Ocean Water Quality Near Lahaina Shows Minimal Fire Damage After 3 Years
Marine scientists found West Maui coastal waters were not significantly impacted by toxic debris from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, contrary to initial concerns. A decade of water quality monitoring shows broader challenges with turbidity and nitrates but little fire-related decline. Volunteer scientists collected 5,500+ data points over 10 years, creating comprehensive pre- and post-fire water […]
Hawaiian Electric Issues Wildfire Prep Guidelines as Dry Season Begins
Hawaiian Electric is urging residents statewide to prepare for wildfire season as the islands enter the dry season with potentially less rainfall ahead. Multiple news outlets reported on the utility company’s safety recommendations and ongoing infrastructure improvements to reduce wildfire risks. HECO recommends clearing dry vegetation around homes, trimming tree branches away from power lines, […]
Fire Safety Guide Highlights Wind-Driven Fire Risks Using Maui Example
A fire preparedness guide explains how wind-driven fires spread faster and cause more damage, citing the 2023 Lahaina fire as a key example of devastating community impact. Wind-driven fires spread faster than traditional wildfires because winds carry embers further and provide extra oxygen to fuel flames. The 2023 Lahaina fire had wind gusts up to […]
Iao Valley’s Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens Reopens Following March Storm Damage
Kepaniwai Heritage Gardens at Iao Valley has reopened after repairs from March storm damage, though two picnic pavilions remain closed. Visitors are advised to use caution due to ongoing hazards. The county park reopened Saturday after severe damage from back-to-back Kona low storms in March. Picnic Pavilions 1 and 2 remain closed as repair work […]
Hawaiian Electric Pays $100M in Wildfire Settlement for Risk Failures
A federal judge approved a $100 million settlement against Hawaiian Electric for allegedly failing to prepare for wildfire risks before the August 2023 Lahaina fire. The funds will help the company address ongoing wildfire-related obligations and legal costs. Hawaiian Electric’s insurers will pay $100 million to the company following shareholder claims that executives failed to […]
Judge Cuts Attorney Fees for Wildfire Settlement, More Money for Victims
Multiple news sources report that Maui Circuit Judge Peter Cahill dramatically reduced attorney fees in the $4.03 billion wildfire settlement to $222 million, far less than the $1 billion lawyers sought. The ruling means more of the settlement money will go directly to survivors of the 2023 Lahaina fire. Judge Peter Cahill capped attorney fees […]
Fire-Resistant Roofing Company Reports Structure Survived Lahaina Fire
Multiple sources report that Endureed, a synthetic thatch roofing manufacturer, documented that one of its commercial roof installations survived the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. The company has announced it is expanding its fire-rated roofing products to residential customers following the findings. One structure with an Endureed engineered thatch roof survived the Lahaina wildfire along Front Street, […]
Maui County Opens $850K Makahiki Grant Program for Cultural Events
Maui County is accepting applications through July 10 for $850,000 in grants to fund Makahiki season cultural programs, festivals, and community events. The program aims to celebrate Hawaiian traditions while supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for residents and visitors. Applications are open until July 10, 2026 for grants supporting Makahiki season programs and events. […]
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 […]