Latest Fire Recovery News
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.
Coast Guard, USACE, FEMA and EPA members meet to discuss Maui wildfire response operations
Members of the US Coast Guard, US Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Environmental Protection Agency met last Tuesday on Maui to discuss the status of various missions.
Maui police narrow ‘Credible List’ of unaccounted for individuals to 10
The Maui Police Department has narrowed its list of unaccounted for individuals from the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire to 10 people. The updated list was released on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023.
UH Wind Ensemble to play special rendition of Lahainaluna in tribute
Like many of those in Hawaiʻi who watched with heavy hearts the devastation that the wildfires left on Maui, the members of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Wind Ensemble felt a desire to honor those who were lost, those who survived, and those who are working to help the community.
22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention moved to Maui to ‘uplift local voices’
In a significant decision aimed at amplifying the voices of the people of Maui, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has chosen to relocate its highly anticipated 22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention from Oʻahu to Maui. This year’s convention is scheduled to take place from Nov. 14-17, 2023, at the Maui Arts and Culture Center in Kahului, Maui.
Disaster Area Restrictions lifted at Zones 3A, 3B & 3C for parts of Wahikuli, ʻĀinakea and Fleming roads
Disaster area restrictions will be lifted on Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 9 and 10, for owners and residents of Zones 3A, 3B and 3C. This includes parts of Wahikuli, ʻĀinakea and Fleming roads
One more Lahaina fire victim identified by police: death toll is 98, unaccounted for is 12
The Maui Police Department identified one more victim of the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire on Thursday: Michael Mahnensmith, 80, of Lahaina. Mahnensmith’s name was moved from the latest “verified list” of unaccounted for individuals released last week Friday. Maui police update the list weekly.
Realtor from Lahaina wins national award for volunteer leadership in combating hunger
Now, in the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, realtor Debbie Arakaki is amping up her efforts to help thousands of families who lost their homes. Arakaki and a group of other long-time Maui residents collaborated to create the Maui Pono Foundation to provide immediate funds to neighbors in need.
Operation underway to remove sunken vessels, marine debris from Lahaina Harbor, waterways
The Unified Command operation has begun to remove burned and sunken vessels, and marine debris, from Lahaina Harbor and the surrounding waterways.
Emotions run high as hundreds attend virtual meeting for update on West Maui boating
More than 450 people attended a virtual community meeting on Tuesday to get updates on the status of West Maui’s commercial and recreational vessel activities.
True Value gifts $200K in products to Sacred Hearts School following Lahaina wildfire
In a gesture of community support, True Value has announced a significant donation to the Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina, Maui, that was affected by recent wildfires. The contribution consists of products valued at a total of $200,000, spanning essential categories aimed at helping the school rebuild and recuperate.
Deadline for FEMA, SBA assistance extended to Nov. 9
Homeowners and renters who were affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui now have until Thursday, Nov. 9, to apply for federal disaster assistance from FEMA and submit an application for a disaster loan from the US Small Business Administration.
