Latest Fire Recovery News
200 attend DLNR’s West Maui Boaters meeting
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.
Police publicly identify one more victim of Lahaina fire; bringing total to 98 of 99 known fatalities
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.
Disaster area residential restrictions to be lifted for Zones 9F and 9G in Lahaina
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.
Hawaiʻi House Finance Committee visits Maui to see projects, programs; learn community needs
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.
Unsafe Water Advisory lifted for remaining areas of Upper Kula
The Department of Water Supply has lifted the Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula, removing the two remaining areas, UK-2B and UK-5.
Maui police launch Cold Case Detail for unsolved homicides, missing persons cases
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 seek a ‘just recovery’ for Lahaina
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
DOH: Financial recovery, permanent housing identified as greatest needs for Lahaina
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.
Maui police release body worn camera footage from Aug. 8 wildfires
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.
Kula fire debris removal to begin in 2-4 weeks; hazardous site assessments start in Lahaina
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.
Credible missing persons list drops to 4 people unaccounted for from Lahaina fire
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.
Host sites needed for grant-funded jobs program for workers dislocated by fires
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 in Maui burned areas should contact county to keep batteries
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.
Meeting on recovery, operational updates at Lahaina Harbor, Māla Wharf scheduled Nov. 1
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.
Leaders launch Kōkua for Maui to support Maui business and economy post-wildfires
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.
Hawai‘i Tourism Authority educates travelers on how to visit Maui with respect and compassion
“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.
EPA Hazardous Materials Removal Work is Now 85% Complete
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.
CocoNene to raise money for fire-affected Maui Businesses with “Maui Biz Ornaments”
The collection of wooden collectable ornaments will feature participating Maui businesses and will be available for purchase starting on Nov. 3, 2023 on the HI Biz website. Organizers say 50% of the sales from these ornaments will be channeled directly to the affected businesses, aiding their efforts to recover and rebuild.
Outreach events for fire relief program for families with children scheduled
In-person outreach events for the Maui Relief TANF Program, which helps individuals with dependent children directly impacted by the wildfires, are scheduled from Saturday, Oct. 28, to Saturday, Nov. 4, in Lahaina, Upcountry and Wailuku by Maui Economic Opportunity.In-person outreach events for the Maui Relief TANF Program, which helps individuals with dependent children directly impacted by the wildfires, are scheduled from Saturday, Oct. 28, to Saturday, Nov. 4, in Lahaina, Upcountry and Wailuku by Maui Economic Opportunity.
House Finance Committee visits Lahaina wildfire disaster zone to identify priorities
Members of the House Finance Committee, led by Chair Kyle T. Yamashita (D-12, Upcountry Maui), visited various sites in the Lahaina wildfire disaster zone on Thursday to receive an update on recovery efforts from Federal and County officials, and identify key priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
