The Stories
Upcountry wildfire survivors grateful to volunteers, discuss recovery with governor
Upcountry wildfire survivors discussed the loss of their homes and the unwavering support of community volunteers who came to their aid in the days following disastrous wildfires on Maui.
“It only takes a spark to start a fire. Sometimes you just need that one little spark to get a response going, and the community has been the fuel for that,” said volunteer, Kyle Ellison.
Lahaina wildfire survivors: “It’s hard knowing all of Lahaina needs help.”
“We can rebuild, and we’re going to rebuild. We’re going to be back. But we cannot bring people back, and that’s the tough part… Trying to cope with that part of life now. This is the normal, and this is hard to get used to. We’re trying to as people, but we just need all the support we can get at this point,” said Lahaina resident, Connor Mowat.
Tale of two Mauis: West Maui/Lahaina devastated by fire; rest of Maui reeling from loss of tourists who fuel economy
While West Maui and fire-affected parts of Kula remain no place for visitors — with teams still searching for remains from the Lahaina fire and the recovery in the early stages — the rest of the island was unharmed by the fires but now is reeling from the abrupt loss of tourists that is causing people to lose their jobs and businesses to struggle.
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.
Local residents push forward amidst chaos
Various local volunteers help community in Lahaina after fire disaster.
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.
Hawaiʻi defense innovation community collaborates to restore Maui connectivity after devastating wildfires
In the aftermath of the catastrophic wildfires that swept through Maui, a community-driven collaboration between Pacific Impact Zone, SMX, and the Maui Tech Hui worked to rapidly deploy satellite internet connectivity at key locations in West Maui.
Biden tells Lahaina to applause: ‘We’re gonna build back better … but what you want’
President Joe Biden drew applause at the Lahaina Civic Center when he told about 400 survivors of the fire: “We’re gonna build back better. Better than you had. But what YOU want. What YOU need.”
Interview: Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura discusses Lahaina wildfire response
Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura shares details regarding wildfire response to the deadly fire in Lahaina that started on Aug. 8, 2023.
President Biden invited to visit Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in fire-ravaged Lahaina
With President Joe Biden scheduled to travel to Lahaina on Monday to meet with fire survivors and first responders, the president has been asked to consider visiting Maria Lanakila Catholic Church. The historic church established in 1846 survived the devastation of a wildfire that swept through historic Lahaina town Aug. 8-9. More than 2,000 buildings were destroyed.
Maui teacher saves former student from wildfires
When Lahainaluna High science teacher Jackie Ellis was fleeing deadly Lahaina wildfires last week, she never imagined a chance encounter at a stoplight would mean saving her former student’s life.
