Latest Fire Recovery News

As Hurricane Hilary moves toward California, the FEMA administrator said no FEMA personnel responding to Maui recovery efforts would be relocated to the mainland.

The Unsafe Water Advisory for the Lahaina water system was expanded on Aug. 18 to include the area from Kaniau Road to Leialiʻi Parkway, according to Maui County.

Hawaiian Telcom, with the help of 40 employees from neighbor islands, have restored connectivity this week to the company’s central offices in Lahaina and Nāpili — and restored service to more than 11,000 customers in West Maui.

Maui County officials warn of significant hazards that exist near all burned structures and areas and objects exposed to smoke — and what precautions should be taken to stay safe.

Maui Wildfire Disaster updates for Aug. 19 are posted HERE. The death toll rose to 114 on Friday with 78% of the area searched. Fires still are burning, but they have not spread for days.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green expressed his resolve that the state will not abandon the survivors; he will get to the bottom of Maui’s criticized emergency response ; and that he will do everything he can to help Lahaina rebuild.

Nā ʻOhana o Lele, a coalition of community members in Lahaina, today called on Governor Josh Green to meet three demands for the recovery of the community.

Maui police arrested a Lahaina resident on Friday for alleged Violation of the Rules and Orders relating to the restricted Lahaina wildfire disaster area.

“Going forward, and until further notice, there will be zero tolerance for anyone who trespasses, including residents of the affected area, the news media, and the general public, which could result in a citation or arrest,” police said in a news release. “The area is not safe, and it is disrespectful for anyone to wander around without authorization.”

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that nearly 1,000 federal responders are on the ground in Hawaiʻi to help the state recover from the devastating wildfires. In the days since President Biden declared a major disaster declaration for the state of Hawaiʻi, FEMA has approved more than $5.6 million in assistance to nearly 2,000 households including more than $2.3 million in initial rental assistance.

Beginning Saturday, carriers from the Lahaina Main Post Office will resume mail delivery to addresses that are accessible and at which homes and mail receptacles are still standing.

Haleakalā National Park’s Summit and Kīpahulu Districts remain closed to the public through at least the evening of Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Visitors should not plan to drive to or visit the park until it has been officially reopened.

The first day of preschool is set for Monday, Aug. 21, at Head Start sites at Haʻikū Elementary School, Kīhei Elementary School, Eddie Tam complex in Makawao, UH-Maui College, Wailuku Elementary School and Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center. The Lahaina center at Lahaina Intermediate School is temporarily closed. 

Maui Wildfire Disaster updates for Aug. 18 are posted HERE. Today, three of those fires remain active with crews monitoring for flare ups and hotspots. The death toll from the Lahaina fire has risen to 111, with the identity of six victims publicly released by police. An estimated 58% of the burn area has been searched. The wildfire is described as the nation’s deadliest in 100 years.

Students at King Kekaulike return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 23. In West Maui, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary, Lahaina Intermediate and Lahainaluna High remain closed to students and staff. Phased reopening dates for these schools will be determined once the campuses are confirmed as safe by county, state and federal authorities.

The Family Assistance Center is moving from its current location at the Kahului Community Center to the Hyatt Regency’s Monarchy Ballroom, located at 200 Nohea Kai Drive in Kāʻanapali, effective Friday, Aug. 18, at 10 a.m. FAC services at the Kahului Community Center will end as of 8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17.

Citing health reasons, Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Administrator Herman Andaya submitted his resignation effective immediately.

Mayor Richard Bissen announced Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, that fiscal year 2023-24 property taxes will be waived for improved properties completely destroyed by the Maui Wildfire Disaster in Upcountry, Kīhei and Lahaina.

The hotel housing is being provided through a FEMA program, which the Red Cross is administering under a contract with the state of Hawai‘i, and those impacted by the deadly wildfires will be able to stay in hotels as long as it takes to find long-term housing solutions.

An official statement was released this morning from Hale Mahaolu Eono regarding last Tuesdayʻs wildfire, a timeline of events, and actions taken during the incident.