Latest Fire Recovery News
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.
Disaster Area Residential Restrictions to be lifted for Zones 9H, 9I and 9J 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, Oct. 30 and Tuesday, Oct. 31, in Zones 9H, 9I and 9J.
Queen Kaʻahumanu Center offers free rent and $2K stipend to businesses impacted by fires
Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center announced that it will recognize businesses impacted by the recent Maui wildfires with free rent for three months on a center Cart and a $2,000 cash stipend to help get them back on their feet.
Land Board to consider Lahaina wildfire debris disposition site at old Olowalu cinder quarry
The County of Maui has submitted a request to the state Board of Land and Natural Resources to utilize land in Olowalu near the closed landfill as a final disposition site for disposal of fire debris from the Aug. 8 wildfires.
The Salvation Army on Maui announced three new job positions to aid in wildfire recovery
The Salvation Army has created three job positions aimed at assisting Maui residents in recovery and revitalization efforts following the August 2023 wildfires.
Three more disaster area zones reopen for residents in West Maui, Oct. 27-28
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 Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28, in Zones 4A, 4B and 4C.
Nonprofits, houses of worship have until Oct. 25 to apply for disaster public assistance
Time is running out for private nonprofits, houses of worship and government organizations to apply for a key type of federal assistance for the Hawai‘i wildfire disaster. Requests for public assistance funding from the Federal Emergency Management Administration must be filed no later than Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Four county mayors visit Lahaina disaster zone; Next phase of reopening set for Nov. 1
Mayors from Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island visited Front Street, Lahaina Harbor and a re-entry zone together for the first time on Monday. The site visit comes 11 weeks after the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire that claimed the lives of at least 99 people.
Contractor with US Army Corps of Engineers begins hazardous fire site assessments in Kula
On Saturday, Phase 1 of the US Army Corps of Engineers-led removal of private property debris began with hazardous site assessments for 26 properties in Kula that were burned by the Aug. 8 wildfire.
