#recovery
Draft guidelines aim to streamline complex rebuilding in Lahaina’s business district
The draft guidelines are the latest effort by the county to move forward with rebuilding in the town’s business district, which overlaps a sensitive historic area that has seen little activity since the August 2023 wildfires.
‘Never too late to make a change’: 71-year-old earns bachelor’s degree from UH Hilo
Theresa Chang completed an incredible journey from addiction to academic success, accepting her bachelor of arts degree in communication from University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo during the Dec. 20 fall commencement ceremony.
Out of ashes, home again: Kaiāulu o Kūku‘ia grand opening celebrated
The grand opening and blessing of Kaiāulu o Kūku‘ia Thursday morning marked an emotional milestone in West Maui’s recovery, becoming the first newly built, permanent multifamily affordable housing project to open for local families since the August 2023 wildfires. The complex includes Hawai‘i’s first Bezos Academy preschool.
Second anniversary of Maui wildfires brings more hope as recovery progresses, but survivors still yearn to come home
“The trauma will always be there for sure … but the image that I have in my mind of that day, it’s hard to picture that when you see frames being put up and you see construction happening,” fire survivor Dustin Kaleiopu said.
Two years after wildfires, Maui Fire Department’s changes to staffing, fleet, fire code aim to prevent another tragedy
The 2023 Maui wildfires “still weigh heavily on everybody in the department, and it was something that a lot of our firefighters faced that day that they hope to never have to see again,” Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura said.
Maui County now making Lahaina historic guidelines clearer and enforceable after agreement with state
Since striking an agreement with the State Historic Preservation Division in April, Maui County has been enforcing historic guidelines more consistently in order for people to be approved for building permits.
Residents encouraged to attend Lahaina Community Meeting, May 7
Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s in-person Lahaina Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria.
Flip-flopping tariffs create confusion, price uncertainty for builders in Lahaina
Contractors worry a rise in costs could make it harder for people to afford rebuilding burned homes.
Should neighborhoods build more densely after Lahaina fire? This bill would allow it
The number of homes allowed on a lot could double in some areas under a bill that the county says would help address a housing crisis made worse by the fire.
Home of longtime Lahaina family is first to finish rebuilding after being destroyed in last year’s fire
The Ah Hees are days away from their final inspection and plan to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones more than a year after they were displaced by the August 2023 fire.
Maui County lifts unsafe water advisory for Lahaina ahead of one year mark
On Friday, Maui County lifted an unsafe water advisory that had been in place for nearly a year for parts of hard-hit Lahaina town after the Aug. 8 wildfire disaster, Department of Water Supply Deputy Director James “Kimo” Landgraf announced.
Get wildfire repair and rebuilding advice June 17-22 in Makawao
FEMA specialists will be available June 17-22, at Foodland in Pukalani from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, except for Wednesday due to the observance of Juneteenth on June 19. Specialists will answer questions and offer home-improvement tips and proven methods to help reduce damage from disasters. Most information is aimed at general contractors or those who do the work on their own.
Upcountry residents invited to discuss impact of wildfires during community conversation in Kula
The goal of this meeting is to collectively begin to create a path toward a fire and water resilient Upcountry community.
Maui Nui Marine Resource Council supporting relief efforts, taking action for Maui’s reefs
The Maui organization is working quickly with its partners to assess the impacts of the wildfires and find solutions to prevent additional harm. While the situation remains dynamic, the council is moving forward on several fronts.
