Latest Fire Recovery News
Injured Maui firefighter returns home for recovery
Maui Fire Department and responders from other agencies welcomed home the department member who was injured on Aug. 8, fighting the fire in Lahaina. He had spent the last two weeks in the hospital on Oʻahu.
Maui Humane Society accesses Lahaina burn zone in effort to find live animals
Maui County officials permitted the Maui Humane Society to access the Lahaina burn zone on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 26, in a coordinated search and rescue effort to find live animals.
Maui attorney convenes legal experts for in-person presentation on the Lahaina wildfire disaster
The three firms filed a lawsuit on Aug. 17 alleging that the fire started when the electrical infrastructure and power lines came into contact with vegetation.
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council: Lahaina recovery update, land care webinar
The Maui Nui Marine Resource Council is asking for support from the community as the nonprofit continues to work with partner agencies on Maui to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
Maui wildfire disaster updates for Aug. 27: More than 11K register for FEMA assistance; 20 hotel shelters housing displaced residents
Maui Wildfire Disaster updates for Aug. 27 are posted HERE. To date, 11,010 FEMA assistance registrations have been received, with some $14.6 million in federal housing and individual assistance provided.
UPDATE: Kāʻanapali brush fire 90% contained; Hawaiian Electric reports power restored to all customers
Firefighters on-scene continue to reinforce containment lines. As of 5 p.m., the evacuation order was lifted and residents were free to return home.
Frequently asked questions about FEMA disaster assistance
For Maui residents who were affected by the wildfires that began on Aug. 8, FEMA has answers to frequently asked questions.
Insurance association urges caution hiring contractor, public adjuster for fire destruction
As residents slowly begin the clean-up and rebuilding process following the Maui wildfires, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association urges caution when hiring a contractor or public adjuster to avoid losing insurance proceeds or getting caught in scams and other fraudulent activity.
Kula residents receive water update at community meeting
Maui County Water Director John Stufflebean addressed Kula residents during an Aug. 25 meeting and explained what was being done and what would be done to provide clean, drinkable water for areas affected by the recent fires.
Binhi at Ani launches Tulong for Lahaina Fund
“Tulong means help in the Tagalog and Ilokano languages,” said organization President Melen Agcolicol, who will lead the coordination. “And Binhi at Ani wanted to create a fund to help our kababayans, our fellow Filipinos, which comprise at least 40% of Lahaina town.”
Renters can apply for FEMA assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance is available to renters, including students, as well as homeowners. Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a one-month or two-month period and can be reviewed for additional assistance.
Maui wildfire disaster updates for Aug. 26: 38 fire victims publicly identified; 99% of burned area searched
Maui Wildfire Disaster updates for Aug. 25 are posted HERE. County officials released a list of 388 people who have been reported as unaccounted for from the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire disaster.
Community meetings scheduled to discuss Lahaina public schools, Aug. 30
Maui families and community members are invited to meet with principals of Lahaina public schools and Hawaiʻi Department of Education leaders to share input and discuss the latest updates for reopening schools and providing educational opportunities in West Maui. Both meetings will be open to the public.
Maui wildfire survivor Tom Liu says with FEMA’s help, he will rebuild
“I’m 82, and ‘Why rebuild?’ It will probably take at least two years, but with FEMA, with SBA and the immediate family—the ʻohana—that’s why I’m going to rebuild,” he said.
Darryl Olivera, former Hawaiʻi Fire Chief and Civil Defense Administrator named interim MEMA Administrator
Former Fire Chief and Civil Defense Director for Hawaiʻi County, Darryl Oliveira was named the interim Administrator at the Maui Emergency Management Agency during a press conference on Friday evening. He fills the spot left vacant by the resignation of Herman Andaya on Aug. 17, 2023, who cited health concerns as the reason for his departure. “We are honored to […]
Maui police confirm the identity of three more Lahaina wildfire disaster victims
There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 99% of the entire search area completed by Friday evening. Maui police have identified 38 individuals publicly following notification of next of kin, including three additional individuals on Friday evening.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher accommodations available for families displaced by Lahaina and Kula fires
Families who currently have a federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher with the County of Maui and who have been displaced by the Lahaina and Kula fires will not lose their housing assistance.
Maui crews installing dust screen around Lahaina
The state Department of Transportation is installing nearly 30,000 linear feet of dust screen for the protection of highway users on Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30) and the Lahaina Bypass (Route 3000).
Lahaina District Court cases temporarily addressed at Hoapili Hale; Free legal assistance available
Lahaina District Court cases and services are being addressed at Hoapili Hale, the main courthouse in Wailuku located at 2145 Main St.
Federal Resource Fair for those impacted by Maui wildfires, Aug. 26 in Lahaina
Representative Jill Tokuda and Senator Mazie K. Hirono announced that their offices are holding a federal resource fair for constituents on Maui impacted by the devastating fires. The resource fair is happening this Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Lahaina from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
