., Aug. 13, 2023

There have been 19 homes destroyed in the Upcountry/Kula wildfire that started Aug. 8, 2023. Three homes were destroyed in Olinda and 16 were leveled in Kula.

Many other homes sustained damage. The total number of homes destroyed are not yet available as the fire remains active with 678 acres burned so far.

There are three helicopters, four engines, two tankers and one utility on-site.

Hot spots in gulches and other hard to reach places, along with land divisions and fences, make this a difficult fire to contain.

When a fire is 100% contained, it does not mean it has been extinguished. It means that firefighters have the blaze fully surrounded by a perimeter, and the fire can still burn. Once a fire is declared “extinguished,” then it’s over.

Rescue and recovery efforts continue today with volunteers posted at several supply and distribution points throughout West Maui. Firefighters continue work to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, and Upcountry Maui.

Maui Senators mahalo immense generosity toward Maui Fire Relief Donation Drive at Capitol
Update: 4:24 p.m, Aug. 13, 2023

Maui State Senators Gilbert Keith-Agaran, Lynn DeCoite, and Angus McKelvey, joined in thanking all of those who have supported the Maui Fire Relief Donation Drive at the State Capitol. The Maui delegation offered the following statement:

“Words cannot describe our absolute heartfelt aloha for the donations that were made to our suffering community in their time of need. The efforts at the Capitol have resulted in thousands of boxes and bags that have been prepared and are either on the way or are ready to be delivered to Maui. Already, over 10,000 pounds of food and other high need items, including diapers and baby formula, have been sent to Maui.

Mahalo to everyone who donated to the drive, including the donations for Maui, and the donations of materials and food to support the volunteers. Mahalo to the over 1000 volunteers that helped collect, sort, package, and load the incredible volume of donated items. Seeing the people of O‘ahu join together in such a monumental way to support our Maui ‘ohana is inspirational, and a reminder of what Hawai‘i can do.”

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As of today: (Update: 8:13 a.m., 7:35 a.m., 4:45 a.m., Aug. 13, 2023)

• 2 active fires: Lahaina and Kula
• Supply and distribution points:
  • Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary
  • Nāpili Park,
  • S Turns,
  • Honokōwai Beach Park,
  • Kahana Boat Ramp,
  • Hawaiian Homes,
  • Lahaina Gateway Center (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.) A potable water tanker is at the location.
• People can also go to pickup already written medical prescriptions at the Hyatt and Lahaina Gateway Center, which has insulin.
• Kaiser Permanente’s Mobile Health Vehicle will provide first aid at the Lahaina Gateway to members and non-members at no cost. The Mobile Health Vehicle will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., no appointment necessary. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente will have first aid stations at the Hyatt Regency Lahaina and Napili Plaza from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., no appointment necessary. More information is available at kp.org/hawaii.  
• Maui Health hosts a pop-up clinic at the Lahaina Gateway on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinic will have first aid, wound care, health and wellness checks, pharmacy services for medication refills, and some child/infant care support including formula.
• Unsafe water advisory in affected wildfire areas of Lahaina and Upper Kula.
• 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; 70 without power in Upcountry at last report
• 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
• Expeditions Maui-Lānaʻi Passenger Ferry has told state leadership that the company expects to offer ferry services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays to provide transportation for service providers and first responders. 
• Central Maui shuttle will be available starting today for people who are staying at any of the county-listed Central Maui shelters. The on-demand shuttle is 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. Luggage and bags will be limited to what can be carried.
• 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. Sunday at Kahului Community Center. The center is equipped with DNA swabs.  There are no specific times for swabbing – it’s during the hours they are open.
• 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.
• There are 93 deaths, Identified 2.
• 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed in Lahaina; three structures in Olinda and 16 structures in Kula were destroyed
• 150 FEMA personnel on the ground now, 90 of them assisting with search and rescue
• Estimated cost to rebuild in Lahaina is projected at $5.52 billion; in Kula is $434 million 

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

Governor Josh Green, M.D., and the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation today announced the launch of the Hawaiʻi Fire Relief Housing program aimed at connecting Maui residents affected by the recent wildfires, with property owners who wish to provide them with rooms, dwelling units, houses and other accommodations immediately.

