Latest Fire Recovery News

The US Department of Agriculture announced that households impacted by wildfires in Hawaiʻi could be eligible for replacement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits. This step was taken to ensure those in need who were impacted by the Hawaiʻi wildfires have food to eat.

As Maui residents prepare to repair, rebuild and retrofit their homes after the Aug. 8 wildfires, FEMA has teamed up with the Home Depot in Kahului to provide free information and tips on how to make homes stronger and safer.

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 2,300 cancer survivors and current cancer patients were living in the areas of Maui affected by the wildfires. To help patients deal with trauma and loss caused by their cancer diagnosis and the devastation of the fires, ACS is teaming up with Maui Cancer Resources to offer group therapy sessions.

The goal is to help as many families as possible rebuild their photo collections and create some smiles, laughter and normalcy after tragedy.  The project currently has six photographers signed up to provide services, with more joining each day.

As of today, $83.78 million in federal assistance has been approved for more than 5,090 households. This includes housing and other needs assistance and Small Business Association disaster loans. There were 7,282 people housed at 32 locations around Maui, in coordination with the American Red Cross. The EPA has completed removal of hazardous material at 433 properties in total. 

The Maui Police Department released the name of two more victims from the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire. Police today confirmed the identity of: Floyd St Clair, 75, and Leticia Constantino, 56, both of Lahaina.

Maui Humane Society has brought back more than 400 animals from Lahaina to the shelter since crews were granted restricted access on Aug. 26. Today, the organization reports more than 200 of those animals are in the shelter’s care, and more than 100 have been reunited with their ʻohana.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Sunday announced it is providing nearly $95 million to Hawaiʻi to cover the cost of temporary housing at hotels, meals, and services for those impacted by the Maui fires.

US Environmental Protection Agency incident commander Steve Calanog said, “We know the long rich and historic cultural significance of Lahaina. We have 25 cultural observers on our team to ensure that we proceed with respect.”

The Unsafe Water Advisory remains in effect in Upper Kula pending the results of a third round of testing that is now underway.

Anyone who wishes to begin using the American Red Cross’ non-congregate sheltering program, which offers lodging in hotels and other properties rather than group shelters, must sign up no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15. Those who already have signed up will continue to receive shelter and services through the program as long as they are eligible.

Before the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor and surrounding waterways can reopen, much work needs to be done including the removal of burned vessels.

“Today, we honor the precious lives lost. Today, we remember with gratitude the firefighters, police, paramedics and extraordinary citizens who put their own safety at risk to help their neighbors and strangers, exhibiting incredible courage and heroism in Kula, Olinda, Kīhei and Lahaina.” — Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen in a video address on the one-month anniversary of the Maui wildfires.

Gov. Josh Greenʻs Seventh Emergency Proclamation Relating to Wildfires welcomes the return of visitors to West Maui effective Oct. 8, fully restores the State Water Code, restores most historic preservation measures, and limits the prohibition of price increases to specific essential commodities.

A month after wildfires swept over the Island of Maui, more than $60 million in federal assistance has been approved for more than 5,000 households, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

While Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green announced Friday that West Maui would reopen to tourists on Oct. 8, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said the people in the community of West Maui should decide how that occurs.

The Maui Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation released a new list of the names of unaccounted for individuals from the Aug. 8 wildfire in Lahaina, saying the number has dropped to 66 as of Sept. 8.

Hundreds gathered in waters off of Ukumehame on Friday to reflect and unite during a Paddle Out for Lahaina event, held one month after wildfires swept through Maui.

Governor Josh Green today announced the reopening of West Maui on Oct. 8, as the state tries to balance economic survival, and the need for people to have jobs to help their families as they rebuild and recover.

Hawaiian Electric Company President and CEO Shelee Kimura provided an update on the one month mark since wildfires devastated the Lahaina and Upcountry communities on Maui.