Two indicted for fraudulent FEMA claims for the 2023 Lahaina and 2025 Palisades fires
The indictment alleges that Harris and Johnson conspired with each other and carried out a wire fraud scheme, wherein they are accused of submitting false claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, claiming to have suffered income, housing, and property losses as a result of two federal disasters, when, as Harris and Johnson both knew, they did not live in the disaster area or suffer any such losses.
15 nonprofits join inaugural Kahua Grants Initiative for grassroots growth
Fifteen nonprofits have been awarded a spot in Maui United Way’s first-ever Kahua Grants Initiative cohort.
Sixth West Maui TDS report shows compliance with environmental regulations
The West Maui Temporary Debris Storage (TDS) site environmental monitoring quarterly report for the sixth 90-day operational period shows the findings from sampling and monitoring are in compliance with county, state and federal environmental regulations.
Lahaina Energy Partnership releases new report; announces Phase 2 kickoff workshop
Local partners of the Lahaina Energy Partnership have released the “Community-Identified Energy Pathways Report.” The LEP invites all community members to join the Phase 2 Kickoff Co-Design Workshop on July 24, 2025, to continue shaping a resilient, community-guided energy plan for Lahaina.
Habitat for Humanity Maui to hold Disaster Recovery Fundraiser at Old Lahaina Lūʻau
Habitat for Humanity Maui announced its second annual Disaster Recovery Fundraiser to be held at the historic Old Lahaina Lūʻau on Oct. 4, 2025. This event aims to raise essential funds to support the continued rebuilding of Lahaina, which was devastated by the catastrophic wildfires of 2023. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly towards recovery and reconstruction efforts.
‘Big Hearts’ book will represent Hawai‘i at 2025 National Book Festival
The Hawai‘i Center for the Book has selected “Big Hearts on a Little Island: The Maui Community’s Heroic Response to the 2023 Wildfires” as the “Great Reads from Great Places” adult title to represent the state of Hawai‘i at the 2025 Library of Congress National Book Festival.
Hoʻōla Maui launches Disaster Case Management program for Lahaina wildfire survivors
The Hoʻōla Maui Long Term Recovery Group announced the launch of its expanded Disaster Case Management and Survivor Support program, designed to provide holistic comprehensive, culturally-sensitive assistance to those affected by the Lahaina wildfire, regardless of their FEMA application status.
Lahaina rebuilding dilemma: Commission debates parking lot rezoning for Moku Roots
After three failed attempts to reach an agreement, the Maui Planning Commission finally secured a 5-2 vote Tuesday recommending rezoning of a Front Street lot crucial for customer parking for the new Moku Roots vegan restaurant planned for the former Chart House site in Lahaina. The Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire destroyed the iconic restaurant along […]
Gov. Green signs landmark legislation pertaining to Maui Wildfires Settlement
Gov. Josh Green, M.D. has enacted legislation to solidify the global settlement for claims relating to the August 2023 Maui wildfires and to further codify the role of Hawai‘i’s first State Fire Marshal in nearly 46 years.
Wildfire debris transfer 18% complete, Maui County reports
As of July 7, about 18% of the nonhazardous debris from the Lahaina wildfires has been moved from the Temporary Debris Storage site in Olowalu to the Permanent Disposal Site near the Central Maui Landfill in Puʻunēnē, according to the US Army Corps of Engineers.
State land surveyors help to determine shoreline boundaries in Lahaina post-wildfire
The Hawaiʻi Department of Accounting and General Services Land Survey Division is helping the Lahaina community find normalcy, as residents and businesses rebuild after the 2023 wildfires.
Hawaiian Electric tests goat grazing as vegetation management option for landowners
In May, 15 goats were set up in within a fenced 1-acre area of Upcountry Maui and cleared the vegetation within eight days.
Samaritan’s Purse dedicates new homes to Maui families impacted by Lahaina wildfire
Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization, dedicated three newly built homes in Lahaina for Maui families who survived the state’s deadliest wildfire in history. Each home—constructed under the guidance of local contractors and built with the hands and hearts of Samaritan’s Purse volunteers—stands as a visible reminder to these families that they are not forgotten, organization leaders said.
More modular homes to be delivered to Ka Laʻi Ola next week
Hauling will take place nightly from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m, from Monday, June 30 to Friday, July 4 and then again from Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11. The transport will involve trucks in a caravan that will move the homes from the staging area near the Kahului small boat ramp, along Kahului Beach Road (Route 3400), to Lahaina.
Wildfire survivors urged to beware of contractor fraud as they rebuild homes
Many Maui wildfire survivors are beginning to repair and rebuild their homes after the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfires. FEMA encourages survivors hiring a contractor to beware of fraud.
Temporary housing units to be moved onto private and secondary sites in West Maui
FEMA began moving temporary housing units from the staging site in Lahaina to private and secondary sites on June 26, 2025. Movement will continue over the next several weeks, providing further available housing for wildfire survivors in West Maui. The first unit was moved to a private site on Thursday, with additional units to follow.
Maui Relief TANF qualifiers reminded to access long-term housing, appliance help
Those impacted by the August 2023 wildfires, who have qualified for the Maui Relief TANF Program, are reminded to apply for unused benefits, including long-term housing and appliance assistance.
Over 1,000 Maui keiki to benefit as wildfire mental health program expands in year 2
Maui Youth & Family Services (MYFS), in partnership with Maui United Way and Sentry’s Mālama Nā Keiki Initiative, is expanding critical mental health services for keiki impacted by the Lahaina wildfires.
Habitat for Humanity Maui to hold Disaster Recovery Fundraiser at Old Lahaina Lūʻau
Habitat for Humanity Maui announced its second annual Disaster Recovery Fundraiser to be held at the historic Old Lahaina Lūʻau on Oct. 4, 2025. This event aims to raise essential funds to support the continued rebuilding of Lahaina, which was devastated by the catastrophic wildfires of 2023. All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly towards recovery and reconstruction efforts.
County of Maui, HUD sign $1.6B grant agreement for disaster relief
A grant agreement authorizing approximately $1.6 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to support Maui wildfire recovery efforts was finalized Friday by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the County of Maui.