Hawaiian Electric deploys AI video cameras for early detection of wildfire ignitions; First station is in Lahaina, Maui
Hawaiian Electric recently installed the first camera station in Lahaina and has plans to deploy a total of 78 stations in elevated fire risk areas on the five islands served by the company, with each location having two cameras to provide a full 360-degree view. The camera feeds will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
AIA National President and CEO urge mayor to appoint chief architect in first Maui visit
This June, the local Maui and Honolulu chapters of AIA (American Institute of Architects), including AIA Maui President and Principal Architect at Hawaiʻi Off Grid David Sellers, welcomed AIA National President Kimberly Dowdell and AIA National CEO Laksiha Ann Woods to Hawaii. The visit to the AIA Hawaii chapters was its first in over 20 years.
Crater Road Fire, a bird’s eye view: Stamping out hot spots in rough terrain
Lance DeSilva, Forest Management Supervisor, DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife said he hopes to get things settled down by Wednesday, “But we’ll stay out here as long as we have to,” he said.
Maui businesses share stories of resilience after Lahaina wildfire disaster
With the one-year anniversary of the Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires drawing near, business owners are pausing to reflect on their resilience and ability to withstand adversity, including losses of life, property and livelihood.
Rotary club reflects on December Christmas event on Maui
The Rotary District of Hawaiʻi (D5000) contributed $10,000 to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation to shift a “winter wonderland” event in December from its usual location at the Lahaina Banyan Tree to the Royal Lahaina Resort in Kāʻanapali.
University of Hawaiʻi researchers launch study of Lahaina wildfire and its impact on residents
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa researchers are undertaking a five-year, $3.8 million study of government’s response to the Lahaina wildfire disaster and its impact on residents.
Upcountry council member praises organization in command and evacuation plan for Crater Road fire
Maui Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura, who represents the Upcountry area says the anxiety for residents near the Haleakalā Crater Road fire is heightened due to their prior experience with the destructive wildfires in 2023. Sugimura commented on the structure and organization in determining potential evacuations, saying, “They are doing a lot more than we ever knew a year ago.”
Remembrance Rides set this month for wildfire survivors to see recovery efforts
Lahaina wildfire survivors will have an opportunity to participate in a Remembrance Ride to see recovery efforts for their beloved town within weeks of the one-year anniversary of the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire disaster.
Haleakalā Crater Road fire update: How incident command and situational awareness have evolved since Maui’s wildfires last August
Firefighters battling the Haleakalā Crater Road fire have been challenged by difficult terrain, lava fields on the mauka side of the fire, soft soil when cutting firebreaks, swirling winds and low humidity. Maui fire officials note that while each fire is different, they have identified new technologies and organization that have helped to keep agencies better connected.
‘Kīpuni Aloha No Maui’ Live Statewide Broadcast Wins National Award
Akakū Maui Community Media, along with sister access stations ‘Ōlelo on Oahu, Hō’ike on Kaua’i and Nā Leo on Hawai’i Island, won two Hometown Media Awards at the Alliance for Community Media national conference in San Jose, California in late June, for a collaborative effort to broadcast a statewide vigil following the Aug. 8. 2023 Maui wildfires.
Maui’s Non-Congregate Sheltering program for wildfire survivors concludes at hotels
The state of Hawaiʻi announced the successful conclusion of its Non-Congregate Sheltering program, which provided critical shelter and assistance to 7,796 individuals and 3,071 households displaced by the Lahaina wildfires. This program was managed by the state and the American Red Cross (ARC) and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Officials offer Haleakalā Crater Road fire updates, mental health resources for residents
“On the brink of our one-year anniversary of our island’s wildfires, I realize as a community we are experiencing many different emotions, and any fire can be a very concerning and distressing situation for many of us,” Mayor Bissen said. “I want to assure you that the County and the State are collectively working together to maximize resources and most importantly, keep our community safe. The safety of our community is of the utmost importance, and I encourage everyone to remain calm and continue to monitor the situation.”
‘It’s triggering’: Kula residents keep a wary eye on Crater Road fire amid memories of last year’s blaze
“It’s distressing to all of us, even if it’s not coming right in our nearest vicinity, it’s still triggering, as it would be for anybody, either in Lahaina or Kula, that went through what we went through last year,” said Melissa James of The Ohana Animal Inn in Kula.
Nearly one-year after Lahaina wildfires: debris clearance at 88%, more than two dozen permits issued to rebuild
Gov. Josh Green provided an update on the ongoing Maui wildfire recovery as the one year mark nears on Aug. 8, 2023. As of July 5, 2024, the state had cleared all individuals from the non-congregate sheltering (NCS) program at hotels; however, there were still 62 families that were finalizing their arrangements with the federal government to transition into longer-term housing. That’s down from the 3,071 families that were being accommodated in hotels in the aftermath of the wildfires.
Maui Fire Department, ATF officials clarify timeline and process for Lahaina wildfire cause and origin report
Officials with the Maui Fire Department and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded today to media inquiries about the timeline and process for releasing information on the cause and origin of the Aug. 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire.
FEMA seeks vendors for temporary housing maintenance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is seeking vendors for group site maintenance and maintenance/repairs on FEMA-owned modular housing units being used as temporary housing for individuals and families displaced by the Maui wildfires.
Gov. Green signs budget; identifies healing and resilience for Maui among top priorities
“This budget makes historical investments in affordable housing, health care, climate and education – all of our big priority areas as a state. It will provide over $200 million for Maui’s recovery efforts through the Major Disaster Fund. In addition to what is funded in the budget, we passed historical tax reform this session which will put more money into the pockets of local families to combat inflation,” said Green.
Wednesday Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting to be held in Lahaina Civic Center gym
Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Weekly Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, in the Lahaina Civic Center gymnasium.
Gov. Green finalizes veto decisions and signs 10 bills into law
Gov. Josh Green, M.D., issued his final veto decisions today after additional analysis and input from stakeholders. Of the 17 bills on his original Intent to Veto List, Green issued seven vetoes. He signed four bills after issuing line-item reductions, and six bills were signed into law.
Rotary D5000 Foundation, Maui Fires Relief Fund offers laundry service at Puʻuhonua o Nēnē shelter
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset successfully secured a $7,200 grant from the Rotary D5000 Foundation Maui Fires Relief Fund to provide six months of laundry service for the Puʻuhonua o Nēnē shelter in Central Maui.