Global Climate Migration Study Uses Maui Fire Survivors as Case Example
A republished analysis of climate-driven migration worldwide features a Maui wildfire evacuee still displaced in Kihei more than two years after the 2023 fires. The broader article examines how extreme weather events are forcing large-scale population shifts globally. A Maui fire survivor photographed in March 2026 remains displaced in a converted hotel room in Kihei, […]
Three Years After Lahaina Fire, Frustration and Hope Mark the Recovery
Multiple Hawaii Public Radio reports mark the three-year anniversary of the Lahaina wildfire, capturing the ongoing struggles of residents and the federal response. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda visited Lahaina for the July 2026 Lahaina Homecoming and spoke about coordinating with state and county officials on rebuilding efforts, while residents like Mikey Burke described the emotional […]
Maui Wildfire Rebuild Program Expands Eligibility, Extends Application Deadline
Multiple Maui County sources report that the Hoʻokumu Hou reconstruction and reimbursement program has broadened its income eligibility thresholds following a HUD update to Area Median Income figures. The application deadline has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026, and an informational open house is scheduled for August 20 in Kahului. Maui County’s base Area Median […]
DOH Monitors Lahaina Watershed Streams for Wildfire Contamination
Hawaii’s Department of Health is conducting ongoing quarterly water quality testing of streams in the Lahaina watershed to track long-term wildfire impacts. Sampling data from late 2025 and early 2026 is now published, with monitoring set to continue. DOH samples Kahoma and Kauaula streams quarterly, testing for metals, nutrients, pH, turbidity, and other contaminants linked […]
Channel House Lahaina Condo to Begin Rebuild, Eyes Christmas 2027 Return
Owners of the Channel House condominium at 1010 Front St. in Lahaina are breaking ground on reconstruction this week, with demolition starting August 17. The project aims to bring 39 displaced families back home by Christmas 2027. Channel House, a 39-unit condo community destroyed in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Friday […]
Maui County Marks 3-Year Fire Recovery Milestone With Progress Videos
Maui County released a four-part video series updating the public on Lahaina wildfire recovery efforts as the three-year anniversary of the August 2023 fires approaches. Officials report measurable progress on housing, infrastructure, and business rebuilding, while acknowledging significant work remains. A megafire expert says Maui’s recovery pace is on track or slightly ahead of comparable […]
Maui County Opens Grant Applications for Wildfire Workforce and Services Recovery
Maui County’s Hoʻokumu Hou program is launching two competitive grant programs for nonprofits and government agencies supporting wildfire recovery efforts. The grants are funded through federal CDBG-DR money and focus on workforce development and public services for fire-impacted residents. Two new grant programs will fund workforce development and public services for communities affected by the […]
Governor Marks 3 Years Since Lahaina Fire, Cites Ongoing Rebuild Commitment
In his August 2026 message, Hawaii’s governor marks three years since the Lahaina wildfire and reaffirms the state’s commitment to community-led recovery and rebuilding efforts. August 2026 marks three years since the Lahaina wildfire disaster. The governor emphasizes that community guidance remains central to the Lahaina rebuilding process. The message highlights broader state initiatives but […]
UH Mānoa Hawaiian Theater Production Brings Lahaina Fire Story Home
A UH Mānoa theater production inspired by the 2023 Lahaina wildfires will perform four shows in Lahaina on August 7–8, 2026, as part of the Festivals of Aloha. The hana keaka (Hawaiian theater work) focuses on healing and community connection, not the tragedy itself. Four performances of ‘Lele Wale’ are scheduled for August 7–8 at […]
UH Study: Lahaina Survivors’ Mental Health Declining Three Years After Fire
A University of Hawaii research study finds that while Lahaina wildfire survivors are making progress on housing and employment, mental health outcomes — particularly for children — continue to deteriorate. Researchers have conducted over 4,000 appointments for 2,500+ participants and are launching new programs to improve care access in rural areas. The Maui Wildfire Exposure […]