With the official death toll rising to 89, the Lahaina fire became the deadliest US fire in the past century. And, Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green said the number of dead “is going to rise.”

Today, the Maui-Lānaʻi Passenger Ferry, operated by Expeditions, resumed interisland service. 

Maui police say that in the wake of the wildfire disaster in Lahaina, the department “has been working tirelessly to coordinate a thorough and respectful body recovery operation within the affected area.”

The Hawaii Department of Transportation will be shutting down Kahului Airport Runway 523 to accommodate cargo operations, assisting in airlifting goods and necessities to Maui. 523 is a short runway that will not affect any commercial flights, but will have an impact on the general aviation community. HDOT will prioritize commercial flights.

Hawaiian Electric restoration efforts continue today with more than 300 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors working to safely bring power back to communities in West Maui and Upcountry. Employees from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island, Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i are also providing additional response resources, including staffing, expertise, materials and equipment to expedite and respond to the restoration efforts on Maui.

Hawaiian Electric Industries commits to donating $100,000 in wildfire relief efforts on Maui, aiming to support individuals, families, and community groups impacted by the wildfires.

More than a dozen federal agencies and departments are mobilized to assist state, county, nonprofit and private sector partners to help the people of Hawaiʻi with recent devastating wildfires. Personnel from FEMA, federal agencies and voluntary organizations are arriving daily to Hawaiʻi to support active response and initial recovery efforts. 

Hawai‘i Ag and Culinary Alliance has reopened the Kokua Restaurant and Hospitality Fund for Maui, aiming to provide immediate aid to restaurant, bar, and hospitality workers who have been displaced by the wildfires in West Maui.

Maui Economic Opportunity has started the MEO-Maui Fires Fund to facilitate quick housing solutions for those displaced by the Maui fires.

A tight knit group of friends pulled resources together to stand up a makeshift pit stop at the Lahaina Post Office, providing gas, ice and other necessities to residents in need. “Our kupuna can grieve for us right now, but for all the young people that can help, help,” said Kihei, a Lahaina resident who lost his home in the West Maui wildfire.

Maui wildfire updates for Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023 are posted HERE. Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pūlehu/Kīhei  and Upcountry Maui.

According to PDC, as of Aug. 11, 2023, damage assessments related to the Lahaina Fire resulted in an estimated total of 2,719 structures exposed; 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed; and 2,170 acres burned. 86% of buildings exposed to the fire were classified as residential. 

“We’re told we won’t be seeing power for about two months in Lahaina, and the system to be rebuilt is going to take years. Our whole town is completely gone. It’s hard to understand, but that’s the reality.” — Kaipo Kekona, West Maui

Councilmember Tamara Paltin announced she will have access to phone and email connectivity to respond to constituents, despite the destruction of the West Maui residency area office due to the recent fires.

Effective Aug. 11, 2023, through Sept. 10, 2023, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation will waive wharfage charges for cargo inbound to Kahului Harbor to support humanitarian relief to Maui.

Hawaiian Electric has restored power to one of three main transmission lines serving West Maui and restored service to some customers in Nāpili, Puʻukoliʻi, and Māhinahina where essential public services, such as water pumps, and first responder facilities are located.

In support of all the families and visitors affected by the devastating fires on Maui, The Shops at Wailea will be hosting a fundraiser raising donations for all residents and visitors that have been affected by the Maui wildfires. 100% of all donations will be delivered to the Maui County Red Cross.

Upcountry, South and Central Maui public school campuses to begin phased reopenings next week; West Maui schools to remain closed; School enrollment announced for displaced families

Effective Immediately, the road to Lahaina, via Honoapiʻilani Highway is closed in both directions. Police had reports that many people were parking on the Lahaina Bypass and walking into the areas makai of the bypass, which is locked down due to hazardous conditions and biohazards. This zone has been declared as a site for authorized personnel area only. Police say those caught within this zone will be escorted out and may be arrested.

The County of Maui Department of Water Supply is issuing an unsafe water alert for areas of Upper Kula and Lahaina affected by wildfires. As a precaution, customers in those areas are advised not to drink and not to boil their water. Instead of tap water, customers are advised to use only bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, making ice and preparing food.