In Case You Missed It

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.

The Live Like Tre’ Foundation announced the launch of its scholarship program in memory of Tre’ Evans-Dumaran, whose life was cut short while serving the community as a firefighter on Maui.

Maui’s Eli Hanneman won the Wallex US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico over standout competitor Crosby Colapinto. Hanneman now jumps to No. 4 on the Challenger Series and is currently qualified for the 2024 Championship Tour with two events remaining to secure his place there.

The Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center introduces two new tenants: Lashsav, a 100% certified vegan eyelash company, will be opening a vending machine next week; and Home Hawaiʻi Design that sells wood home furniture and décor is already open.

Central Maui Senior Little League reached the end of their World Series journey, earning the No. 2 spot in the US. The Maui boys came within one win of the US title and two wins of the World Series title, but fell to Cherry Hill, New Jersey in a 12-2 loss on Friday afternoon.

Even while weakening, Dora is expected to remain a hurricane through the entire 5-day forecast period, according to forecasters with the National Hurricane Center. The National Weather Service advises that “while it should continue to be monitored, guidance shows Dora passing south of the islands.”  Forecasters with the NWS are anticipating limited showers with trade winds becoming strong and gusty on Tuesday.

During a three-day site visit, members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee were met by state officials and community members who delivered presentations on their plans for a range of both Governor’s and Senate priorities, including: economic and workforce development, investments in infrastructure, and the coalescing of a food innovation network. The group also discussed the future of Kahoʻolawe and Kalaupapa.