Three Years After Lahaina Fire, Frustration and Hope Mark the Recovery
Multiple Hawaii Public Radio reports mark the three-year anniversary of the Lahaina wildfire, capturing the ongoing struggles of residents and the federal response. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda visited Lahaina for the July 2026 Lahaina Homecoming and spoke about coordinating with state and county officials on rebuilding efforts, while residents like Mikey Burke described the emotional […]
DOH Monitors Lahaina Watershed Streams for Wildfire Contamination
Hawaii’s Department of Health is conducting ongoing quarterly water quality testing of streams in the Lahaina watershed to track long-term wildfire impacts. Sampling data from late 2025 and early 2026 is now published, with monitoring set to continue. DOH samples Kahoma and Kauaula streams quarterly, testing for metals, nutrients, pH, turbidity, and other contaminants linked […]
Channel House Lahaina Condo to Begin Rebuild, Eyes Christmas 2027 Return
Owners of the Channel House condominium at 1010 Front St. in Lahaina are breaking ground on reconstruction this week, with demolition starting August 17. The project aims to bring 39 displaced families back home by Christmas 2027. Channel House, a 39-unit condo community destroyed in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, will hold a groundbreaking ceremony Friday […]
South Kihei Road Near Kam II Beach Park Reopens Aug. 11, Ahead of Schedule
South Kīhei Road near Kamaʻole II Beach Park will reopen to traffic on August 11, 2026, earlier than the originally estimated fall completion date. The County of Maui repaired extensive storm damage caused by a March Kona low using federal emergency funding. The roughly 150-foot section of South Kīhei Road damaged by a March 2026 […]
Maui County Opens Grant Applications for Wildfire Workforce and Services Recovery
Maui County’s Hoʻokumu Hou program is launching two competitive grant programs for nonprofits and government agencies supporting wildfire recovery efforts. The grants are funded through federal CDBG-DR money and focus on workforce development and public services for fire-impacted residents. Two new grant programs will fund workforce development and public services for communities affected by the […]
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 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 […]
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, […]