Teenager starts ‘Give Aloha’ to raise funds, provide hope to Maui fire survivors
Teenager Chanel Higa knows what it is like to lose everything, and be supported, so ever since she has been giving back and now has started “Give Aloha” for Maui fire survivors.
Updated: Remembering the many lost lives of the Lahaina fire
Almost every day, more names are released by the Maui Police Department of people who died in the fire — 40 so far. We honor their memory.
Local residents push forward amidst chaos
Various local volunteers help community in Lahaina after fire disaster.
Maui police identify two more victims of Lahaina fire
On Saturday, the Maui Police Department released the names of two more Lahaina residents who died in the deadly Aug. 8 fire: 75-year-old Pablo Pagdilao III and 59-year-old Coleen Jones.
UPDATE: Kāʻanapali brush fire 90% contained; Hawaiian Electric reports power restored to all customers
Firefighters on-scene continue to reinforce containment lines. As of 5 p.m., the evacuation order was lifted and residents were free to return home.
Frequently asked questions about FEMA disaster assistance
For Maui residents who were affected by the wildfires that began on Aug. 8, FEMA has answers to frequently asked questions.
Insurance association urges caution hiring contractor, public adjuster for fire destruction
As residents slowly begin the clean-up and rebuilding process following the Maui wildfires, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association urges caution when hiring a contractor or public adjuster to avoid losing insurance proceeds or getting caught in scams and other fraudulent activity.
State partners to offer ID proofing for unemployment insurance claimants
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Labor & Industrial Relations today announced a partnership with the US Department of Labor and the US Postal Service to offer unemployment insurance claimants the ability to provide the identity proofing required to continue or initiate a claim for unemployment insurance benefits through two new sources – Login.gov and USPS in person proofing.
Fundraisers for Maui wildfire victims in Hawaiʻi , California, Washington
Several entertainment fundraisers on Maui, Oʻahu, California and Washington are scheduled this weekend and into September to benefit Maui wildfire victims, including a Maui Jazz and Blues Festival and country western concert, both in Kula.
Kula residents receive water update at community meeting
Maui County Water Director John Stufflebean addressed Kula residents during an Aug. 25 meeting and explained what was being done and what would be done to provide clean, drinkable water for areas affected by the recent fires.
Binhi at Ani launches Tulong for Lahaina Fund
“Tulong means help in the Tagalog and Ilokano languages,” said organization President Melen Agcolicol, who will lead the coordination. “And Binhi at Ani wanted to create a fund to help our kababayans, our fellow Filipinos, which comprise at least 40% of Lahaina town.”
Renters can apply for FEMA assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance is available to renters, including students, as well as homeowners. Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a one-month or two-month period and can be reviewed for additional assistance.
Maui wildfire disaster updates for Aug. 26: 38 fire victims publicly identified; 99% of burned area searched
Maui Wildfire Disaster updates for Aug. 25 are posted HERE. County officials released a list of 388 people who have been reported as unaccounted for from the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire disaster.
Community meetings scheduled to discuss Lahaina public schools, Aug. 30
Maui families and community members are invited to meet with principals of Lahaina public schools and Hawaiʻi Department of Education leaders to share input and discuss the latest updates for reopening schools and providing educational opportunities in West Maui. Both meetings will be open to the public.
Maui wildfire survivor Tom Liu says with FEMA’s help, he will rebuild
“I’m 82, and ‘Why rebuild?’ It will probably take at least two years, but with FEMA, with SBA and the immediate family—the ʻohana—that’s why I’m going to rebuild,” he said.
Lahaina Keiki Relief Fund raises over $80,000 in Benefit Concert
The Lahaina Keiki Relief Fund has distributed more than 1,000 filled backpacks for the keiki of Lahaina and raised well over $80,000. The funds were raised in large part through a Lahaina Keiki Relief Fund Concert held Aug. 19 at the Azeka Shopping Center and Nalu’s South Shore Grill.
Darryl Olivera, former Hawaiʻi Fire Chief and Civil Defense Administrator named interim MEMA Administrator
Former Fire Chief and Civil Defense Director for Hawaiʻi County, Darryl Oliveira was named the interim Administrator at the Maui Emergency Management Agency during a press conference on Friday evening. He fills the spot left vacant by the resignation of Herman Andaya on Aug. 17, 2023, who cited health concerns as the reason for his departure. “We are honored to […]
Maui police confirm the identity of three more Lahaina wildfire disaster victims
There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 99% of the entire search area completed by Friday evening. Maui police have identified 38 individuals publicly following notification of next of kin, including three additional individuals on Friday evening.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher accommodations available for families displaced by Lahaina and Kula fires
Families who currently have a federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher with the County of Maui and who have been displaced by the Lahaina and Kula fires will not lose their housing assistance.
Maui crews installing dust screen around Lahaina
The state Department of Transportation is installing nearly 30,000 linear feet of dust screen for the protection of highway users on Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) and the Lahaina Bypass (Route 3000).