Program application forms will go live on HHFDC’s website, https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/, at 8 a.m. tomorrow, Monday, Aug. 14, 2023. A list of available properties should be online by Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023. The program will remain active indefinitely.

HHFDC staff is in the process of contacting landowners, landlords and management companies to encourage them to participate, in order to create a base inventory of available units on Maui and other islands across the state.

Governor Green is urging individual homeowners to consider joining the program by opening up their unoccupied living spaces as well.

“This is a critical situation and time is of the essence,” Governor Green said. “I am asking the people of Hawaiʻi to consider making this significant sacrifice to help our neighbors, many of whom have lost everything they owned in a matter of minutes. Letʻs show the rest of the world the meaning of aloha.”

More than 1,000 families and individuals lost their homes due to this week’s tragedy. “We are going to need to house thousands of people,” Governor Green said. “It’s our intent to initially seek 2,000 rooms so that we can quickly get housing for those who are displaced and in need of a home. We are asking folks in the community to rent out those extra rooms, the ‘ohana units or accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in their homes, vacation rentals, or whatever safe and secure rooms they have available,” he said.

HHFDC Interim Executive Director Dean Minakami said his staff will continue to gather information and make it available to the public as needed.

“The program website will feature an online portal form for landlords to list any available units they may have,” Minakami said. “Once staff verifies the validity of theunits, the information for those units is being placed in a database which will be available to those who have lost their homes or been displaced from their houses due to damage.”

For those without access to the internet, a telephone hotline (808-587-0469) has been established where landlords, property managers, homeowners ordisplaced residents may contact HHFDC staff for assistance or questions about the program. Staff will be available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, including weekends. The public may also email staff at [email protected].

A list of responses to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the program will also available on the HHFDC website.

The program is designed to act as a referral service only. It is up to the landlords and rental agents and the displaced residents to reach terms on rental arrangements and there is no obligation for any party to accept an arrangement. Landlords who rent units to eligible residents displaced by the fires may be eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency and/or state funds. More details will be released as they become available.

Crews working to restore power to 5,000 affected customers on Maui
Update: 1 p.m., Aug. 13, 2023

Hawaiian Electric restoration crews have brought back online more than 60% of customers who have been without electricity since Tuesday. Crews are continuing work to restore approximately 5,000 customers in West Maui and Upcountry. The customer outage count has not been adjusted downward to account for structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

In West Maui, Hawaiian Electric’s response efforts today are focusing on restoring power to areas of Olowalu, Lahainaluna, and remaining affected pockets of Kāʻanapali, and Nāpili. Yesterday, crews completed installation of a mobile substation at the Lahainaluna substation. The mobile unit is expected to help restore power today to customers in the neighboring subdivision, which includes homes, schools and county water facilities.

In Upcountry, crews are also repairing neighborhood circuits and individual service lines, while verifying that customers’ electrical connecting points are safe to use so the remaining customers in these affected areas can be restored. On Saturday, crews completed the restoration of the Haleakalā crater line, which is another essential portion of the island’s system. 

Hawaiian Electric response efforts include 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.

On Saturday, Hawaiian Electric restored additional circuits in West Maui, picking up customers in the Kā‘anapali Coast area, including the hotels, resorts and condominiums. State and Maui County officials are working with participating hotels and resorts to provide rooms for displaced residents who have been in shelters since the fire.

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. 

As a reminder, customers affected in West Maui and parts of Upcountry have received notifications that bills and payment collections are currently on hold. For 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

Hawaiian Telcom preparing to launch community WiFi on Maui 
Update: 11:59 a.m.

