Latest Fire Recovery News
Preliminary ash samples from Kula fire show high levels of toxic substances; same expected in Lahaina
Preliminary, unvalidated data from ash sampling received late Friday night shows very high levels of arsenic, and elevated levels of lead and cobalt, in wildfire ash collected in Kula — and ash in the Lahaina burn zone is expected to have a similar profile, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health announced on Sunday.
Native Hawaiian organizations form Hoʻōla Maui to collaborate for West Maui cleanup
A coalition of Native Hawaiian Organizations has formed Hoʻōla Maui, which pledges to dedicate their technical expertise and organizational capacity to the clean-up effort of the August fires.
Another area removed from Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula on Maui
The Maui County Department of Water Supply on Friday removed Area UK-3 from the Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula.
Maui County lifted restrictions in five more zones in Lahaina burn zone: 5C, 6A, 9M, 16A, 17D
On Oct. 13, Maui County lifted disaster area restrictions for property owners and residents who live in zones 5C, 9M and 16A and for maritime 17D and 6A (Māla Wharf) in the Lahaina burn zone.
Evacuation route for Lahaina schools completed for emergency use
An emergency evacuation route has been completed in time for the reopening of three Lahaina schools: Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High.
Reentry begins Oct 16 for two more zones in the Lahaina burn zone: 14 C and 14D
Maui County is lifting the Disaster Area Restrictions for owners and residents with vehicle passes in Zones 14 C and 14 D, beginning Oct. 16.
Māla Wharf reopening to recreational boaters Saturday — earlier than expected after Lahaina fire
Māla Wharf’s ramp and facilities are reopening full-time for recreational vessel activity beginning at 6 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, and commercial permittees are being informed by letter of commercial vessel operations opening on Monday, Oct. 16.
Mayor Bissen proposing 3 water bill categories for customers affected by Maui fires
For customers whose water was used to help put out the Maui wildfires in August, a claim form can be submitted for reimbursement.
Maui County Council to take action Oct. 12 on bill about alternative fire debris removal program
The Maui County Council is scheduled to take final action on Bill 86 about an alternative program for fire debris removal at a special 9 a.m. meeting at the Kalana O Maui Building in Wailuku.
Maui County lifting restrictions for owners and residents of Zone 6C and 15A on Oct. 13
Maui County is lifting its disaster area restrictions for owners and residents of property in Zone 6C and 15A, beginning on Oct. 13.
FEMA job fair Oct. 11 at Lahaina Civic Center
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has temporary vacancies for multiple positions on Maui and Oʻahu that start as 120-day appointments and may be extended up to one year.
Maui Medical Group temporarily relocates Lahaina clinic to Napili Plaza
Maui Medical Group is temporarily relocating its Lahaina clinic to the Napili Plaza Shopping Center due to damage sustained during the Aug. 8 fire.
100 Hawaiʻi students on Maui undergo federal disaster response training for youth
More than 100 students from 14 schools statewide have begun the first federal disaster response training program in Hawai‘i that is dedicated to youth.
Maui County approves using soil stabilizer Soiltac in Lahaina burn area
Maui County has approved the use of the soil stabilizer Soiltac to protect residents’ health and the environment from risks posed by ash and debris that remain on properties burned during the Aug. 8 fire in Lahaina.
Hawaiʻi’s water commission reinstates 1st Deputy Kaleo Manuel following controversial redeployment
With pressure from the Maui County Council and others, the Hawaiʻi State Commission on Water Resource Management on Monday reinstated 1st Deputy Kaleo Manuel, who was “redeployed” following accusations by a land owner that he delayed access to water during the deadly Aug. 8 Lahaina fire.
West Maui prepares for return of tourism: Merriman’s serves thousands of meals since August fires
As West Maui prepares for the return of tourism on Oct. 8, restaurants and businesses are adjusting to the ongoing need of residents while also gauging services for visitors. Since Aug. 10, Chef Peter Merriman and his team have fed thousands of displaced residents impacted by the fires, giving free meals to 1,000 people daily and serving approx. 45,000 meals in the first seven weeks of response.
Lahaina schools prepare for students to return with health and safety guidance
Dr. Rebecca Winkie, area superintendent of the Hāna-Lahainaluna-Lānaʻi-Molokaʻi Complex, sent a letter to parents and guardians of students attending Lahaina schools to provide information about the reopening plans.
Portions of Upper Kula, Lahaina removed from Unsafe Water Advisory
The Maui County Department of Water Supply has removed Upper Kula Area 2A and Lahaina Area 1 from the Unsafe Water Advisory.
Maui Council to hold special council meeting Oct. 12 on wildfire-debris removal
Chair Alice L. Lee made the announcement saying the bill establishes standards and procedures for the removal of hazardous waste, fire debris and hazard trees from properties damaged or destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires. The council passed the bill with amendments on first reading yesterday.
Department of Health to conduct Maui needs assessment survey
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health announced today it will conduct a needs assessment survey for residents affected by the wildfires. The DOH survey will assess ongoing priorities identified by the community and barriers to accessing healthcare and other essential services.
