Maui architect David Sellers to receive humanitarian award for Lahaina rebuilding
Maui architect David Sellers will receive the Gordon Bradley Humanitarian Award for his recovery efforts in Lahaina during the second annual Huakaʻi Awards Gala.
County of Maui Office of Recovery to hold special permitting workshop for commercial property owners
The County of Maui Office of Recovery invites commercial property owners who lost property in Lahaina during the 2023 Maui wildfires to attend a dedicated commercial permitting workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Morgado Hall at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului.
County secures $2M grant from National Park Service to support Lahaina Royal Complex
The County of Maui Department of ʻŌiwi Resources has secured $2 million in highly competitive federal funding through a grant awarded by the National Park Service.
Factory-built housing bill stirs debate: Cost versus durability for wildfire survivor housing
The Maui County Council passed a bill on first reading Friday that would allow for factory-built housing in the Lahaina burn zone, a measure intended to accelerate housing recovery for survivors of the August 2023 wildfires.
Mayor Bissen: Maui’s wildfire recovery shifts gears to housing delivery and infrastructure investment
Mayor Richard Bissen told state lawmakers Monday that his administration has shifted its focus from immediate wildfire recovery to housing delivery and large-scale infrastructure investments, forecasting the construction of approximately 3,000 affordable and workforce homes by 2030.
Lights for Lahaina to be featured at Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset meeting, Feb. 3
Three members of the Aloha Amplified, Inc. board were selected as featured speakers at the upcoming, Feb. 3, 2026 meeting of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset. Speakers will share highlights and plans for the upcoming Lights for Lahaina 2026 event, which is expanding into a two-day gathering. Board of Directors presenters include Wilmont “Kamaunu” Kahaiali‘i, Linn Nishikawa and Lori Nishikawa.
Council to hold hearing on Lahaina building heights bill
The Maui County Council will accept public testimony next month regarding proposed changes to building height limits for new construction within the Lahaina National Historic Landmark District.
County pioneers ‘Maui Method’ for safe disposal of hazardous lithium-ion batteries
A new protocol for disposing of damaged lithium-ion batteries, developed by Maui County officials in the wake of the 2023 wildfires, is now being recommended by federal regulators as a preferred standard for handling such hazardous waste. Known as the “Maui Method,” the process involves submerging damaged batteries — specifically those from electric and hybrid […]
FEMA temporary housing assistance extended to February 2027 for wildfire survivors
Federal housing assistance for Maui wildfire survivors has been extended through February 2027, providing relief to nearly 1,000 households that were facing an impending cutoff.
Updates to Maui County’s CDBG program available for public review
Proposed updates to Maui County’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery Action Plan are now available to view on the Hoʻokumu Hou website. This is the official online site for the Office of Recovery Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program.
$8 million released for Lahaina Harbor wharf reconstruction
State officials have released $8 million in capital improvement program funds to reconstruct the outer marginal wharf at the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor. State Sen. Angus McKelvey announced the release Friday. McKelvey represents West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū and South Maui. “I want to thank the governor for his expedient release of these funds,” McKelvey said. […]
FEMA extension uncertain; Mayor urges wildfire survivors to take alternate housing, if available
With the end of temporary federal emergency assistance now set for the end of next month, Mayor Richard Bissen advised Lahaina wildfire survivors Wednesday night to take a permanent housing alternative, if available.
A Fire-Resilient Landscape Guide for Lahaina and West Maui
Surfrider Foundation, Pacific Fire Exchange, and Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization, have released Re-planting After Fire: A Fire-Resilient Landscape Guide for Lahaina & West Maui — a new, free resource created specifically for the Lahaina and West Maui community.
Maui County Federal Credit Union reopens Lahaina Branch
Maui County Federal Credit Union announced the reopening of its Lahaina Branch at 270 Lahainaluna Road on Jan. 12, 2026, marking a meaningful return to its home in Lahaina. Its temporary location at the Fairway Shops in Kāʻanapali at 2580 Kekaʻa Drive, Suite 117, closes permanently on Jan. 9, 2026.
Rental assistance may be available to wildfire survivors
Maui Economic Opportunity would like 2023 wildfire survivors to be aware that short- and long-term rental assistance for up to four months may be available through the Maui Relief TANF Program/Maui Relief Program for Wildfire Disaster Survivors.
Restoration now complete at Olowalu temporary wildfire debris storage site
USACE led the major operation requiring clearance of roughly 400,000 tons of wildfire debris. Debris transfer to the temporary Olowalu site, adjacent to a former landfill, from the devastating 2023 wildfires began in January 2024. The transfer from the TDS to the Permanent Disposal Site in Central Maui began June 16, 2025.
Nonprofit Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group marks 1st anniversary
One year after its establishment as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group is marking a milestone in its efforts to support survivors of the August 2023 wildfires.
With FEMA housing deadline for Lahaina fire survivors 39 days away, state officials hope for an extension
In 39 days, those types of gatherings will not be possible for the 1,475 individuals still in FEMA-funded housing on Maui if the deadline is not extended. In November, the state requested a 12-month extension to the current deadline.
Draft guidelines aim to streamline complex rebuilding in Lahaina’s business district
The draft guidelines are the latest effort by the county to move forward with rebuilding in the town’s business district, which overlaps a sensitive historic area that has seen little activity since the August 2023 wildfires.
PUC approves Hawaiian Electric Wildfire Mitigation Plan, completes Wildfire Recovery Fund Study
The Public Utilities Commission today approved Hawaiian Electric’s 2025-2027 Wildfire Mitigation Plan and completed a comprehensive study on whether to establish a wildfire recovery fund.
