Just eight days before the wildfires on Maui struck, the dollar limits on federal disaster assistance loans to repair and replace primary homes and to reimburse for the destroyed contents of homes, personal effects and cars — including those of renters — was dramatically increased.

In response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaiʻi and throughout Maui, Sentry Insurance today announced an initial contribution of $275,000 for immediate relief and recovery.

Tropical Storm Greg will pass well south of the Hawaiian Islands, just like Category 4 Hurricane Dora did, but Greg will not bring conditions conducive for wildfires or hamper Maui recovery efforts.

Charter Communications has opened more than 8,000 Spectrum Out-of-Home WiFi access points across Hawaiʻi to aid the Maui wildfire response. In addition, Charter is providing free unlimited Spectrum WiFi access at four venues serving as community resource centers: War Memorial Gymnasium, Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, War Memorial Stadium, and Iron Maehara Stadium.

There are now at least three different providers actively aiding in Medical response to the needs of those in the West Maui community.

Firefighters continue to battle the Upcountry/Kula fire that was about 60% contained as of Sunday evening. The water is unsafe to drink or cook with in the impacted areas.

The first of 32 generators have arrived at a FEMA staging area to support the ongoing response to wildfires on Maui. Other supplies that have arrive include meals and blankets. More commodities and supplies are arriving via the port.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters has shifted its operations from tourism to supporting disaster relief efforts in the areas devastated by the wildfires in Lahaina. 

Wildfire updates for Monday Aug. 14 are posted: HERE.

Maui Prep would like to accommodate students who are looking to return to school this year

For residents in Lahaina and Upper Kula areas, maps of affected areas in Upcountry and in Lahaina were recently released on the county Department of Water Supply website.

Governor Josh Green, M.D., returned from Maui today and issued the fifth Emergency Proclamation (EP) relating to the ongoing devastation created by the wildfires on Maui and in Hawaiʻi Counties.

The extended closure and phased return schedule will help prepare kumu, haumāna and families to transition back to school while still allowing for household and community needs to be addressed during this immediate crisis.

The DOE is reopening most Maui schools this week, welcoming employee teams on Monday and students on Wednesday. King Kekaulike High, Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High remain closed and will reopen when it is safe to return. King Kamehameha III Elementary on Front Street was damaged beyond repair. Students and families who were displaced by the fires and are living outside of Lahaina, they are encouraged to enroll in the neighborhood school where they are staying, even if the housing situation is temporary.

Starting Monday, Aug. 14, Kaiser Permanente will be providing medical services to members and non members at several locations in Lahaina.

Video message from Gov. Josh Green for Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023

Due to the overwhelming demand from non-essential individuals and non-Maui residents who have flooded the distribution areas Maui police are suspending the placard program until further notice. They will continue with essential workers and West Maui residents as before.

There are several ways for people impacted by the Maui fires to get mental health help, counseling and resilience information.

Hawaiian Electric restoration crews have brought back online more than 60% of customers who have been without electricity since Tuesday. Crews are continuing work to restore approximately 5,000 customers in West Maui and Upcountry. The customer outage count has not been adjusted downward to account for structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

The law firm of Cades Schutte, its attorneys and staff have donated $36,630 to the Hawai‘i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund and the nonprofit Cades Foundation has approved $25,000 to the Maui Strong Fund and $10,000 to American Red Cross.