Hawaiian Telcom teams report they are making progress in restoring phone and internet to customers on Maui whose services were impacted by the wildfires as areas are deemed safe to access.

Connectivity has been restored to about 10,000 customers in Kula and Makawao, and to several cell sites in Hosmer Grove. 

Hawaiian Telcom continues to coordinate with county, state and federal officials to provide phone and community WiFi services to assist the community on Maui. Phone service is now available at the shelter at the War Memorial Gym and Hawaiian Telcom is working to install 1 gigabit speed fiber internet service via WiFi. Hawaiian Telcom technicians are also working to add phone and WiFi service at the shelter at the Kīhei Gym.

Customers in areas such as Lahaina, Nāpili, and Kā‘anapali can request to have calls to their Hawaiian Telcom landline numbers forwarded free of charge to another phone number. Customers can call a new toll-free number created to assist Maui residents: (808) 643-MAUI (6284) or click here to submit an online request. The company is also working to pause billing charges for customers affected by the wildfires.

Hawaiian Telcom created hawaiiantel.com/maui on its website that includes information on Maui service disruptions, restoration updates and support as well as information about an employee-spearheaded collection of needed items and a link to donate funds to support Maui.

Maui customers are encouraged to continue to keep non-essential calls to a minimum to ensure that lines can remain open for emergency purposes. Cell phone users are encouraged to text instead of call when possible.

For safety, please avoid downed lines as they could be active electric lines that are dangerous to touch. Moving them could also hamper restoration efforts. To report fallen utility poles or cables or contact the customer support team, please call 808-643-6111 or visit hawaiiantel.com/supportform.

Unsafe water advisory issued for Upper Kula and Lahaina areas affected by wildfires
Update: 11:02 a.m., Aug. 13, 2023

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply is issuing an unsafe water alert for areas of Upper Kula and Lahaina affected by wildfires. As a precaution, customers in those areas are advised not to drink and not to boil their water. Instead of tap water, customers are advised to use only bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice and preparing food.

The advisory is in effect until further notice.

Failure to follow this advisory could result in illness, according to the department and state Department of Health. Due to the wildfires, structures were destroyed and some areas of the water system lost pressure. Those conditions may have caused harmful contaminants, including benzene and other volatile organic chemicals, to enter the water system.

Customers are advised to:

• Limit the use of hot water
• Limit shower and bathing time and use lukewarm water and a ventilated area
• Use a dishwasher to wash dishes and use the air dry setting
• Wash clothing in cold water
• Avoid using clothes dryers
• Not use hot tubs or swimming pools
• Not use ice from automatic ice makers
• Use proper ventilation when using water indoors

For more information, call 808-270-7550.

Effective today, Sunday, Aug. 13, Kaiser Permanente’s Mobile Health Vehicle will provide first aid at the Lahaina Gateway to members and non-members at no cost. The Mobile Health Vehicle will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., no appointment necessary. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente will have first aid stations at the Hyatt Regency Lahaina and Nāpili Plaza from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., no appointment necessary. More information is available at kp.org/hawaii.  

For prescription refills, members can visit kp.org/pharmacy or call 808-643-7979. Pharmacy locations at our Maui Lani or Wailuku medical offices. 

1. Maui Lani Medical Office pharmacy: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
2. Wailuku Medical Office pharmacy: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. (Closed from noon to 1 p.m.) 

We are taking immediate action to minimize any impact on our members’ health care. Patient care services have been redirected to virtual platforms and to our Maui Lani and Wailuku Medical Offices during this time.  

