Latest Fire Recovery News
EPA processing hundreds of thousands of lithium-ion batteries from Maui fires for recycling in Nevada
The US Environmental Protection Agency is nearing the end of processing hundreds of thousands of lithium-ion batteries from burned electric/hybrid vehicles and solar battery energy storage systems from the Maui wildfires and shipping them to Nevada for recycling.
Disaster Area Residential Restrictions to be lifted for Zones 6B and 7A in West Maui
County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17 and 18, for owners and residents with vehicle passes in Zones 6B and 7A.
Police publicly identify one more victim of Lahaina fire; bringing total to 99 of 100 known fatalities
The Maui Police Department today identified one more victim of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire: Sharlene Rabang, 78, of Lahaina.
Disaster Area Restrictions to be lifted for Zones 1D, 5G, 10F, 14E, 15B and 15C in West Maui
County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions have been lifted for several rural land zones as of 8 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, including: 1D, 10F, 14E, 15B, and 15C. Reentry for zone 5G (E. Kuu Aku Lane) is only for areas within the zone that were not affected by the fire. Supported reentry for residents in fire-affected units is expected to be held next week.
2023 Native Hawaiian Convention kicks off today at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center
The 22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention gets underway today at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, Maui. The four day event was moved to Maui this year to uplift the voices and people following the Aug. 8 wildfires.
MEO handling fire grants for businesses with $300,000 revenues or less
The Maui Business Bridge Grant that provides financial support to businesses directly or indirectly impacted by the August wildfires began accepting applications today, Nov. 13, with Maui Economic Opportunity working with establishments of $300,000 in gross revenue or less.
Maui Business Bridge Grant accepting applications now
This Maui Business Bridge Grant program is now accepting applications. The purpose of this grant program is to support Maui-based businesses that have been directly or indirectly impacted by the Aug. 8, 2023 Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires.
28 grassroots organizations launch ‘Fish-In for Dignified Housing’ at Kāʻanapali Beach
The West Maui organizations are demanding long-term housing solutions for people displaced by the Lahaina fire.
Maui accepts donated fire engine to help fill a gap in equipment after the August wildfires
“Although we are fortunate to have several relief fleet… we’re still in our drought season. We still are averaging about 60 wildfires a month, and so this truck will be going to work pretty quickly here… It will not lay unused,” said Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura.
US Army Corps of Engineers receives temporary housing mission on Maui
The US Army Corps of Engineers received a $1.9 million Federal Emergency Management Agency mission assignment Oct. 28 to provide conceptual design for temporary housing sites.
Disaster Area Residential Restrictions to be lifted for Zones 8C and 9C in West Maui
County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions will be lifted for owners and residents with vehicle passes from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Monday, Nov. 13 and Tuesday, Nov. 14, in Zones 8C and 9C.
MEMA’s interim administrator to return to Big Island when 89-day contract ends; 15 candidates apply for permanent position
Maui County has closed the job applications for administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, and will begin the selection process from 15 candidates.
900 Lahaina wildfire survivors get early holiday surprise at school
Children and staff of Princess Nahiʻenaʻena Elementary School and Kamehameha III Elementary were treated to a Lahaina Toy Surprise and Delight event on Wednesday. The event aimed to bring joy to families impacted by the Lahaina wildfires and create a Winter Wonderland filled with surprises and delights for students and staff.
Upcountry community meeting to discuss ongoing wildfire recovery, Nov. 9
A community meeting to discuss ongoing wildfire debris removal and recovery efforts will be held tonight, Thursday, Nov. 9 in Makawao. The meeting runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mayor Eddie Tam Complex Community Center, located at 931 Makawao Avenue.
Maui wildfires update: Deadline to apply for Federal Disaster Assistance extended to Dec. 9
The deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance has been extended another 30 days, meaning homeowners and renters with uninsured or underinsured damage to their property from the Maui wildfires have until Saturday, Dec. 9, to apply.
This is also the deadline for Maui’s homeowners, renters and businesses to apply to the US Small Business Administration for a low-interest disaster loan for physical property damage.
US Army Corps-led fire debris removal begins on private property in Kula
On Tuesday, contractors removed debris from a private property in Kula, marking the start of Phase 2 of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ debris removal program for Upcountry residents affected by the Aug. 8, wildfires.
Breaking: Maui Recovery Fund announced, Governor gives 3-month Maui wildfire update
A new recovery fund which will exceed $150 million, will distribute money to families of those who died, and to those who suffered severe personal injuries in the Maui wildfires.
Moratorium on service disconnections extended for electric customers on Maui
Suspension of service disconnections for all Hawaiian Electric customers on Maui has been extended through at least Jan. 5, 2024, in accordance with the extension of Gov. Josh Green’s emergency proclamation. Maui customers who are financially challenged by the devastating wildfires will not have to worry about potential disconnection of their electric service.
FEMA allocates $53M to build temporary King Kamehameha III Elementary facility
Officials with the US Army Corps of Engineers tell Maui Now that the $53.7 million base contract covers all the utilities, terracing, installation of the modular facilities and the first 6 months of leasing the buildings.
Special council meeting to consider bill to fund the new Office of Recovery
The Maui County Council will hold a special council meeting Thursday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m. to consider Bill 114, which seeks to: fund the new Office of Recovery; and add new conditional language for a Lahaina Wildfire Final Disposition site in Olowalu.
