#John Smith
County’s updated plan for $1.6 billion in fire recovery funds includes help for first-time homebuyers, rebuilding homes
Plan on track to be submitted this week, with applications taken for programs in the summer.
Painful reminder: Maui faces long, steep climb to recovery from August 2023 wildfires
Congress’ $1.6 billion in federal wildfire disaster relief funding falls more than four times short of Maui’s unmet needs, now estimated at almost $7.7 billion in the aftermath of the August 2023 wildfire disaster. The original damage estimate was $5.52 billion.
SMA permits suspended for wildfire-impacted Lahaina properties mauka of Front Street
A waiver of special management area rules for Lahaina wildfire survivors is expected to reduce rebuilding permit processing by about a year, speeding reconstruction and economic recovery for the West Maui community impacted by the deadly Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires.
Maui County receives $15.43M grant for West Maui Greenway project
The County of Maui was recently awarded a $15.43 million grant from the federal government to support the first phase of the West Maui Greenway, a project that will contribute to several key areas of Lahaina’s recovery from the 2023 Maui wildfires.
DPW leader John Smith selected as County’s Office of Recovery Administrator
Mayor Richard Bissen announced the selection of John Smith, a leader with the County of Maui’s Department of Public Works, to serve as the new administrator of the County’s Office of Recovery. County officials say Smith has been instrumental in leading infrastructure restoration efforts following the recent wildfires. In his new capacity, he will now oversee the County’s comprehensive recovery efforts.
Maui delegation connects with other fire-stricken counties at wildfire summit
Mayor Richard Bissen joined Maui’s state, county and community leaders at After the Fire USA’s 2024 Wildfire Leadership Summit last week in Sonoma, Calif. Together, they shared updates on Maui’s wildfire recovery efforts and gathered valuable insights from other jurisdictions affected by similar disasters.
