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.
Lahaina fire cases remanded back to Maui state court, Maui attorney lauds decision
Maui attorney, Jan K. Apo, who is representing hundreds of families impacted by the August 2023 Maui wildfires, lauded Monday’s federal court decision to remand some 90 Lahaina fire cases back to the state court on Maui.
Bill to expedite Lahaina rebuilding gains final County Council approval
A bill to fast-track building permits in areas hard-hit by the August wildfires has received final approval by the Maui County Council. Bill 21 advances to the mayor for final action.
Eminent domain proposal for Central Maui Landfill expansion sent to Council committee
Maui County Council members were sharply divided Friday over a proposal to use Maui County’s condemnation power of eminent domain to obtain a nearly 20-acre former quarry next to the Central Maui Landfill for the final disposal of toxic Lahaina fire ash and debris.
Second Lahaina sign that was stolen has since been recovered and will be reinstalled
The second of two Lahaina Gateway signs that were stolen shortly after the August wildfires, was returned to the Lahaina Restoration Foundation on Friday. It was found cut into three pieces, but executives say they are able to piece the sign together and will reinstall it in West Maui.
Advanced wildfire detection sensors to be deployed in Maui’s high-risk areas
Early wildfire detection and wind sensors are on their way to Kīhei and Lahaina, public officials announced at a press conference in South Maui today.
Sacred Hearts begins work on new temporary school site; launches $4M tuition assistance campaign
A groundbreaking ceremony was held in Kāʻanapali for a secondary temporary school site for Sacred Hearts. Students have been attending classes at the Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua since their Lahaina campus next to Maria Lanakila Church was destroyed in the Aug. 8 wildfires.
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa hosts ‘Kōkua for Maui’ on April 5
Lahaina small businesses and artisans that survived the August wildfires will benefit from “Kōkua for Maui,” an event hosted next month by Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.
Schatz joins colleagues in introducing bill to promote use of AI to predict, respond to extreme weather
The bill would direct key federal agencies to use AI tools to improve weather forecasting, crack down on illegal deforestation and optimize electrical grids.
Planet Fitness T-shirt fundraiser raises $13,110 for wildfire survivors
Planet Fitness presented a $13,110 check to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation in support of its Maui Strong Fund to help Maui wildfire survivors.
