Maui County Council members gave final approval Friday morning to an intergovernmental agreement for the state to purchase the 6.2-acre Haggai Institute for affordable long-term rental housing.

Commissioners credited Chief Ventura for successfully managing equipment upgrades, recruitment and retention of employees, oversight of capital improvement projects, spearheading the department’s wellness program, collaborating with nonprofits for enhanced emergency response, and effective problem solving.

A controversial bill to establish a nine-member Lele Community District Board for decision-making in rebuilding Lahaina has passed the state Senate, but it will not advance in the House, according to West Maui Rep. Elle Cochran.

Under Bill 95, which was enacted last year, real property that was completely destroyed, as determined by the Director of Finance, or that is located in a Lahaina red or yellow re-entry zone, is exempt from real property taxes including the minimum tax for the period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has launched “Mākaukau Maui,” a campaign that aims to revitalize Maui’s economy in the aftermath of last year’s devastating wildfires. Apart from the fire-affected areas of Lahaina Town, the campaign signals that Maui is ready to welcome visitors back to the island.

The Small Business Administration announced it will close its Kahului Disaster Loan Outreach Center located at the Kahului Public Library at 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

After hearing impassioned pleas Tuesday from Lahaina wildfire survivors for quick action in a proposed eminent domain condemnation, Maui County Council members struggled to pin down the property owner on what it would take, or cost, for the county to acquire the nearly 20-acre quarry for final disposal of toxic ash and debris.

Because of spring break and Easter holidays, the weekly Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Update meetings will be suspended on March 20 and March 27, Maui County announced.

Gov. Josh Green and the state of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services have announced the launch of the Disaster Case Management Program for survivors of the Maui wildfires.

The Office of Gov. Josh Green has released ‘The Hawai‘i We Deserve’ policy report, which is presented as a comprehensive outline of the Green Administration’s plans to confront key issues facing the state of Hawai‘i.

Island Grocery Depot Lahaina, located at 58 Kupuohi Street in the Lahaina Industrial Park, will be open seven days a week again, with the return of Sunday hours starting this Sunday, March 24. Store hours are now 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at both Lahaina and Kahului locations.

Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez confirms the Phase One report on the independent investigation into the Maui wildfires will be released on April 17, 2024.

Pacific Whale Foundation, a Maui-based nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation, started two separate funds in response to the August 2023 wildfires on Maui: the PWF Maui Community Relief Fund and the PWF Maui Conservation Fund. These funds are designed to provide crucial assistance to the community and ocean. 

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, Jr. delivered his 2024 State of the County Address on Friday evening from the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. During his address, the mayor focused on wildfire recovery efforts and discussed housing solutions as the county continues to find its way through the rebuilding process and economic recovery following the August 2023 wildfires.

In response to a letter from Hawaii delegates, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced it is reopening enrollment for the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to include Compacts of Free Association (COFA) citizens impacted by the Maui wildfires.

The DHHL Wildfire Relief Program, a direct response to the ongoing hardships faced by Native Hawaiian families residing on Hawaiian Home Lands, will offer up to six-months of rental and utility relief to eligible individuals and families. In the wake of the wildfires, this initiative seeks to alleviate the financial burdens that have arisen, enabling affected families to regain their stability and rebuild their lives.

Memorial consultant, Greg Miller will be the speaker at the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset meeting on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Miller will share the overview of the process and steps involved in the San Diego Surfer’s Memorial.  He currently serves as the advisor of the Lahaina Town Fire Memorial.

In Kauaʻi County’s efforts to reduce fire risk and fuel sources, Mayor Kawakami announced this year’s budget will include $2.7 million in heavy equipment for Kauaʻi road crews to help manage vegetation, and added $1.5 million to cover costs to clear brush and large debris from county properties. The Kaua‘i Fire Department will also acquire two water tenders and a brush fire-fighting apparatus to enhance fire response.

After a closure of seven and a half months since the August wildfires, Lahaina Cannery announced it is reopening its doors to Maui residents and visitors on Monday, March 18, 2024.

The County of Maui Office of Recovery shared several updates for residents including progress made on deferred properties and sewer and water line inspections, and two new community engagement events.