Latest Fire Recovery News

Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center on Maui alongside their operating manager, Pacific Retail Capital Partners, and the portfolio’s 21 retail properties across the nation, have come together to raise awareness and support for those affected by Maui’s wildfires.  

Even with protective measures in place, runoff from heavy rains could still result in dangerous ocean water quality conditions along shoreline areas between Kāʻanapali and Olowalu Landing. Landscapes that have been severely impacted by wildfires are also at heightened risk for flooding during periods of heavy rain, as vegetation that would typically absorb rainfall has been burned away, increasing the possibility of flash flooding or mudslides. 

Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura shares details regarding wildfire response to the deadly fire in Lahaina that started on Aug. 8, 2023.

With many travelers leaving West Maui amid the disastrous wildfires first reported on Aug. 8, the overflow of rental vehicles are piling up again around the Kahului Airport. This time around, government leaders are choosing their words carefully to prevent unwanted economic impacts for the rest of the island and the state.

Maui Economic Opportunity Human Services and Maui Bus ADA Paratransit buses will resume trips to, from and within West Maui beginning Tuesday, Aug. 22.

The coordinated donation management center will receive, sort and inventory donations collected for Maui residents impacted by the wildfires and store them until they are ready to be transported and received on Maui.

Maui Wildfire Disaster updates for Aug. 20 are available HERE. The public is reminded that the Lahaina Gateway distribution center for food, water and supplies, and the Wailuku Donation Center at the Queen Kaʻahumanu shopping center are closed on Sunday, Aug. 20. Both will resume operations on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.

Eleven days after the fire raged through Lahaina, recovery and other emergency response operators have been instructed on Saturday to report any stray animal sightings to the Maui County Emergency Operations Center.

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.