Front Street Reopens to Traffic Three Years After Lahaina Fire, But Rebuilding Lags
Multiple outlets are marking the third anniversary of the August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire with coverage of a significant milestone: Front Street has officially reopened to vehicles and the public. While the reopening signals progress, commercial rebuilding remains deeply stalled, with not a single building permit yet issued for destroyed Front Street businesses. Front Street […]
Hawaiian Theater Production ‘Lele Wale’ Brings Lahaina Tribute to Westin Maui
A Hawaiian theater production honoring the 2023 Lahaina wildfire victims will perform at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa on August 7–8, 2026. The show is part of Festivals of Aloha and features an island-wide cast including Lahaina residents who lived through the fires. Lele Wale will hold four performances at the Westin Maui’s Haleakalā […]
Hawaiian Electric Issues Wildfire Power Shutoff Watch for Parts of Maui
Multiple news outlets reported that Hawaiian Electric has placed portions of Maui — including West Maui, Ōmaʻopio, and Pūlehu in Kahului — under a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) watch due to high winds and dry conditions that could elevate wildfire risk. The utility says it may proactively cut power within 24 to 48 hours […]
Maui County Opens Grant Applications for Wildfire Workforce and Public Services Programs
Maui County’s Office of Recovery is launching two competitive grant programs under its Hoʻokumu Hou initiative, funded by federal CDBG-DR dollars, to support workforce development and public services for wildfire-impacted residents. Nonprofits and government agencies can apply starting August 10, 2026, with a deadline of September 24, 2026. Two new grant programs — the Ka […]
Maui Wildfire Rebuild Program Expands Income Eligibility, Extends Deadline to Dec. 2026
Maui County’s Hoʻokumu Hou rebuilding assistance programs now cover more homeowners after a federal AMI update raised the income threshold, and the application deadline has been extended to December 31, 2026. An informational open house is scheduled for August 20 in Kahului. Maui County’s base Area Median Income rose from $110,000 to $121,400 in May […]
Hawaii Awards $1.8M in Wildfire Mitigation Grants, Including Two Maui Projects
Multiple sources report that Hawaii has awarded $1.8 million in wildfire mitigation grants to eight organizations across five islands through the 2026 Hawaii Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program. The announcement coincides with the peak of fire season and falls just before the third anniversary of the 2023 Maui wildfires. Two Maui-area organizations are among […]
UHERO Study: Lahaina Survivors Show Progress but Mental Health Concerns Persist
A new UHERO study tracking 2,000 Lahaina wildfire survivors finds improvements in employment, housing stability, and insurance coverage three years after the fire. However, researchers warn recovery remains ‘fragile,’ with depression and PTSD still widespread — especially among children. Employment among survivors rose from 62% to 80.9% and health insurance coverage increased from 85.1% to […]
Lahaina United Methodist Church Rebuilds Three Years After Deadly Wildfire
Three years after the 2023 Maui wildfires, Lahaina is still in the midst of recovery with homes under construction and permits in process. A local United Methodist congregation is highlighting how community and volunteer efforts are contributing to the broader rebuilding effort. Maui’s wildfire recovery continues to be measured in years, not months, with homes […]
Hawaii Awards $1.8M in Wildfire Mitigation Grants Across Five Islands
Multiple sources report that eight organizations across five Hawaiian islands have received a combined $1.8 million through the 2026 Hawaii Urban Interface (HUI) Wildfire Grant Program. The grants, administered by the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization in partnership with DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, fund projects focused on reducing hazardous vegetation, improving evacuation routes, and […]
Three Years Out: Maui Fire Survivors Gaining Jobs and Housing, But Struggles Persist
Multiple outlets reported on the latest findings from the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES), a University of Hawaiʻi-led research partnership tracking the health and living conditions of more than 2,500 fire survivors. The study finds recovery is progressing in some areas but remains uneven three years after the August 2023 disaster. Researchers warn that declining […]