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 […]
Lahaina Marks 3 Years: Front Street Reopens but Housing Recovery Lags
Multiple sources report that as the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire approaches, recovery is showing visible progress — including the reopening of Front Street to traffic — but thousands of survivors remain in temporary housing and continue to face serious hardships. Rebuilding data and a new health study both underscore that […]
UH Study: Lahaina Survivors’ Mental Health Declining Three Years After Fire
A University of Hawaii study finds that while Lahaina wildfire survivors are making progress on housing and employment, mental health outcomes — particularly for children — continue to worsen. Researchers have conducted over 4,000 appointments for 2,500+ participants and are launching new programs to connect rural residents to care. The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study reports […]
Three Years After Lahaina Fire: Homes, Permits, and Recovery Milestones
As the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires approaches, multiple sources are reporting on the state of recovery efforts across housing, permitting, and community support. A nonprofit rent-to-own housing program is preparing to place fire survivor families in homes by month’s end, while the governor’s office is highlighting broader rebuild progress including […]
Front Street Reopens to Traffic a Week Before Wildfire Anniversary
Maui County has reopened Lahaina’s Front Street to vehicle traffic as of August 1, ahead of the three-year anniversary of the 2023 wildfire. Some survivors opposed the timing, while officials are monitoring the area and asking visitors to respect private property and the site’s significance. Front Street in Lahaina reopened to vehicle traffic on Saturday, […]
Front Street Reopens to Traffic Three Years After Lahaina Fire, But Rebuilding Lags
Multiple outlets are marking the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire with coverage of a significant milestone: Front Street has officially reopened to vehicles and the public. While the reopening signals progress, commercial rebuilding remains deeply stalled, with not a single building permit yet issued for destroyed Front Street businesses. Front Street […]
Maui County Schedules Aug. 12 Lahaina Recovery Meeting With Multi-Agency Updates
Maui County is hosting a Lahaina Community Meeting on August 12, 2026, moved from its usual first-Wednesday slot to honor the third anniversary of the 2023 wildfires. Topics include contractor fraud, housing reconstruction, the Lahaina bypass extension, and county recovery updates. The meeting takes place August 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria, […]
Judge Caps Maui Fire Attorney Fees; Law Firms Appeal Ruling
A Maui judge limited attorney fees in the Lahaina wildfire settlement to 3–8%, well below the 25% allowed under Hawaii law. Several law firms are appealing, arguing the ruling violates their contracts with clients. Judge Peter Cahill capped attorney fees at 8% for pre-settlement cases and 3% for clients who joined after the settlement was […]