Now, in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, realtor Debbie Arakaki is amping up her efforts to help thousands of families who lost their homes. Arakaki and a group of other long-time Maui residents collaborated to create the Maui Pono Foundation to provide immediate funds to neighbors in need.

The Unified Command operation has begun to remove burned and sunken vessels, and marine debris, from Lahaina Harbor and the surrounding waterways.

More than 450 people attended a virtual community meeting on Tuesday to get updates on the status of West Maui’s commercial and recreational vessel activities.

In a gesture of community support, True Value has announced a significant donation to the Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina, Maui, that was affected by recent wildfires. The contribution consists of products valued at a total of $200,000, spanning essential categories aimed at helping the school rebuild and recuperate.

Homeowners and renters who were affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui now have until Thursday, Nov. 9, to apply for federal disaster assistance from FEMA and submit an application for a disaster loan from the US Small Business Administration. 

Sarah has been in healthcare for over 11 years and was Maui Memorial Medical Center’s first-ever DAISY Award honoree, an international award recognizing extraordinary nurses. She lost her home and all of her belongings in the Lahaina fire.

The brands LâMO Footwear and Oomphies contributed the shoes with a retail value of more than $215,000 to Maui wildfire survivors.

The Maui Economic Development Board, in partnership with the Principal Foundation, said 95 small businesses directly impacted by the Aug. 8 Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires each will receive $1,000 grants from the Maui Business Recovery Fund.

The Hawaiʻi Building Industry Foundation has established the Maui Recovery + Rebuild Fund, which will provide targeted recovery and rebuild efforts for members, residents and the community impacted by the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded $17.3 million in funding to the Hawai‘i State Department of Health for emergency behavioral health support in the aftermath of the Maui fires.

Several festivals on Maui to benefit Maui wildfire victims are coming up, including a donation drive for the Maui Food Bank and for musicians left with no home and instruments. Find our comprehensive listing HERE.

The Maui Police Department on Tuesday identified Laurie Allen, 65, of Lahaina as a victim of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire. She had sustained burn wounds during evacuation from her home, according to earlier reports.

Disaster area restrictions will be lifted on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 6 and 7, for owners and residents of Zones 2A, 2B and 2F. This includes parts of Malo St., Kalani Rd., Kekai Rd., ʻĀinakea Rd., and Malanai St.

A newly-launched Host Housing Support Program will provide monthly stipends of up to $1,500 to eligible households who are providing shelter to individuals and families displaced by the Maui wildfires.

Central Pacific Bank announces it will serve as the first ever title sponsor for Maui Interscholastic League sports championships for the next three school years (2023-24 through 2025-26). The financial support will help enhance the player and audience experience at the title games.

“The new funding means that Maui will have the federal relief funding it needs for the foreseeable future. It’s good news for Hawai‘i and for Lahaina’s recovery,” said US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i).

The Maui Nui Marine Resource Council, in collaboration with Australian coral reef-imaging startup Flying Fish Technologies, worked to collect baseline data on reef conditions in West Maui in the wake of the August wildfires.

Volunteer arborists and landscapers have banded together as the Lahaina Treescape Restoration Project. The title was coined by arborist Steve Nimz who initiated care and watering for the historic Banyan tree, which is showing signs of recovery with new sprouts high in the canopy.

In appreciation of the many first responders who bravely fought the Maui wildfires and continue to assist with the island’s recovery, Wailea Golf Club is extending a special First Responders Mahalo offer for the entire month of October 2023.

The Maui Police Department identified one more victim of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire on Monday: Franklin Trejos, 68, of Lahaina.