Latest Fire Recovery News

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.

Lahainaluna High School will begin a phased start for employees and students next week at its temporary school site at the Kūlanihākoʻi High School campus in Kīhei. Beginning Monday, Sept. 11, Lahainaluna teachers and staff will report to Kūlanihākoʻi High to meet, plan and prepare classrooms for the arrival of students, which is set for Sept. 14.

Paddle out events are planned on the one-month mark since Sept. 8, 2023. The first is at Kalama Park in Kīhei at 8 a.m. The event continues with a day of healing and togetherness through sunset. Another takes place at noon at Ukumehame in Lahaina. This event features a paddle out, boat line up and […]

A four-person team from the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife continues to patrol the lines established in the forest reserve and on adjacent private ranch land to douse hot spots and smokers at the 1,000-acre Olinda fire.