Maui wildfires one year later: “Imagining something new, but taking the best of what was here before”

State and local government leaders joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency in reflecting upon the one year mark since the Aug. 8, 2023 Maui wildfires. Leaders shared their focus on a shift toward long-term recovery while supporting the community’s resilience as it moves forward.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said he’s proud of our community’s resilience “for hanging in there and having trust in us, and having some patience… to endure.”

“We will go through this right along side them,” said Mayor Richard Bissen in a video interview by FEMA. “I want them to know that we are doing everything possible that we can think of through our partners and through our own resources that we can bring to the table. Our plan is to be with them until they no longer need us.”

Gov. Josh Green, M.D. also shared his thoughts, reflecting on the past year.

“As we pass the one year mark and move deep into the recovery phase, I want everyone who chooses to still live in West Maui to do it. So, I’m accelerating all the recovery. A lot of times it takes, you know, maybe even a decade to rebuild, and that’s too long for a lot of our kūpuna, the elderly individuals on Maui,” said Green.

He expressed optimism saying the state efforts are ahead of schedule. “It’s hard because everyone has different needs, but the housing will be rebuilt, and FEMA has been very supportive. So I’m looking forward to seeing what things look like at two and three years; but for now, we got people’s lives stabilized or back on track. Now a lot of the very hopeful developments will be visible,” he said.

Bob Fenton, FEMA Region 9 Administrator said long-term recovery is a priority. “We want to work with the community to ensure that we support them in their vision for long-term recovery,” he said.

According to Fenton, many of FEMA’s programs are focused not only on building back, but “building back stronger, more resilient and better.”

The process began with community-led meetings to hear issues of community members and incorporate their ideas into what the vision needs to be for the long-term future, according to Fenton.

“FEMA’s commitment to serve and learn from the people of Maui has only grown with time,” said Fenton, noting that FEMA plans to open an office strictly focused on Maui’s long-term recovery.

“Knowing there’s still much to do, learn and heal from, the people of Maui will lead the Lahaina recovery effort, and we will continue to support them for as long as it takes,” said Fenton.

“‘Lahaina i ka malu ʻulu o Lele’ is a beautiful ʻŌlelo noʻeau (wise saying) about these ʻulu trees and their groves, and how they nurture really verdant regrowth, and how it ties in so well with the imaginings of Lahaina being green once more,” said Summer Sylva, FEMA cultural protocol task force lead. “I think that moving forward is about imagining something new, but taking the best of what was here before the fires with us.”

Sylva said she’s grateful that FEMA, state and local partners, and the community have made space for that concept.