State and County leaders reflect on one year mark after Maui wildfires

As the one year mark since the deadly Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires is upon us, state and county leaders reflect upon the loss, recovery and vision for the future.

Maui State Senators Lynn DeCoite (District 7 – Hāna, East and Upcountry Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i, Kaho‘olawe and Molokini), Angus McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui, Mā‘alaea, Waikapū, South Maui), and Troy Hashimoto (District 5 – Wailuku, Kahului, Waihe‘e, Waikapu Mauka, Wai‘ehu), issued a joint statement reflecting on the one year mark.

“Maui has always been a community of aloha, resilience, and hope and as we look back on the tragedies that occurred on Aug. 8, 2023, we see this reflected in the people of Maui. Each and every life lost and survived has a story and a memory. As we continue to heal and move towards rebuilding, we remain committed to each other and to our communities.

Mahalo to the State, the County of Maui, community leaders, volunteers, and our neighbors for coming together in our time of need. While there is much to be done in our long journey to recovery, we see a road ahead full of hope and promise. With the foundation of the generations that came before us, we will rebuild for future generations, with hope, resilience, and aloha, for Maui Nui .”

Hawaiʻi House Speaker Scott K. Saiki shared his thoughts on behalf of the House of Representatives:

“One year later, our hearts remain heavy as we remember the lives lost, the families impacted, and the communities affected by the devastating August 8 wildfires. The House stands committed to supporting ongoing recovery efforts for our Maui ʻohana, and our shared dedication to prioritizing the needs of Maui residents remains unwavering.”

Rep. Kyle Yamashita (D-12 Upcountry Maui) reflected on the past year: “From the Aug. 8 tragedy, one truth has emerged: our Maui community is resilient and strong. We are deeply grateful to our state, county, and federal partners for their steadfast support throughout this past year. As we continue wildfire recovery efforts, we know there is much more work to be continued. Prioritizing the rehabilitation of our communities, restoring shelter for local families, providing economic support, ensuring safe drinking water, and addressing the mental health needs of our communities is imperative.”

The County of Maui posted a message via social media this morning saying: “Today marks one year since the devastating wildfires swept through Maui. As we continue to heal and rebuild, let us honor those we lost, and be proud of the progress we have made. We are dedicated to rebuilding our beloved Lahaina, restoring homes, and creating a future that reflects the dreams and desires of our people—a lasting home for generations to come. United, we will continue to move forward.”

Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura shared her thoughts in an email to area residents. “As we mark the one-year anniversary of the August 2023 wildfires and windstorms that devastated Maui, I want to send my sincere aloha to all that have rallied together to help one another over the past 12 months,” she said. “We continue to remember and honor all those that were lost during the terrible tragedy, while still finding strength in how our community has come together. I am forever grateful for the kindness, generosity and perseverance demonstrated by so many during this trying time.”

Beginning today, Kuhinia Maui, with the County of Maui, hosts a series of events to pay tribute through a week of remembrance. These events are intended to honor those impacted and to provide a space for community members to come together for fellowship. Information on these events can be viewed at kuhiniamaui.org.

Today, Aug. 8, the County hosts a “Paddle Out” and ocean gathering from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in waters off Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park across from the Lahaina Civic Center. Shuttle details and Hanaka‘ō‘ō drop-off instructions are posted at KuhiniaMaui.org. For air safety and to respect privacy, no drones are allowed.

An “Upcountry Aloha Luncheon,” is also planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 8, at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. This event provides a space for residents of Upcountry Maui to gather in recognition of community resiliency during and in the aftermath of the Aug. 8 wildfires that also impacted Upcountry. If you wish to attend, you must reserve a spot on the Google Form here.

“Over the past year, we have witnessed extraordinary acts of kindness, courage, and solidarity,” Council Member Nohe Uʻu-Hodgins said in an email to constituents. “Our community has come together to support one another in ways that exemplify the true essence of aloha. These commemoration events are a tribute to that spirit and a reminder of the power we hold when we stand united.”

The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety will be honoring the lives lost during the Aug. 2023 wildfires with a moment of silence at 2:55 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2024. The moment of silence will last for 102 seconds in honor of the confirmed lives lost.