Latest Fire Recovery News
Maui Crime Stoppers urges wildfire survivors to report unsolicited offers to buy property
Maui Crime Stoppers is urging wildfire survivors on Maui to report any unsolicited offers to buy their property. The organization notes that this action is considered a crime.
Interim House legislative working groups formed to address Lahaina wildfire relief
House Speaker Scott K. Saiki, Majority Leader Nadine K. Nakamura, and Minority Leader Lauren Matsumoto announced the establishment of six interim House working groups tasked with the crucial responsibility of evaluating specific topics related to the Lahaina wildfire and making recommendations for appropriate legislative action in the 2024 Legislative Session. Working groups will focus on: environmental remediation; food, water and other supplies; jobs and businesses; schools; shelter; and wildfire prevention.
Filipino resource fair planned for Sept. 23 at Lahaina Civic Center
A Filipino resource fair called “Hawak Kamay” (Hand-in-hand) is planned for Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center for individuals and families affected by the recent wildfires. The Maui Filipino Chamber of Commerce and Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaiʻi are coordinating the effort.
County officials share re-entry update and launch of Maui Recovers website
Oliveira is providing once-a-week updates on re-entry for four consecutive weeks, starting this week. To date, the EPA had completed the removal of hazardous material at 300 properties in Kula and Lahaina. The official website, www.MauiRecovers.org, launched this evening to provide vital information and assistance, including re-entry data, to those affected by the destructive fires that started Aug. 8 on Maui.
State’s vehicle replacement program has no details; more an effort to ensure supply
Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green announced on Tuesday a “vehicle replacement program,” but neither the rental car companies nor Maui auto dealerships seem to know anything about it.
OHA trustees commit to $5M for beneficiaries affected by Maui wildfires
In an effort to support Native Hawaiian families impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires, the trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs have approved $5 million to aid in disaster recovery.
Understanding your FEMA determination letter
Hawaiʻi residents who registered for FEMA assistance for the wildfires that began sweeping across Maui Aug. 8 will receive a determination letter from FEMA. In some cases, the letter may say you are ineligible for assistance. FEMA advises that this is not a denial.
More than 100 pets from Lahaina burn zone reunited with owners; Maui Humane Society executive writes open letter
The Maui Humane Society was granted restricted access on Aug. 26, 18 days after the destructive wildfire swept through Lahaina. Maui Humane Society CEO, Lisa Labrecque, DVM, shared the challenges, obstacles, and ongoing efforts to provide help in the wake of Maui’s wildfire disaster. Her open letter to the Maui community is posted here.
Hale Makua Emergency Disaster Relief Fund
Hale Makua Health Services announced the establishment of an Emergency Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected by emergencies or disasters like the Maui wildfires last month.
Jack Johnson’s Songs for Maui – Live Benefit Album out Sept. 15; performance Sept. 18
In support of those affected by the tragic and life-altering fires on Maui, Jack Johnson announces Songs For Maui, a live benefit album featuring Hawaii’s own Paula Fuga and John Cruz. The album is digitally available on Sept. 15. On Sept. 18, Johnson and his band will perform an intimate benefit concert at The Republik in Honolulu, along with special guests Paula Fuga and John Cruz. All proceeds from the Songs For Maui album and The Republik show will benefit fire relief efforts and help provide ongoing support for Maui. Tickets go on sale Sept. 8.
Schatz outlines impact of devastating Maui fires, calls for continued federal support
US Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) delivered remarks on the Senate floor discussing the impact of the deadly fires on Maui last month and underscoring the need for continued federal support in the months ahead.
Maui wildfire recovery: Resources and updates for Sept. 6
There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 55 individuals now identified publicly following notification of next of kin. EPA has completed work in Kula and has completed removal of hazardous material at 268 properties in total, which is roughly 15% of the total number of properties.
The Salvation Army has prepared 55,303 meals and coordinated a total of 352,597 meals through local and nonprofit partnerships at 39 feeding locations during the initial phase of the relief effort, now transitioned from shelters to local hotels.
The Salvation Army pivots to long-term recovery on Maui
Activated from the first moments of the Maui fires on Aug. 8, 2023, The Salvation Army has prepared 55,303 meals and coordinated a total of 352,597 meals through local and nonprofit partnerships at 39 feeding locations during the initial phase of the relief effort.
Kaiser continues to offer services at Nāpili Park, Royal Lahaina Hotel and Hyatt Regency
Kaiser Permanente now has two mobile health vehicles (at Nāpili Park and the Royal Lahaina Hotel) and one first aid station (at the Hyatt Regency Maui) providing care on Maui.
Restrictions lifted at Lahaina Gateway and Walgreens parcels in West Maui
County of Maui restrictions, triggered by fire evacuation orders Aug. 8, were lifted on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, for two West Maui parcels: Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St., and Walgreens, 342 Keawe St.
Gov. Green encourages wildfire survivors to check policies for vehicle loss
Governor Josh Green, M.D. is announcing a vehicle replacement program for survivors of the Maui wildfire disaster, as an option toward recovery. The governor has worked with Avis Budget Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Hertz to make additional vehicles available for purchase. Interested individuals can visit https://Hertzcarsales.com, or for Avis Budget or Enterprise, reach out to any local Maui automobile dealership for more details.
One more Lahaina wildfire disaster victim identified Tuesday, bringing the total to 55
The Maui Police Department released the name of another victim from the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire. Police today confirmed the identity of: Louise Abihai, 97, of Lahaina.
Solar shower bags available today for Upcountry residents in Unsafe Water Advisory areas
Upcountry Strong is distributing one solar bag per household member while supplies last at its headquarters located at the Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center. The location is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
Hawaiian Electric suspends disconnections for all Maui customers through Oct. 17
Hawaiian Electric has suspended service disconnections so all Maui customers who are financially challenged by the devastating wildfires will not have to worry about their electric service.
Maui wildfire recovery: Resources and updates for Sept. 5
There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 54 individuals now identified publicly following notification of next of kin. EPA has completed work in Kula and has completed removal of hazardous material at 268 properties in total, which is roughly 15% of the total number of properties. Food and supplies will be distributed to West Maui residents at Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St.: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. The selection and quantity of items will be reduced in preparation for a move to a new location at Kahana Gateway, 4405 Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. On-site mobile health vehicle.On-site mobile health vehicle.
