Maui wildfires one year later: Council members share in uplifting West Maui and Upcountry communities

Maui County Council members held space on Thursday for reflection and solace in honor of the West Maui and Upcountry communities following the August 2023 wildfires.

Council Chair Alice L. Lee said the one-year anniversary of the wildfires was one of many times Maui County residents have gathered to support and uplift each other. Remembrance events will continue through Sunday. More information can be found at kuhiniamaui.org.

“My colleagues and I stand with the community during this difficult time and will continue to uphold our responsibilities as local legislators to support Maui County,” said Lee, who holds the seat for the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū area. “I would like to thank the residents, organizations, agencies, businesses and donors who play a big role in our continued effort to provide relief to our loved ones.”

“Yesterday, we paused to remember those who have lost their lives and to express our deep sorrow for their absence,” said Council Member Tamara Paltin, who holds the seat for the West Maui residency area. “But, even amid the ashes, we also acknowledged the strength that emerged from this tragedy.”

One of the remembrance activities for the Lahaina wildfire included a paddle-out ceremony at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park. Council Member Keani N.W. Rawlins-Fernandez of Molokaʻi attended the event and described it as “an opportunity to kapu kai in the ocean together, consoling and lifting each other’s spirits on such a heavy day.”

“The organizers did a beautiful job in inviting Hōkūleʻa to join Maui’s Moʻokiha and Manaiakalani—our cultural symbols of hope and reemergence—and showered everyone with flowers from a helicopter in remembrance of the lives lost,” Rawlins-Fernandez said.

Presiding Officer Pro Tempore Kama, who holds the seat for the Kahului area, reflected on last year, saying that she “feels so proud that our island community is comprised of such resilient people.”

“Their strength to problem solve, their faith and trust in one another and their ‘hiki nō’ attitude is an unwavering commitment to rebuilding Maui,” Kama said.

“We lost many family members and dear friends,” said Council Member Shane M. Sinenci of East Maui. “Yesterday was very emotional, and seeing an overwhelming support from the Maui community was very inspiring.”

Vice-Chair Yuki Lei K. Sugimura, who holds the council seat for the Upcountry area, attended the Upcountry Aloha Luncheon yesterday in Pukalani.

“Yesterday’s gathering in Upcountry was a reminder that we are not alone as we continue our recovery and rebuild,” Sugimura said. “With our federal, state and county partners, and most importantly, our neighbors, we are in this together.”

Council Member Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins, who holds the Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia seat on the council, also attended the luncheon.

“The Upcountry Aloha remembrance event was a heartfelt occasion that brought the community together to honor and reflect on its resilience,” Uʻu-Hodgins said. “It was marked by moving tributes and a profound sense of unity among all who attended.”

“We must never forget the tragedy of the Maui wildfires,” said Council Member Gabe Johnson of Lānaʻi. “The lessons learned on that day are ones we must put into practice to make our communities safe and thrive for our next generation.”

“Yesterday marked the anniversary of an immense loss for Maui, but it also serves to remind us going forward of the need to hold tight to and treasure our time with the people dearest to us,” Council Member Tom Cook of South Maui said.

“Together, we are not just rebuilding our homes, but reinforcing the very spirit of our islands. Here’s to the strength of Lahaina, Kula and Maui—strong, united and unwavering.”

This spring, the Maui County Council completed the fiscal year 2025 budget—which included funding for wildfire recovery, improvements to emergency response, support for affordable housing and economic development and water and environmental protection. The allotted funding toward the grants, projects and initiatives are in preparation for a future focused on recovery, said Lee.