Lahaina Jodo Mission Moves Forward With Fire-Resilient Rebuild Plans
The Lahaina Jodo Mission, destroyed in the 2023 wildfire, is developing plans to rebuild its temple, pagoda, and social hall with stronger foundations and coastal protections. The mission is participating in FEMA’s Public Assistance program to help fund portions of the reconstruction. The 2023 Lahaina wildfire destroyed the mission’s temple, pagoda, and social hall, though […]
Federal Grants Fund Lahaina Fire Health Study Through 2031
The University of Hawaiʻi has received nearly $6 million in NIH funding to extend its Maui Wildfire Exposure Study through 2031, tracking the long-term health of 2,000 adults from Lahaina and Kula and adding 800 children to the cohort. Two NIH grants totaling nearly $6 million will keep the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study running through […]
Temporary Lahaina Library Unit Installed, Opening Targeted for Early 2027
Multiple outlets reported that Hawaii’s State Public Library System has taken a concrete step toward restoring library services to West Maui after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. A self-contained temporary unit was installed at the Lahaina Civic Center’s upper parking lot on Tuesday, with an anticipated opening in early 2027 pending electrical and IT setup. A […]
Temporary Lahaina Library Installed, Expected to Open Early 2027
A portable library unit has been installed at the Lahaina Civic Center, replacing the library destroyed in the 2023 wildfires. The Hawaii State Public Library System expects the facility to open in early 2027 after electrical and IT work is completed. A 20×20-foot prefabricated unit was installed at the Lahaina Civic Center’s upper parking lot […]
Maui Storm Victims Await Federal Disaster Declaration After Lala Flooding
More than a month after Tropical Storm Lala caused significant flood damage on Maui, affected residents are waiting on a federal Major Disaster Declaration that would unlock broader recovery assistance. Hawaii’s emergency management agency says a damage assessment was submitted to the White House on September 9th, but no decision has been made. A federal […]
UH Wildfire Health Study Secures $6M to Track Lahaina Survivors Through 2031
Multiple reports from Hawaii Public Radio confirm that the University of Hawaiʻi’s Maui Wildfire Exposure Study has received nearly $6 million in federal funding to extend its post-fire health research through 2031. The grants, awarded by the National Institutes of Health, will allow researchers to continue monitoring fire-affected residents and expand the study to include […]
Lahaina Interim Marketplace Opens Vendor Applications on Front Street Site
Hawaiian Council is accepting vendor applications through Sept. 28 for ‘Ulu O Lele, an interim marketplace at the former Outlets of Maui site that will be the first commercial presence on Lahaina’s Front Street since the 2023 wildfire. The three-acre space will house 25–50 local vendors and up to eight food trucks while permanent redevelopment […]
USPS Refuses Curbside Delivery to Rebuilt Lahaina Homes; Hawaii Leaders Push Back
The U.S. Postal Service is classifying rebuilt Lahaina homes as ‘new development’ and requiring centralized mailbox clusters instead of restoring pre-fire curbside delivery. Hawaii’s congressional delegation and Maui’s mayor are urging USPS to reverse the decision. USPS is denying direct mail delivery to some rebuilt Lahaina single-family homes, requiring centralized mailbox clusters instead of restoring […]
Hawaiian Electric Raises $29.5M in Bank Stock Sale to Fund Wildfire Settlement
Multiple financial news outlets reported that Hawaiian Electric Industries (HEI) sold a portion of its remaining stake in American Savings Bank during ASB’s September 16 IPO, netting $29.5 million. The proceeds will go toward funding HEI’s outstanding Maui wildfire settlement payments, reducing the company’s need for future capital raises. HEI sold approximately 2.0 million ASB […]
Maui Fire Aftermath Spurs Federal Bill on Gender-Based Violence in Disaster Recovery
Multiple sources report that data gathered following the 2023 Lahaina wildfire has helped drive new federal legislation aimed at addressing domestic abuse and exploitation during disaster recovery. A bipartisan bill introduced in Congress would require FEMA to improve shelter safety, establish reporting protocols for gender-based violence, and reform how agency workers conduct household check-ins after […]