Latest Fire Recovery News
State Senate to hold field briefing in Lahaina on wildfire related insurance claims, Sept. 28
“Our committee has heard from various neighbors on Maui that they continue to face challenges relating to processing wildfire insurance claims, including home, business, vehicle, and vessel policies,” said Senator Jarett Keohokalole, Chair of the Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection. The briefing will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at the Lahaina Civic Center.
Residential return process begins in Lahaina disaster area, first zone identified for reentry
Kaniau Road in Zone 1C will be the first area to be cleared for residential reentry in the Lahaina disaster area, on Monday and Tuesday next week. A vehicle pass will be required for entry, and applications will be distributed on Friday through Sunday at the Lahaina Civic Center during specified hours.
Chief Pelletier to Maui Police Commission: ‘We saved lives’
Chief John Pelletier told the Maui Police Commission the after-action report about the department’s response to the Maui wildfires will be a “dive into what went right, what went wrong and how can we improve. But it is also going to talk about some of the incredible acts that took place.”
One more victim identified by police six weeks after Lahaina wildfire
The Maui Police Department identified one more victim of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire on Wednesday: Kirk Carter, 44, of Lahaina.
County of Maui encourages local businesses to register for free listing on MauiNuiFirst.com
The revamped MauiNuiFirst.com website offers businesses an expanded platform to showcase their products, services and activities.
Upcountry community meeting tonight on water safety, wildfire-debris management and disaster recovery
Council Vice-Chair Yuki Lei K. Sugimura is hosting a community meeting at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani at 6 p.m. on Sept. 20, to provide updates on water safety, wildfire-debris management and disaster recovery.
Maui mayor announces: Lahaina Advisory Team, community meetings, creation of Office of Recovery
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen has formed a 5-member Lahaina Advisory Team, announced two public meetings about relief efforts and is in the midst of creating a new Office of Recovery.
State webinar series to provide updates about Maui relief, recovery efforts
The next “Pathways to Recovery” webinar on Sept. 21 will focus on topics such as price freeze, landlord-tenant matters and other items related to consumer protection.
Distance learning hub opens for K-8 in West Maui with 250+ students
More than 250 Lahaina students from King Kamehameha III Elementary, Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary and Lahaina Intermediate attended the opening of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education’s distance learning hub at Citizen Church in Kahana.
University of Hawaiʻi offering full scholarships to Class of 2024 at Lahainaluna High School
The University of Hawaiʻi is offering full one-year scholarships to every Lahainaluna High School senior to attend any of its 10 campuses.
FEMA providing $7.3 million grant to reimburse state, county for Maui fires recovery efforts
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing a new $7.3 million grant to aid with the state’s and county’s ongoing recovery effort from the Maui fires.
Kapalua Golf to reopen Bay Course Sept. 20, Plantation Course Oct. 18
Kapalua Golf will reopen its Bay Course on Wednesday, Sept. 20 and its Plantation Course on Oct. 18, 2023.
Five additional Lahaina wildfire victims were identified; a total of 74 people have been named
This brings the total number of victims publicly identified to 74 of the estimated 97 fatalities, which is down from the death toll of 115 that had been reported for more than two weeks.
South Maui canoe clubs honor Lahaina with honorary paddle
More than 30 club outrigger canoes plus stand-up paddle boards and small canoes gathered on Maui Canoe Club Beach as the sun rose to honor Lahaina fire victims.
Maui United Way opens nonprofit grant applications for Phase 2 of fire disaster relief program
Maui United Way has opened the nonprofit grant application process for Phase 2 of its Maui Fire Disaster Relief program.
New green leaves signal recovery for Lahaina’s historic banyan tree
Arborists who are volunteering their time and expertise to save a 150-year-old Banyan tree burned during the Lahaina fire indicate the growth is a positive sign for its long-term recovery.
Deadline is Sept. 18 for Maui wildfire survivors to register for Red Cross financial assistance
Maui wildfire survivors must act quickly to apply for financial assistance through the American Red Cross, with the registration deadline of Monday, Sept. 18. There is no late registration option.
Maui police identify two more victims of Lahaina fire; bringing total to 69
The Maui Police Department released the names of two more victims from the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire on Sunday: Janet St. Clair, 75, and Douglas Matsuda-Boucher, 65, both of Lahaina.
Rental units urgently needed for transitional housing program for residents displaced by Maui fires
The lack of available rental units has hindered the Maui Fires Relief Transitional Housing Program, which pays for six months of rent and the security deposit.
Upcountry Resource Fair for fire disaster relief information Sept. 18 at Kula Community Center
An Upcountry Resource Fair is being held on Sept. 18 at the Kula Community Center to provide fire disaster relief information from different agencies.
