The American Red Cross of Hawaiʻi continues work in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires to provide service to those impacted by the disaster. Organization leaders say they have been able to do so thanks to donations from generous partners and community members like the Hawaiʻi Business Roundtable, who recently contributed $40,000 to relief efforts. 

Children and staff of Princess Nahiʻenaʻena Elementary School and Kamehameha III Elementary were treated to a Lahaina Toy Surprise and Delight event on Wednesday. The event aimed to bring joy to families impacted by the Lahaina wildfires and create a Winter Wonderland filled with surprises and delights for students and staff.

A community meeting to discuss ongoing wildfire debris removal and recovery efforts will be held tonight, Thursday, Nov. 9 in Makawao.  The meeting runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mayor Eddie Tam Complex Community Center, located at 931 Makawao Avenue. 

State Farm donated nearly $500,000 to support multiple Convoy of Hope disaster preparedness and response efforts, including $100,000 designated for the Maui wildfire, and $50,000 for Convoy’s Hurricane Idalia response.

Cool Cat Café at the Wharf Cinema Center Shops in West Maui was destroyed by the August wildfire in Lahaina. Rising from the aftermath, the restaurant is poised to open for lunch and dinner at the Kukui Mall in Kīhei in early 2024.

The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance has been extended another 30 days, meaning homeowners and renters with uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the Maui wildfires have until Saturday, Dec. 9, to apply.  This is also the deadline for Maui’s homeowners, renters and businesses to apply to the US Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan for physical property damage.

On Tuesday, contractors removed debris from a private property in Kula, marking the start of Phase 2 of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ debris removal program for Upcountry residents affected by the Aug. 8, wildfires.

A new recovery fund which will exceed $150 million, will distribute money to families of those who died, and to those who suffered severe personal injuries in the Maui wildfires.

Officials with the US Army Corps of Engineers tell Maui Now that the $53.7 million base contract covers all the utilities, terracing, installation of the modular facilities and the first 6 months of leasing the buildings.

The Maui County Council will hold a special council meeting Thursday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. to consider Bill 114, which seeks to: fund the new Office of Recovery; and add new conditional language for a Lahaina Wildfire Final Disposition site in Olowalu.

County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents with vehicle passes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11, in Zones 9E and 10E.

FEMA is announcing multiple job openings on Maui and Oʻahu that provide Hawaiʻi residents an opportunity to help their communities recover from the Maui wildfires and build resilience before, during and after disasters like this one. 

Children who lived through Maui’s wildfires may continue to feel trauma, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Behavioral experts say families can take steps to help children process their emotions and anxieties to help them heal.

Gov. Josh Green, M.D., today signed the Eighth Emergency Proclamation on Wildfires to continue state support for the recovery of the people of Maui.

In response to the wildfires, the Hawaiʻi Insurance Division has been on Maui since August to help the community with its insurance questions.  A representative will continue to be available for in-person assistance at the Lahaina Disaster Recovery Center at the Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays. 

In the spirit of giving and community support, The Salvation Army is partnering with Walmart on Maui for the upcoming “Maui County’s AngelTree Distribution” event, set to take place at the store’s special Winter Wonderland scene on Nov. 18 and 19, 2023.

Japan Airlines raised over $132,000 through various fundraising efforts, including mileage donations and collection boxes, to aid communities affected by the Maui wildfires.

The US Small Business Administration has announced a 6-month deferment period for Maui businesses affected by the Hawaii wildfires.

Three hundred jobs for impacted workers are available through the DLIR Workforce Development Division and Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. to assist with debris removal, damage cleanup and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

“We have come today to lament with you, to mourn with you, and to grieve with you,” Bishop Silva said in his homily, standing next to rows of flickering candles; each representing a loved one lost in the devastating Lahaina wildfire on Aug. 8.