Imua Family Services is planning a new preschool in Wailuku for children displaced by the August wildfires on Maui.

Time is winding down for homeowners and renters to apply for FEMA disaster assistance if they had damage or losses to their property from the August wildfires on Maui. Applicants may also seek approval for a disaster loan from the US Small Business Administration, a FEMA partner in Maui’s recovery. For both federal agencies, the deadline to apply is Monday, Dec. 11.

Both visitor arrivals and visitor spending declined for the third straight month compared to 2022, as Hawaiʻi’s visitor industry continued to feel the impact of the August Lahaina wildfires, according to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

In the aftermath of Maui’s Lahaina wildfire, the University of Hawai‘i will use $519,000 in USDA grants to fund research projects that aim to reinforce Hawai‘i’s agriculture against disasters and address the health risks of toxic chromium.

An outreach event to reach noncitizen families with dependent children, who could be eligible for Maui Relief TANF Program benefits, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10, in Lahaina.

The purpose of the Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is specifically to help survivors of the Maui wildfires who are not eligible for FEMA assistance. RAP will work to secure housing for up to 12 months for eligible households by connecting them with Airbnb or through the Hawai‘i Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) Hawai‘i Fire Relief Housing Program.

The national nonprofit Operation HOPE continues to have offices in Kīhei and Lahaina to help survivors and businesses affected by the Maui wildfires.

County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents with vehicle passes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting, beginning Monday, Dec. 4, and Tuesday, Dec. 5, in Zones 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D. Some residential and commercial properties in these zones have been deferred by the federal Environmental Protection Agency for health and safety reasons.

The Compacts of Free Association or “COFA” Community Resource Fair, which features wildfire relief program information and signups and assistance with legal and immigration issues, will be held today, Friday, Dec. 1, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Maui Economic Opportunity in Wailuku.

“We are balancing the need for prompt action with the need to ensure the County of Maui retains a strong financial standing, and we look forward to scrutinizing the mayor’s proposal,” said Council Chair Alice Lee.

Tools used to trap ash and debris and filter out potential contaminants before they entered the storm drain system proved helpful, according to the Department of Public Works.

The lawmakers’ request for would help to alleviate burdens, providing thousands of students across the island with access to healthy, nutritious meals at no cost to their families as they deal with post-wildfire impacts.

The US Environmental Protection Agency today reports it has completed its work under Phase 1 of the federal response to the wildfires in Lahaina and the Upcountry Maui communities.

Hawai‘i Community Foundation and grassroots organization Tagnawa announced funding support committed to redefining disaster response for Lahaina’s Filipino community affected by the Maui wildfires.

The Kahului Disaster Recovery Center at Maui College is suspending operations Wednesday, Nov. 29, because the forecast shows locally heavy rains, thunderstorms and possible flooding over the next three days. 

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will hold a community meeting to discuss proposed actions for tourism in support of Maui’s recovery. The meeting will be held at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Morgado Hall on Monday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

This week on Maui, the band Kanekoa is performing at a benefit concert for Maui wildfire victims, the free annual Jimi Hendrix tribute takes place in Pāʻia and for the observance of World AIDS Day there is “Music For Hope” at the ʻĪao Theatre. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

Mayor Richard Bissen submitted to the County Council a bill to amend a section of the County Code in an effort to immediately increase the inventory of housing available to survivors of the August wildfires.

County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents beginning Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1-2, for Zones 11B, 11D, 11E, 11F and 13D. Those with vehicle passes will be granted access from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., weather permitting.

Families in Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island who were affected by wildfires can access support through the Maui Relief TANF Program.