Governor’s Office releases ‘The Hawaiʻi We Deserve’ policy report
The Office of Gov. Josh Green has released ‘The Hawai‘i We Deserve’ policy report, which is presented as a comprehensive outline of the Green Administration’s plans to confront key issues facing the state of Hawai‘i.
Island Grocery Depot Lahaina is open Sundays again starting this week
Island Grocery Depot Lahaina, located at 58 Kupuohi Street in the Lahaina Industrial Park, will be open seven days a week again, with the return of Sunday hours starting this Sunday, March 24. Store hours are now 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at both Lahaina and Kahului locations.
Hawaiʻi Attorney General to release ‘Phase One’ report on Maui wildfire investigation, April 17
Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez confirms the Phase One report on the independent investigation into the Maui wildfires will be released on April 17, 2024.
Pacific Whale Foundation mobilizes global support for Maui recovery
Pacific Whale Foundation, a Maui-based nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation, started two separate funds in response to the August 2023 wildfires on Maui: the PWF Maui Community Relief Fund and the PWF Maui Conservation Fund. These funds are designed to provide crucial assistance to the community and ocean.
Mayor Bissen delivers 2024 State of the County Address; Rent stabilization, illegal short-term rental enforcement among priorities
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, Jr. delivered his 2024 State of the County Address on Friday evening from the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. During his address, the mayor focused on wildfire recovery efforts and discussed housing solutions as the county continues to find its way through the rebuilding process and economic recovery following the August 2023 wildfires.
FEMA reopens disaster response program to include COFA citizens
In response to a letter from Hawaii delegates, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced it is reopening enrollment for the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to include Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens impacted by the Maui wildfires.
DHHL, CNHA launch relief program to support Native Hawaiian families impacted by Maui, Big Island fires
The DHHL Wildfire Relief Program, a direct response to the ongoing hardships faced by Native Hawaiian families residing on Hawaiian Home Lands, will offer up to six-months of rental and utility relief to eligible individuals and families. In the wake of the wildfires, this initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens that have arisen, enabling affected families to regain their stability and rebuild their lives.
Memorial consultant to speak at the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, April 2
Memorial consultant, Greg Miller will be the speaker at the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset meeting on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Miller will share the overview of the process and steps involved in the San Diego Surfer’s Memorial. He currently serves as the advisor of the Lahaina Town Fire Memorial.
Kauaʻi Mayor Kawakami shares budget goals in wake of Maui wildfires
In Kauaʻi County’s efforts to reduce fire risk and fuel sources, Mayor Kawakami announced this year’s budget will include $2.7 million in heavy equipment for Kauaʻi road crews to help manage vegetation, and added $1.5 million to cover costs to clear brush and large debris from county properties. The Kaua‘i Fire Department will also acquire two water tenders and a brush fire-fighting apparatus to enhance fire response.
Lahaina Cannery reopens 7 months after August wildfires on March 18
After a closure of seven and a half months since the August wildfires, Lahaina Cannery announced it is reopening its doors to Maui residents and visitors on Monday, March 18, 2024.
County Office of Recovery shares updates on sewer line, drinking water inspections, deferred properties
The County of Maui Office of Recovery shared several updates for residents including progress made on deferred properties and sewer and water line inspections, and two new community engagement events.
Sen. McKelvey thanks President Biden for signing bill allowing COFA migrants to access emergency aid
In response to the August 2023 Wildfires, Sen. Angus McKelvey (District 6, West Maui, Māʻalaea, Waikapū, South Maui) introduced Senate Concurrent Resolution 223, urging the United States Congress to pass legislation that would allow COFA migrants to benefit from federal emergency aid.
HI-EMA announces new housing eligibility policy for Lahaina fire-displaced residents
A survivor in NCS seeking support for the FEMA-eligible program will have four opportunities to accept their Direct Housing option. Meanwhile, survivors in non-congregate sheltering seeking support through the state of Hawaiʻi’s Housing solution will be given two opportunities to accept an option. The state’s plan is to ultimately wrap up its NCS program.
House passes state FY2025 budget, prioritizes Maui wildfire related expenses
The state House of Representatives on Wednesday approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 operating and capital improvement budget, amid a fiscally challenging year that prioritizes addressing wildfire-related expenses after the Aug. 8 tragedy in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui.
Hirono, Hawaiʻi delegation urge FEMA to reopen Disaster Response Program to include COFA citizens
US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) along with Hawaiʻi colleagues, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-HI), and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI) are urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator, Deanne Criswell, to reopen the enrollment for the Individuals and Households Program to include Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens.
American Savings Bank contributes $135K, and service volunteer hours for wildfire survivors
American Savings Bank and its teammates have contributed more than $135,000 and 600 Seeds of Service volunteer hours to aid those impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires.
Hirono, Hawaiʻi delegation urge IRS to extend 2023 federal tax deadline for Maui wildfire survivors
US Sen. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) led the Hawaiʻi Congressional delegation in urging the Internal Revenue Service Commissioner, Danny Werfel, to extend the 2023 federal tax filing and payment deadlines for individuals and businesses impacted by the Maui wildfires.
Mixed feelings: Old Lahaina Lūʻau employees ready to make new memories as it reopens
Sitting at the edge of scorched Lahaina Town and makai of the Lahaina Cannery Mall, the Old Lahaina Lūʻau reopens to tourism for the first time since the Aug. 8 wildfire.
11 Lahaina students depart for Japan this week as part of Tomodachi Kibou for Maui
Tomodachi Kibou for Maui, a new Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi program is preparing to depart for Higashimatsushima, Miyagi, Japan with 11 students who were impacted by the Lahaina wildfires on Maui in August 2023.
EPA completes 17 miles of sewer line inspection; continues sampling drinking water lines impacted by Maui wildfires
EPA evaluated all 97,749 linear feet of lateral sanitary sewer lines in approximately one month. Sewer segments that were inaccessible, damaged, or obstructed were flagged for the county for additional assessment and work.