Maui News

Residents and visitors are finding safety at emergency shelters set up to help those seeking safety from a wildfire in Lāhainā that has left at least 80 people dead.

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.

Starting Saturday, Aug. 12 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kaiser Permanente’s Mobile Health Vehicle will provide first aid at the Maui War Memorial Gym to members and non-members at no cost.  

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.

In continued coordination with State and County emergency response efforts, Hawaiian Electric crews today are continuing to make repairs in areas that are safe and accessible. 70 customers remain without power in Upcountry. All of West Maui remains without power.

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.

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health urges caution for residents and business owners who are being allowed to return to their properties in the Lahaina area. DOH recommends the following tips for those returning to the area.

Kūihelani Highway is now open as of 4 p.m. It was closed earlier this afternoon from Honoapiʻilani Highway to Waikō Road due to a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian.

While the security line appeared daunting, with more than 300 people in a line that snaked three rows outside and inside like a Disney World ride, it moved efficiently fast.

The Wailuku Post Office is being used as a temporary mail delivery site for those impacted by West Maui fires.

The Maui Sunday Market will hold two donation drop-off events on August 13 and 20, welcoming contributions of essential items to support fire evacuees in their immediate needs.

In response to the devastating wildfires, the Maui Health Foundation has initiated an Employee Assistance Fund, offering financial aid to affected personnel for immediate necessities such as toiletries, clothing, food, medication, and housing.