Judge Slashes Maui Fire Attorney Fees to $222M, More Money for Victims
A Maui judge awarded lawyers $222 million instead of the $1 billion they requested from the $4.03 billion wildfire settlement, allowing fire victims to keep more of their compensation. Legal fees were cut from a requested $1 billion to $222 million from the total $4.03 billion settlement. Lawyers who joined after the settlement was reached […]
Court Rules to Limit Legal Fees in Maui Wildfire Settlement Claims
A recent court ruling will cap attorney fees related to the Maui wildfire settlement, ensuring more compensation reaches survivors directly. Both the Governor’s office and Hawaii News Now reported that the decision aligns with the survivor-focused approach of existing recovery programs. Court ruling limits attorney fees tied to August 2023 Maui wildfire settlement claims, directing […]
Lahaina Harbor Begins $5M Dredging Project as Major Repairs Continue
The state started a $5 million dredging project at Lahaina Harbor this week, marking one of the most expensive repairs still needed before full reopening by end of 2027. Eight commercial tour companies now have limited access to the harbor. A $5 million harbor dredging project began this week and is scheduled for completion in […]
Maui County Seeks Public Input on Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan
Maui County has released an updated timeline and launched a public survey for the restoration of Lahaina’s historic Royal Complex, including the sacred sites of Mokuʻula and Mokuhinia. Multiple sources report that a final master plan is expected by spring or summer 2027, with community input being sought on this culturally significant area that includes […]
Submarine Tours Resume at Lahaina Harbor After Fire Closure
Atlantis Submarines has restarted undersea tours from Lahaina Harbor nearly three years after the 2023 wildfire destroyed most of its operations. Multiple sources report the company is running a limited schedule with reduced capacity as part of Lahaina’s ongoing recovery. Tours resumed June 2, 2026, operating three times daily at 9 AM, 11 AM, and […]
Wildfire Health Program for Fire Survivors Suspended Due to Lost Funding
The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study that provided health screenings to over 2,500 fire survivors has halted operations after losing state funding. A $3 million state bill to continue the program failed unexpectedly during the recent legislative session. MauiWES served over 2,500 fire survivors with more than 4,000 health appointments since launching in December 2023. The […]
Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan Advances with Community Input Survey
Maui County has launched a community survey and provided timeline updates for the master plan to restore Lahaina’s historic Royal Complex, as reported by multiple sources. The initiative aims to transform the sacred cultural area following the 2023 wildfire destruction. County’s Department of ʻŌiwi Resources is seeking input from Maui residents, especially Lahaina natives, through […]
Maui Fire Settlement Payments of $4B Set to Begin Distribution Soon
More than 20,000 Lahaina wildfire victims will soon begin receiving payments from a $4.03 billion settlement, with disbursements expected to start within weeks and continue over four years. Settlement payments averaging about $190,000 per victim will be distributed over four years in $1 billion annual tranches. Four claims administrators will determine individual payouts based on […]
Sacred Hearts School Thrives at Kaanapali Campus Two Years After Fire
Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina continues operating at its temporary Kaanapali campus, serving 167 students with support from the resort community while making plans to rebuild at the original Lahaina site. The school is completing its second year at the temporary Kaanapali Resort campus after being destroyed in the August 2023 wildfires. Student academic performance […]
Habitat for Humanity Builds Innovative Volunteer Housing in Lahaina
Habitat for Humanity is constructing a mass timber ‘Bunkhouse’ in Lahaina to house volunteers helping with wildfire recovery efforts. The innovative building uses prefabricated wood panels for rapid assembly and will later be sold as affordable housing. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom ‘Bunkhouse’ will house volunteers in bunk beds for 3-5 years during Lahaina rebuilding efforts. The […]