Latest Fire Recovery News

The pin, named after the Hawaiian phrase “Mālama Maui,” signifying “Caring for Maui,” hopes to offer solace to residents while providing guidance for visitors. Its fundamental purpose is to establish a supportive environment for residents by offering a visual cue to visitors, signifying the importance of refraining from inquiring about the experiences of Maui residents, thus respecting their privacy.

The Federal Housing Administration has extended current foreclosure protections for borrowers in Maui County to assist those impacted by the August wildfires. Under the protection, mortgage servicers will be prohibited from initiating or completing foreclosure actions through May 6, 2024.

The groups include Wildfire Prevention, Shelter, Schools, Jobs and Business, Environmental Remediation, and Food, Water, and Other Supplies. Each group was assigned to produce a preliminary report by Nov. 1, 2023 and deliver a final report by Dec. 15, 2023.

After staff gave updates on Māla Wharf, Lahaina Small Boat Harbor, and Kāʻanapali commercial activities, they fielded questions and comments from more than 200 people.

The Maui Police Department today identified one more victim of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire: Lee Rogo, 76, of Lahaina. There are now 98 people publicly identified of the 99 known fatalities.

Maui County  Disaster  Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents in Zones 9F and 9G with vehicle passes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Nov. 3 and 4.

Members of the Hawaiʻi House Finance Committee, led by Chair Kyle T. Yamashita, visited Maui to view firsthand several projects and programs supported by the State Legislature, and tour state-owned properties in Lahaina and around the island.

The Department of Water Supply has lifted the Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula, removing the two remaining areas, UK-2B and UK-5.

The Maui Police Department today announced the establishment of a dedicated Cold Case Detail with a primary focus on unsolved homicides and missing persons cases.

Hawai‘i Democrats urge a ‘just recovery’ for Lahaina; State Central Committee adopts resolution urging elected leaders to ensure transparent, equitable investments to restore the Lahaina community

An assessment conducted by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health identified the greatest needs of Lahaina residents affected by the wildfires and evaluated the impact on their physical and mental health. 

Disclaimer: GRAPHIC CONTENT (Police body camera footage contains profanity). “There’s been multiple narratives about what took place on the day of those fires. This body worn camera footage makes it very clear and convincing that the Maui Police Department—the men and women of MPD—went above and beyond, and their actions reflect the finest tradition of this noble profession,” said Chief Pelletier.

Another key milestone in the recovery of Lahaina began on Oct. 27 with the initiation of hazardous site assessments of burned property conducted for the US Army Corps of Engineers.

On Oct. 30, the Maui Police Department’s credible list of unaccounted for individuals from the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire has dropped from five people to four individuals.

Four virtual informational sessions will be held this week for Maui nonprofits and other organizations interested in becoming a host site for a grant funded jobs program for workers dislocated by the wildfires.

Owners of electric vehicles that were within burned areas during the Aug. 8 — and who donʻt want their batteries removed by specialized teams with the US Environmental Protection Agency — need to contact the Maui County Abandoned Vehicles and Metals Office by Nov. 6.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources is hosting an informational meeting on Nov. 1 to provide recovery and operational updates for Lahaina Harbor and Māla Wharf.

While monetary contributions and fundraisers have been helpful, the Kōkua for Maui program offers the public a chance to connect with individuals and businesses and create an added economic boost.

“Pack your patience and grace.” “Do not enter the impacted area of Lahaina Town or take photos of the area, even from afar.” “Support local businesses.” These are some of the messages being shared by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, as one of the main questions being asked by visitors is how they can support the people of Maui in its recovery.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has now removed hazardous materials from over 85% of the burned properties in Lahaina, Maui – the first phase of the overall federal cleanup response to the Maui Wildfires.