#Wildfires
HECO works to reduce wildfire risks statewide
Hawaiian Electric Co. continues to strengthen the statewide power grid and reduce wildfire risk across all islands through pole replacements, vegetation management and new equipment installations, according to a HECO announcement. On Maui, crews in the Olinda area have expanded hazard tree removals in coordination with landowners to clear invasive trees and debris. Installation of insulated […]
Maui Arts League supports wildfire-impacted artists and teachers
The Maui Arts League is offering cash grants to Maui artists and art teachers impacted by the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires. Applications are due Sept. 15.
What separates fact from fiction? Wildfires and public safety power shutoffs
The summer months bring dry and windy conditions that increase the risk of wildfires, such as the deadly blaze that devastated Lahaina town in August 2023. Now, Hawaiian Electric Co. and the Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization are addressing what they say are five of the most widely held myths about wildfires and prevention strategies, such […]
Hawaiian Electric helps fund nonprofit’s Firewise wildfire prevention outreach
Hawaiian Electric has partnered with Hawaiʻi Wildfire Management Organization to fund critical Firewise coordinator positions to support statewide wildfire prevention efforts.
Information for landlords, renters on lifting of eviction moratorium available at Feb. 15 event
An eviction moratorium put in place by Gov. Josh Green following the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires expired Tuesday, Feb. 4, and an event Saturday, Feb. 15, will offer “what now?” information, assistance to renters and landlords and details of new procedures to handle evictions and disputes.
Fire prevention, housing top priorities as new lawmaking session gets underway
Fires — whether they be wildfires or aerial fireworks — are top of mind for many lawmakers as they prepare for this year’s lawmaking session, beginning Wednesday at the state Capitol in Honolulu.
With 257 acres of dry Mā‘alaea landscape under public control, fire prevention is a key focus
“It’s important because it is connected to a much larger set of lands that go all the way to the summit (of the West Maui Mountains),” said Scott Fretz, the Maui branch manager of DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife. “Fires often start at those mauka lands and come down in the direction toward the highway. And often they start at the highway and go up this parcel into the mauka lands. So, that connectivity is important.”
Maui businesses share stories of resilience after Lahaina wildfire disaster
With the one-year anniversary of the Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires drawing near, business owners are pausing to reflect on their resilience and ability to withstand adversity, including losses of life, property and livelihood.
Rep. Tokuda tours fire-ravaged Lahaina as process begins for National Heritage Area designation
US Rep. Jill Tokuda journeyed into Lahaina’s rich historic and cultural past with an eye on its future Wednesday.
Fasten your seatbelts: Maui Planning Commission to hear TVR phase-out bill Tuesday
A wave of opposition has been building from vacation rental owners and property managers to Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed phase-out of an estimated 7,000 transient vacation rentals in apartment-zoned districts in Maui County.
Fireworks control: State lawmakers aim to strengthen crackdown on illegal pyrotechnics
A bill to help Hawaiʻi law enforcement officers crack down on illegal fireworks has made its way to the desk of Gov. Josh Green.
Ka Laʻi Ola housing project launches with groundbreaking in Lahaina
The state of Hawai‘i and its partners broke ground and held a Hawaiian blessing ceremony Tuesday for a Ka Laʻi Ola, a 450-unit temporary housing project in Lahaina to help displaced wildfire survivors who’re ineligible for aid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Council reviews plans to convert Maui Sun, a former Kīhei hotel, into affordable housing
While thousands of wildfire survivors remain displaced, Maui County Council members heard Tuesday a proposal for the state to purchase the former 216-room Maui Sun Hotel property in central Kīhei and convert it into long-term affordable workforce housing and a public prekindergarten facility.
Arson reported at multiple Kauaʻi parks
Trees at Lydgate Beach Park, ‘Anini Beach Park and Anahola Beach Park were recently found burned. Police reports have been made.
Kōkua needed for KZ Cheer team to represent Lahaina in All-Star Nationals
A GoFundMe effort has been launched to help the KZ Cheer team, competing under the team name Lahaina Strong, represent Maui at the All-Star Nationals this month.
District 10 Rep. Tyson Miyake of Maui sets sights on impactful change
After his appointment to the 10th House District seat and the beginning of this year’s lawmaking session, Tyson Miyake is reading hundreds of bills, attending countless meetings and finding he’s not just another fresh face at the Hawaiʻi Legislature.
Kula Community Association hosting meeting about land management to prevent fires
The Kula Community Association meeting will explore ways to better manage Upcountry lands to both prevent wildfires and to contain those that get started.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority returns to Europe to promote islands to UK, Germany, Switzerland
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority, the state agency responsible for representing the Hawaiian Islands brand globally, has reentered Europe.
James Campbell Company donates $125,000 to Maui fire relief efforts
The James Campbell Company, a Hawai‘i-based and nationally diversified real estate company, announced today that it has donated $125,000 to support Maui fire relief efforts.
State Legislature working group urgently tackles wildfire prevention in Hawaiʻi
As Hawaiʻi grapples with a surge in wildfires threatening communities and ecosystems, bipartisan efforts are underway to introduce legislation to tackle prevention and preparedness.