As our community continues to come to grips with the emotional impact of this disaster, Kaiser Permanente is offering critical mental health and addiction services and resources. Members do not need a referral to access behavioral health care at Kaiser Permanente: 

Call us Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 

• Maui and other Neighbor Islands: 
  1-888-945-7600 
• Oahu: 808-432-7600 

For after-hours care, call the Crisis Line of Hawaii: 

• Maui and other Neighbor Islands: 
  1-800-753-6879 
• Oahu: 808-832-3100 

For 24/7 advice, call: 

• 1-833-833-3333 (TTY 711) 

Hawaii CARES 988 

Hawaii CARES 988 is a 24/7, free support service for help with crisis, mental health, and substance abuse. If you need mental health-related or addiction crisis support, or are worried about someone else, you can also call or text 988 (TTY 711) or visit the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline’s chat for free, confidential support with a trained crisis counselor. The lifeline is provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 

King’s Cathedral Maui continues to shelter and provide needs to all affected​​
6:16 a.m., Aug. 13, 2023

King’s in Kahului remains open to shelter and provide basic needs for individuals and families affected by Maui’s wildfires. Since Tuesday, over 700 people sheltered in the church’s building and parking lot. Reception is located under the white tents on the Zippy’s side; anyone seeking shelter or assistance may register 24/7. 

The church has partnered with nationwide organizations such as City Serve, Convoy of Hope, Mercy Chefs, Samaritan’s Purse, and many more, as well as local companies like Lowe’s Hawaii and Mauna Loa Helicopters.

Today, the ministry is focusing its efforts on forward deployment and establishing a basecamp and distribution center in Lahaina.  As their operation continues to evolve, the church asks that those wishing to donate clothing please standby as they shift their capacity to accommodate consumables, food, and supplies specific toward their mobilization effort. Please refer to the most up to date donation needs list on their website. 

There are volunteers that have come from all across the island and state— over 150 volunteers daily.  New volunteers should register via the church website and wait to be contacted for their shift assignment prior to arriving on site. Church services will go on as planned this weekend in all of the King’s campuses, with the exception of our Lahaina chapel which was lost in the fire.

Registration and donation drop off may be limited or temporarily unavailable during times of worship services (Sundays at 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 6 p.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. 

For more information visit kingscathedral.com or call the church office at 808-871-7311.

HMSA partner Carelon Behavioral Health to provide free counseling services for Maui
Update: 7:42 a.m., Aug. 13, 2023

The Hawai‘i Medical Service Association’s partner, Carelon Behavioral Health, is offering free counseling services to support anyone affected by the wildfires on Maui. People in need can call the dedicated support line at 1-800-580-6934. 

“We are working with the entire health care community to stand united in this effort to help Maui recover and rebuild,” said Stefanie Park, M.D., vice president, chief medical officer, HMSA. “This disaster has been traumatic for so many people and we encourage anyone in need of mental health support to reach out and take advantage of this free service.”

For those in need of mental assistance, Carelon Behavioral Health counselors are available 24/7 to listen to concerns and help solve problems during this challenging time. Counselors will help callers manage their stress and assist by determining next steps they can take to care for themselves and their families.

Carelon® is an independent company providing behavioral health utilization management and quality improvement services on behalf of HMSA. For more information and updates, visit hmsa.com. 

My Pet is Missing, What do I do?
Update: 7:40 a.m., Aug. 12, 2023

The fastest way that pets will be reunited with their owners is by FILING A LOST PET REPORT. This will allow us to match owners with their pets as they come through our doors as strays or we are able to rescue them in Lahaina and Kula.

As many people in Lahaina do not have access to internet, please advise them to use our FILE A LOST PET HOTLINE by calling 808-877-3680 ext. 9 and someone will file it for them. If they are unable to speak to a person, advise them to leave a message with their name and number, and MHS staff/volunteers will call them back. Please note, this hotline should only be used for filing lost pet reports.

Lost reports with images are automatically uploaded to PetcoLoveLost.com, which allows facial recognition to be matched between lost and found pet.

County fire/response evening update
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 Lahaina 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

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 Lahaina Small Boat Harbor on Maui and the Mānele Small Boat Harbor on Lānaʻi but numerous burned and sunken vessels and debris in the water at Lahaina 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 Lahaina 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.”