Maui News

Restrictions at the Lahaina Gateway and Walgreens in West Maui were lifted Tuesday.

County of Maui restrictions, triggered by fire evacuation orders Aug. 8, were lifted today, Sept. 5, 2023, for two West Maui parcels: Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St., and Walgreens, 342 Keawe St.

Governor Josh Green, M.D. is announcing a vehicle replacement program for survivors of the Maui wildfire disaster, as an option toward recovery. The governor has worked with Avis Budget Car Rental, Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and Hertz to make additional vehicles available for purchase. Interested individuals can visit https://Hertzcarsales.com, or for Avis Budget or Enterprise, reach out to any local Maui automobile dealership for more details.

The Maui Police Department released the name of another victim from the Aug. 8 Lahaina fire. Police today confirmed the identity of: Louise Abihai, 97, of Lahaina.

Goodwill Hawaiʻi will be distributing upwards of $400,000 total in emergency vouchers for impacted residents to redeem for clothing and household goods at any Goodwill Store in Hawaiʻi. The vouchers are being distributed to fire victims thru the nonprofit’s outreach at its emergency response centers on Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island and in partnership with other government and nonprofit partners.

Upcountry Strong is distributing one solar bag per household member while supplies last at its headquarters located at the Pukalani Terrace Shopping Center. The location is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Pono Wines,  a premium Napa wine brand inspired by Hawaiʻi, released today the 2021 IMUA Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, made in partnership with the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa (UH Mānoa).

Hawaiian Electric has suspended service disconnections so all Maui customers who are financially challenged by the devastating wildfires will not have to worry about their electric service.

There are 115 confirmed fatalities with 54 individuals now identified publicly following notification of next of kin. EPA has completed work in Kula and has completed removal of hazardous material at 268 properties in total, which is roughly 15% of the total number of properties. Food and supplies will be distributed to West Maui residents at Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe St.: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 6. The selection and quantity of items will be reduced in preparation for a move to a new location at Kahana Gateway, 4405 Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. On-site mobile health vehicle.On-site mobile health vehicle.

Hawaiʻi Community Lending today announced the launch of the Kānaka Anti-Displacement Fund to prevent displacement of kānaka maoli (Native Hawaiians) from Maui after the tragic wildfire that destroyed thousands of homes and businesses in Lahaina.

“Waterman,” a documentary film that explores the life of Duke Paoa Kahanamoku, has received a News and Docs Emmy nomination for Outstanding Historical Documentary.

The US Small Business Administration has partnered with the Hawaiʻi Small Business Development Center to open an SBA Business Recovery Center in Honolulu to provide a wide range of services to small businesses impacted by Maui wildfires that began Aug. 8. SBA representatives continue to be available at the Business Recovery Center in Kīhei to provide information on SBA disaster loans and business assistance on the dates and times indicated.

Unsafe Water Advisories remain in effect for parts of Lahaina and Upper Kula. Check the advisory map to see if you are located in the affected area. Addresses are searchable on the top left. 

Maui Canoe Club has been looking for ways to help Maui Nui residents and recovery teams who have been affected by the recent fires. The Maui Canoe Club is offering all of those directly affected the opportunity to paddle in outrigger canoes with the club.

In a gesture of support for displaced Maui residents, Hawaiian Paddle Sports, Maui Kayak Adventures, and Aloha Kayaks Maui will provide free “Mālama Maui” guided kayak tours every weekend in September.

An estimated four acres of brush burned during a mid-day fire near the Pulehunui Industrial Park off of the Maui Veteran’s Highway on Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.

The Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem Foundation hosts a Lahaina & Kula Strong Back to School Beach Bash on Sept. 16 at Hoʻokipa Beach.

The food and supply distribution site at the Lahaina Gateway Center continued service today (Sept. 4) and will operate on Wednesday, Sept. 6, with a reduced selection and quantity of items in preparation for a move to Kahana Gateway later this week.

As of today, Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, MPD has 110 missing person reports relating to the Lahaina wildfire, 41 of which are actively being investigated and are considered open. “As we move forward, a missing person report will be necessary to assist with this investigation,” police said.

St. Anthony School is postponing its “Sunday in the Shade – A Vintage Pāʻina” event. The fundraiser commemorating the school’s 175th anniversary had been planned for Oct. 1, 2023, on the school grounds. The school will announce a new date when it is determined.