#wildfire impacts

UH spearheading $2.1M in Maui wildfire response research

Following the Maui wildfires of August 2023, the University of Hawaiʻi is spearheading projects totaling $2.1 million to address the impacts to air and water quality, public health, ecosystem resilience and community evacuation responses.

Maui visitor arrivals still down in March 2024, but at its highest level since the August 2023 wildfires

There were 206,049 visitors to Maui in March 2024, down significantly compared to 276,485 visitors (-25.5%) in March 2023 and 271,934 visitors (-24.2%) in March 2019, according to preliminary data from the state Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism.

$23.1M in damage to agricultural producers from August 2023 wildfires, high winds

Hawaiʻi County producers incurred $100,000 in total losses while Maui County producers incurred $23 million in total losses. Producers estimated the reduction in sales revenue at $5.1 million, the reduction in agritourism revenue at $3.9 million, the value of livestock losses at $75,000, the value of crop damages at $5.4 million, and property damages at $8.5 million.

Hui O Ka Wai Ola adds four new coastal water testing sites in Lahaina 

Hui O Ka Wai Ola increased its response to the Lahaina wildfires by launching four additional coastal water testing sites in West Maui (Māla Tavern, Māla Ramp, Papalaua Street, and Lahaina Harbor) and by hiring the organization’s first Fire Response Team Lead.