Lahaina Think Space Takes Community Memory Event to NYC on Sept. 18
Maui County and the Maui Public Arts Corps are bringing the Lāhainā Think Space program to New York University on September 18, marking its first event outside of Hawaiʻi. The day will include a panel on community memorialization and a film showcase honoring those lost in the 2023 Lahaina wildfires. The Lāhainā Think Space event […]
Maui County Extends Deadline for Wildfire Recovery Grants to Oct. 8
Maui County has pushed the application deadline for two CDBG-DR-funded recovery grant programs to October 8, 2026. The grants support workforce development and public services for organizations helping residents recover from the 2023 wildfires. The application deadline for both the Economic Revitalization and Public Services grant programs has been extended to 5 p.m. on October […]
Proposal Urges Hawaii to Formalize Volunteer Boat Network for Disaster Relief
A Civil Beat opinion piece calls on Hawaii to create an organized volunteer small-boat program to support disaster relief efforts, citing the 2023 Lahaina fire and recent hurricane activity as evidence of the need. The author argues that informal boat-owner responses have already proven effective but lack coordination and a formal plan. During the 2023 […]
Lahainaluna and Paradise High Schools Play ‘Unity Bowl’ in West Maui
The football teams of Lahainaluna High School and Paradise High School — both from wildfire-devastated communities — faced off Saturday in a symbolic game called the ‘Unity Bowl’ at Lahainaluna’s stadium. The event drew about 1,900 attendees and several elected officials, with Lahainaluna winning 27-21. Lahainaluna High School hosted Paradise High School (California) for a […]
Lahaina Fire Survivors Hit New Snag: USPS Treating Rebuilt Homes as New Developments
Multiple reports from Hawaii Public Radio highlight a new obstacle facing Lahaina wildfire survivors who have rebuilt their homes: the U.S. Postal Service is classifying rebuilt properties as new developments, requiring cluster mailboxes instead of restoring individual home mail delivery. Maui County and federal officials are pushing back, arguing the policy is both impractical and […]
Nonprofit Launches Free Rain Catchment Program for 120 West Maui Fire-Affected Homes
The Hua Momona Foundation is distributing free, portable rain catchment systems and training to 120 West Maui households as part of its ongoing Lahaina wildfire recovery efforts. The renter-friendly kits are funded by a Hawaiʻi Community Foundation grant and are designed to support water resilience and backyard food production. 120 West Maui households will receive […]
West Maui Nonprofit Distributes Free Rain Catchment Kits to 120 Homes
Hua Momona Foundation, funded by the Maui Strong Fund, is providing free rainwater catchment systems to 120 West Maui households as part of a post-fire resilience initiative. The portable, renter-friendly kits include equipment, soil amendments, and hands-on installation training. The Rain to Resilience program will distribute free rainwater catchment kits — including barrels, irrigation parts, […]
Maui County Extends Deadline for Wildfire Recovery Grant Applications
The County of Maui has pushed back the application deadline for two HUD-funded wildfire recovery grant programs to October 8, 2026. The grants support workforce development and public services for organizations helping residents recover from the 2023 Maui wildfires. The new application deadline for both Hoʻokumu Hou grant programs is 5 p.m. on October 8, […]
Lahaina Survivors Lose Hundreds of Thousands to Contractor Fraud, No Charges Filed
Dozens of Lahaina wildfire survivors report losing large sums to contractors who abandoned projects or misused funds, yet no criminal charges, license revocations, or fines have been issued. Maui County prosecutors say they are actively investigating and are urging victims to come forward. Survivors report contractors taking hundreds of thousands of dollars then stopping work […]
Contractor Fraud Draining Lahaina Rebuild Funds, No Criminal Cases Filed
Dozens of Lahaina wildfire survivors have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars to unlicensed or unreliable contractors since the 2023 fire. Despite at least 10 police reports and multiple state complaints, no criminal charges, fines, or license revocations have been issued. Individual homeowners have lost between $20,000 and $650,000 to contractors who abandoned projects or […]