Maui Wildfire Disaster updates for Aug. 18 are posted HERE. Today, three of those fires remain active with crews monitoring for flare ups and hotspots. The death toll from the Lahaina fire has risen to 111, with the identity of six victims publicly released by police. An estimated 58% of the burn area has been searched. The wildfire is described as the nation’s deadliest in 100 years.

Students at King Kekaulike return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 23. In West Maui, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High remain closed to students and staff. Phased reopening dates for these schools will be determined once the campuses are confirmed as safe by county, state and federal authorities.

When Lahainaluna High science teacher Jackie Ellis was fleeing deadly Lahaina wildfires last week, she never imagined a chance encounter at a stoplight would mean saving her former student’s life.

The Family Assistance Center is moving from its current location at the Kahului Community Center to the Hyatt Regency’s Monarchy Ballroom, located at 200 Nohea Kai Drive in Kāʻanapali, effective Friday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m. FAC services at the Kahului Community Center will end as of 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17.

Citing health reasons, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Administrator Herman Andaya submitted his resignation effective immediately.

The hotel housing is being provided through a FEMA program, which the Red Cross is administering under a contract with the state of Hawai‘i, and those impacted by the deadly wildfires will be able to stay in hotels as long as it takes to find long-term housing solutions.

An official statement was released this morning from Hale Mahaolu Eono regarding last Tuesdayʻs wildfire, a timeline of events, and actions taken during the incident.

FEMA recently launched a rumor control and frequently asked questions web page to keep survivors of the Hawaii wildfires aware of rumors and scams, and to help them better understand the federal disaster assistance programs and processes.

“This is an incredibly important tree,” said arborist Steve Nimz of the 150-year-old Lahaina banyan, “…but it’s a tree. We’ve got so many people who lost their lives, lost their families, lost their livelihoods… that’s where the focus should be…. There’s still life under every one of the roots… that’s where our hope is at, and the rest is up to the tree.”

All T-Mobile sites impacted by the fire have restored connection except for one that services Lahaina and was severely damaged. However, T-Mobile has the town of Lahaina now covered by a portable COW (cell on wheels) operating at the Lahaina Gateway Center.

With power being restored to more areas of West Maui, County of Maui updates on the wildfire disaster will be aired on Maui radio stations once a day at noon.

To date, FEMA has provided more than $2.3 million in assistance to more than 1,330 households, including more than $800,000 in initial rental assistance, Hooks said. FEMA wants all survivors to register as soon as possible so that they receive the help they need.

“Like we saw in the pandemic, decisions we made can affect everyone across the islands. So what we’re saying now is travel should not be to West Maui. But the other parts of Maui are safe,” said Governor Green. “And the rest of the state, of course, is also safe.”

Azeka Shopping Center and Nalu’s South Shore Grill will host the Lahaina Keiki Relief Fund Concert this Saturday, Aug. 19 from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. at Nalu’s South Shore Grill at Azeka Shopping Center Makai.  A non-stop lineup of musical guests will perform at this community event to garner funds for keiki on Maui displaced by the Lahaina wildfires. Hawaiian music featuring Sista […]

On Day 8 of the recovery effort, Governor Josh green said, “Everyday we’re a little more heartbroken because we have to report more of our loved ones are deceased.”

Hawaiian Electric crews working to restore power to customers have completed repair of damaged transmission lines in the Upcountry area. Work continues on infrastructure to support restoration in the West Maui area, where facilities that provide essential needs such as groceries and supplies are located. 

Following the opening of the Lahaina Bypass on Aug. 15, 2023, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation began installing dust screens around Lahaina Town. The dust screens will reduce the spread of potentially hazardous materials across the roadways. This measure is being taken to protect highway users along Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) and the Lahaina Bypass (Route 3000).

The Maui County Council will take up a resolution at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, aimed at developing a comprehensive recovery and resiliency plan following the devastation caused by the wildfires.

With the devastation caused by the recent Maui fires, Regency Theatres who lost its movie theater on Front Street in Lahaina, is hosting a fundraiser for the Maui Food Bank.  This weekend, Friday through Sunday, Aug. 18-20, 2023, 20% of all revenue including Concession and Box Office Ticket sales (at select Regency Theatre locations) will be donated to the Maui Food Bank to assist with disaster relief.  

According to the organization, Mālama I Ke Ola Health Center will focus on supporting access to Lahaina and the community in West Maui. In partnership with the Hui No Ke Ola Pono, Mauliola Pharmacy, Maui Medical Group and the Maui District Health Office, Mālama I Ke Ola Health Center will provide outpatient access from the Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center.