Maui Mayor Bissen issues statement about residents sheltering in hotels due to fires

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen issued the following statement on Friday regarding the residents sheltering in hotels due to the August 8 fires.

“We appreciate the work of the American Red Cross to coordinate the temporary sheltering of over 7,700 residents from more than 3,200 households. We are also grateful for the hotels who not only housed their own employees and their families affected by the disaster, but also housed many of our displaced families as well.

“These arrangements allowed for a transition from large emergency shelters that were set up in gymnasiums and church halls to 39 hotel properties – all providing shelter for individuals and families displaced by the August 8 disaster. With assistance from FEMA and the American Red Cross, the 30-day program began Aug. 15 and extended to 45 days to Sept. 30th.

“I’ve received a number of concerns from our community about the status of those in temporary shelter at a hotel as we approached Sept. 30. I was able to speak today with representatives of American Red Cross, FEMA and the State and confirm for those affected that on Sept. 30, shelter support will continue for those who have completed registering with FEMA and the American Red Cross.

“With the vast majority now registered, the American Red Cross will be able to continue to offer shelter to them. This means that over 2,200 households will either remain in their current accommodations or will be relocated to another hotel property.

“Close to 800 more residents who lost their homes are finalizing their registration with the American Red Cross and FEMA, and over a hundred are pending exemptions now under review. The welfare of those experiencing hardships caused by the disaster is at the forefront of our efforts.

“I encourage residents sheltered in a hotel property who are needing to have their registration status corrected or need help to complete their registration to go directly to the American Red Cross information desk at their hotel. They can also call 1-800-Red-Cross (1-800-733-2767).”