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According to PDC, as of Aug. 11, 2023, damage assessments related to the Lahaina Fire resulted in an estimated total of 2,719 structures exposed; 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed; and 2,170 acres burned. 86% of buildings exposed to the fire were classified as residential. 

“We’re told we won’t be seeing power for about two months in Lahaina, and the system to be rebuilt is going to take years. Our whole town is completely gone. It’s hard to understand, but that’s the reality.” — Kaipo Kekona, West Maui

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.

Microsoft’s AI for Good Research Lab has collaborated with the American Red Cross and Planet to employ advanced AI solutions in assessing the damage caused by the Lahaina wildfire.

With power being restored to more areas of West Maui, County of Maui updates on the wildfire disaster will be aired on Maui radio stations once a day at noon. It was previously aired at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m.

Mā‘alaea Harbor was busy this afternoon are Maui residents gathered supplies and loaded them into boats to send over to people still in Lāhainā following a wildfire that ripped through the old Hawaiian fishing village.

A Family Assistance Center is open at Kahului Community Center for family members who are looking for information about loved ones who are unaccounted for and may be affected by the wildfires on Maui. The center at 275 Uhu St. is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday. Hours after Friday have not been set.

Amidst the ongoing wildfires in Maui, NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) steps in as a reliable tool, utilizing real-time data from satellite imagery to assist in tracking the progression of the fires.

As firefighting efforts continue, two additional fatalities have been confirmed this evening amid the active Lahaina fire. This brings the death toll to 55 people. FEMA assistance is available:  If you are impacted by the fires in Hawaiʻi, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App for more information on available resources.

Legendary Mick Fleetwood and his House of Rumours band highlight a week of fabulous concerts and Hawaiian festivals on Maui. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

A devastating wildfire sparked by gusty winds from a passing hurricane, left Maui’s Lahaina Town in an unrecognizable state. The popular tourist destination in the historic district of West Maui was described in media reports as being “flattened by fire” with businesses gutted and cars abandoned, leaving charred trees along a now shadeless and shambled path. Remaining is an ashy imprint of a moment in time, captured in these photos of what is now a present day reality.

Hawaiian Airlines is extending its operations today with three additional late-night flights to Honolulu from Kahului to help evacuate travelers affected by brush fires on Maui. The new flights were timed to meet travelers expected to arrive at Kahului via Maui County buses. Flights are scheduled to depart Kahului starting at 11:10 p.m. today through 2 a.m. tomorrow. Hawaiian earlier today added six extra flights between Honolulu and Kahului to accommodate departures out of Maui, as well as support emergency response efforts. Currently, four extra Kahului-Honolulu flights have been added for tomorrow, Aug. 10.  

As the Maui wildfires continue to impact the community, there are several ways you can contribute to the relief efforts. Here’s how you can make a difference.

Tourist Sarah Adams said she could not “morally or ethically” stay on Maui any longer knowing that she would be using resources that were needed by residents.

The wildfires on Maui have resulted in various business and facility closures, as well as event cancellations. Find our comprehensive list HERE, which is updated regularly.

Acting Governor Sylvia Luke, acting on behalf of Governor Josh Green, M.D., issued an emergency proclamation relating to wildfires in Maui and Hawaiʻi Counties that are being fueled by Hurricane Dora, churning far south of the islands.

Update: 5:33 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023. Honoapiʻilani Highway is open for South Bound Traffic ONLY exiting Lahaina. Honoapiʻilani Highways is open from Kāʻanapali Parkway, up Keawe and onto the Lahaina bypass exiting Lahaina.

Update: 12 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023. Hawaiian Electric is asking for continued patience from affected West Maui and Upcountry customers without power and for affected customers to plan for extended outages as access to many impacted areas is limited due to safety and emergency response concerns.

Funding has been secured for the third and final phase of the Hale O Piʻikea affordable, mixed-use rental housing community in Kīhei. The 223-unit development aims to provide quality, affordable housing options for individuals and families at or below 60% of the Area Median Income.

Update: 10 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023. As firefighting efforts continue, 36 fatalities have been discovered today amid the active Lahaina fire. The 36 total includes the six deaths reported earlier today.