Maui News

US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) delivered remarks on the Senate floor discussing the impact of the deadly fires on Maui last month and underscoring the need for continued federal support in the months ahead.

The Maui Family YMCA is excited to announce its partnership with the Maui Food Bank to establish a regular food distribution site at its facility in Kahului. Beginning this month, on Sept. 15 and ongoing every third Friday of the month, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., the YMCA will be offering fresh produce and nonperishable items to the public. Maui Family YMCA is located at 250 Kanaloa Ave, Kahului.

There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 55 individuals now identified publicly following notification of next of kin. EPA has completed work in Kula and has completed removal of hazardous material at 268 properties in total, which is roughly 15% of the total number of properties. The Salvation Army has prepared 55,303 meals and coordinated a total of 352,597 meals through local and nonprofit partnerships at 39 feeding locations during the initial phase of the relief effort, now transitioned from shelters to local hotels. 

Activated from the first moments of the Maui fires on Aug. 8, 2023, The Salvation Army has prepared 55,303 meals and coordinated a total of 352,597 meals through local and nonprofit partnerships at 39 feeding locations during the initial phase of the relief effort.

Kaiser Permanente now has two mobile health vehicles (at Nāpili Park and the Royal Lahaina Hotel) and one first aid station (at the Hyatt Regency Maui) providing care on Maui.

County of Maui restrictions, triggered by fire evacuation orders Aug. 8, were lifted on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, for two West Maui parcels: Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St., and Walgreens, 342 Keawe St.

Governor Josh Green, M.D. is announcing a vehicle replacement program for survivors of the Maui wildfire disaster, as an option toward recovery. The governor has worked with Avis Budget Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Hertz to make additional vehicles available for purchase. Interested individuals can visit https://Hertzcarsales.com, or for Avis Budget or Enterprise, reach out to any local Maui automobile dealership for more details.

The Maui Police Department released the name of another victim from the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire. Police today confirmed the identity of: Louise Abihai, 97, of Lahaina.

Goodwill Hawaiʻi will be distributing upwards of $400,000 total in emergency vouchers for impacted residents to redeem for clothing and household goods at any Goodwill Store in Hawaiʻi. The vouchers are being distributed to fire victims thru the nonprofit’s outreach at its emergency response centers on Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island and in partnership with other government and nonprofit partners.

Upcountry Strong is distributing one solar bag per household member while supplies last at its headquarters located at the Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center. The location is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Pono Wines,  a premium Napa wine brand inspired by Hawaiʻi, released today the 2021 IMUA Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, made in partnership with the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa).

Hawaiian Electric has suspended service disconnections so all Maui customers who are financially challenged by the devastating wildfires will not have to worry about their electric service.

There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 54 individuals now identified publicly following notification of next of kin. EPA has completed work in Kula and has completed removal of hazardous material at 268 properties in total, which is roughly 15% of the total number of properties. Food and supplies will be distributed to West Maui residents at Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St.: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. The selection and quantity of items will be reduced in preparation for a move to a new location at Kahana Gateway, 4405 Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. On-site mobile health vehicle.On-site mobile health vehicle.

Hawaiʻi Community Lending today announced the launch of the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund to prevent displacement of kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) from Maui after the tragic wildfire that destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in Lahaina.

“Waterman,” a documentary film that explores the life of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, has received a News and Docs Emmy nomination for Outstanding Historical Documentary.

The US Small Business Administration has partnered with the Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center to open an SBA Business Recovery Center in Honolulu to provide a wide range of services to small businesses impacted by Maui wildfires that began Aug. 8. SBA representatives continue to be available at the Business Recovery Center in Kīhei to provide information on SBA disaster loans and business assistance on the dates and times indicated.

Unsafe Water Advisories remain in effect for parts of Lahaina and Upper Kula. Check the advisory map to see if you are located in the affected area. Addresses are searchable on the top left. 

Maui Canoe Club has been looking for ways to help Maui Nui residents and recovery teams who have been affected by the recent fires. The Maui Canoe Club is offering all of those directly affected the opportunity to paddle in outrigger canoes with the club.

In a gesture of support for displaced Maui residents, Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Maui Kayak Adventures, and Aloha Kayaks Maui will provide free “Mālama Maui” guided kayak tours every weekend in September.

An estimated four acres of brush burned during a mid-day fire near the Pulehunui Industrial Park off of the Maui Veteran’s Highway on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.