Maui County Takes Over State Wildfire Case Management Program
The Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program has shifted from state to county leadership, with Maui County now coordinating recovery support for wildfire survivors. A key focus will be preparing residents for the end of FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance in February 2027. Gov. Green and Mayor Bissen announced the program transition from the Hawaii Dept. of […]
Lahaina Marks Three Years Since Wildfires with Community Remembrance Event
Multiple sources reported on the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Maui wildfires, which killed more than 100 people and destroyed thousands of structures in Lahaina. Maui County hosted a free all-day community gathering called ‘Kuhinia Maui’ on August 8, 2026, bringing together residents for music, cultural activities, and reflection. The event signaled continued […]
HEI Posts $123M Q2 Profit Driven by Wildfire Settlement Accounting Shift
Multiple sources report that Hawaiian Electric Industries posted a $123 million second-quarter profit for 2026, largely due to a noncash accounting adjustment tied to the Maui wildfire settlement. The boost stemmed from remeasuring the company’s remaining settlement obligations to present value after the $4 billion settlement received final court approval, reducing the recorded liability by […]
Maui County Takes Over Wildfire Disaster Case Management from State
The Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program has shifted from state to county leadership as of August 7, 2026. The transition aims to strengthen local coordination ahead of FEMA’s Temporary Housing Assistance program ending in February 2027. Maui County is now leading the Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program, previously run by the Hawaii Department of Human […]
Lahaina Commercial Rebuilds Stalled by Permit Backlogs Despite County Optimism
Despite a county meeting celebrating rebuilding progress, only two commercial permits have been issued in Lahaina nearly three years after the 2023 wildfire. Permit delays tied to unclear documentation requirements, historic preservation reviews, and shoreline setback rules continue to block most projects. Only two commercial permits have been issued in Lahaina to date, with dozens […]
Lights for Lahaina Memorial Event Set for Sept. 11–12 in Historic Town
The Lights for Lahaina community gathering returns for its second year on September 11–12, with free public events including live music, a candlelight march, food vendors, and cultural activities in Lahaina. The two-day event is organized by nonprofit Aloha Amplified and sponsored in part by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and County of Maui. Lights for […]
One ‘Ohana Fund Distributes Full $175M to Maui Wildfire Victims
Governor Green announced the One ‘Ohana Fund has offered its entire $175 million to families of the 102 people killed and individuals seriously injured in the 2023 Maui wildfires. Over $155.7 million has been paid out so far, with remaining injury claimants facing an August 15, 2026 acceptance deadline. All 102 death claims across both […]
Lahaina Condo Owners Face $200M+ Rebuilding Gap Three Years After Fire
Three years after the 2023 Maui wildfires, owners at two Lahaina condo complexes — Aina Nalu and Spinnaker — are still struggling to fund rebuilds due to major insurance shortfalls and no government assistance. Aina Nalu had only about 20% of the estimated $200 million needed to rebuild. Aina Nalu’s 189-unit complex was fully destroyed, […]
Lahaina at Three Years: Buyout Offers, Slow Rebuilds, and Signs of Return
Multiple outlets marked the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire with assessments of where recovery stands, covering everything from a county buyout proposal for high-risk shoreline properties to expanded homeowner rebuilding assistance and the return of individual businesses. The overall picture reported across sources is one of uneven progress: some businesses and […]
Lahaina Fire Survivors Face Bureaucratic Hurdles in County Homebuyer Program
Nearly 700 Lahaina fire survivor households remain in FEMA housing assistance as of mid-2026, with many applicants to Maui County’s Hoʻokumu Hou First-Time Homebuyer Program experiencing repeated documentation requests and delays. FEMA’s housing assistance, previously set to expire in February 2026, was extended through February 2027. Nearly 700 fire survivor households are still relying on […]