UH Secures $5.9M to Track Maui Fire Survivors’ Health Through 2031
The University of Hawaii received nearly $5.9 million in federal NIH grants to extend a long-term health study of 2023 Maui wildfire survivors, now expanding to include 800 children alongside roughly 1,000 adults. Researchers will monitor physical health, mental health, and recovery outcomes through 2031. Two NIH grants totaling $5.9M will extend the Maui Wildfire […]
NIH Awards $5.9M to Extend Maui Wildfire Survivor Health Study to 2031
Multiple outlets reported that the National Institutes of Health has awarded nearly $5.9 million to the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa to continue and expand the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) through 2031. The funding will allow researchers to keep tracking adult survivors of the August 2023 wildfires while expanding the study to include 800 […]
Axis Deer Cutting Maui Ranch Forage by 24%, Study Finds
A University of Hawaiʻi study finds invasive axis deer are reducing available forage at the majority of Maui and Hawaiʻi Island ranch sites surveyed. Roughly 47,000 deer roam across a third of Maui, and overgrazed land is slower to recover after wildfire. The first scientific study to measure wild ungulate grazing impact found forage losses […]
Hawaiian Electric Sells Bank Shares to Help Fund Maui Fire Settlement
Hawaiian Electric Industries raised roughly $33.9 million by selling part of its stake in American Savings Bank during ASB’s IPO. The company says the proceeds will reduce the amount of additional capital it needs to raise for remaining Maui wildfire settlement payments. HEI sold approximately 2.3 million ASB shares in total, netting $29.5M plus an […]
Maui County Plans Public Ferry to Lāna’i in 2027, Moloka’i by 2029
Maui County is moving forward with a publicly operated interisland ferry service, aiming to take over the existing Lāna’i route next year and restore Moloka’i service by 2029. The plan involves purchasing Expeditions’ fleet for over $46 million and requires an annual subsidy of nearly $2 million. Maui County plans to acquire and operate the […]
Maui Gold Pineapple Survives Wildfire Loss, Grows Through Agritourism
Maui Gold Pineapple Company rebuilt after losing its Lahaina retail store in the 2023 wildfire by expanding farm tours and local sales. The company now harvests up to 40,000 pineapples weekly and employs 68 people. The Maui Pineapple Store in Lahaina was destroyed in the August 2023 wildfire, but the company survived by leaning into […]
West Maui Eyes $600M in Coordinated Transportation Projects Post-Fire
Community members and the Maui Bicycling League met in Lahaina to discuss coordinating roughly $600 million in planned transportation projects across West Maui. Organizers stressed the importance of designing these investments as one connected network rather than isolated improvements. Five major projects are planned or underway in West Maui, including the Honoapiʻilani Highway coastal realignment, […]
FEMA Reimburses Maui County $1.1M for Wildfire Water System Emergency Costs
The County of Maui Department of Water Supply received $1.1 million in FEMA reimbursement for emergency protective measures taken following the 2023 wildfires. The funds are part of a broader $8.2 million FEMA disaster assistance package covering Hawaii and other jurisdictions. FEMA reimbursed Maui County’s Department of Water Supply $1.1 million for emergency protective measures […]
Hawaii Supreme Court Weighs Challenge to $222M Attorney Fee Fund from Maui Fire Settlement
Multiple sources report that the Hawaii Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday over a lower court’s decision to carve $222 million out of the $4 billion Maui wildfire settlement to create a common benefit fund for attorneys. Four attorneys are appealing the ruling, arguing the circuit court lacked authority to establish the fund and that the […]
Lahaina United Methodist Church Eyes 2027 Rebuild at $4.1M Cost
Lahaina United Methodist Church, destroyed in the 2023 wildfire, is planning to begin reconstruction in 2027 at an estimated cost of $4.1 million. Initial architectural drawings are expected by end of 2026. The historic church, founded in 1896, plans to break ground on rebuilding efforts in 2027 pending finalized architectural drawings. The $4.1 million rebuild […]