Wildfire Health Program for Fire Survivors Suspended Due to Lost Funding
The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study that provided health screenings to over 2,500 fire survivors has halted operations after losing state funding. A $3 million state bill to continue the program failed unexpectedly during the recent legislative session. MauiWES served over 2,500 fire survivors with more than 4,000 health appointments since launching in December 2023. The […]
Hawaii National Guard Activated for 2026 Wildfire Season Through November
Governor Josh Green signed an emergency proclamation launching Operation Ho’opauahi for the second consecutive year, as reported by multiple state sources. The initiative activates Hawaii National Guard helicopters and crews to provide rapid aerial firefighting support during the 2026 wildfire season. Emergency proclamation authorizes Adjutant General to activate Hawaii National Guard for wildfire response from […]
Research Shows Communities Need 6+ Exit Roads to Survive Wildfires
New research analyzing 20 years of wildfire deaths found communities with fewer than six major evacuation routes face exponentially higher fatality rates during fires. Study of U.S. wildfire deaths since 2008 identified six major roads as the critical threshold for community survival. Communities with six or fewer evacuation routes show exponentially increasing per capita fatality […]
Maui Fire Settlement Payments of $4B Set to Begin Distribution Soon
More than 20,000 Lahaina wildfire victims will soon begin receiving payments from a $4.03 billion settlement, with disbursements expected to start within weeks and continue over four years. Settlement payments averaging about $190,000 per victim will be distributed over four years in $1 billion annual tranches. Four claims administrators will determine individual payouts based on […]
Submarine Tours Return to Lahaina Harbor After Three-Year Fire Closure
Atlantis Submarines Maui has resumed undersea tours from Lahaina Harbor nearly three years after the August 2023 wildfire destroyed the company’s facilities and equipment. Multiple sources report the company has restarted operations five days a week using a submarine transported from Oahu and has rehired 15 former employees. The August 2023 wildfire destroyed Atlantis’s 48-passenger […]
First Lahaina Family Moves Into Rebuilt Home Through Recovery Program
Valerie Hoʻopai and her family returned to a newly constructed home in Lahaina after nearly three years, marking the first completion under a wildfire recovery program that helps survivors transition into rebuilt homes. The Hoʻopai family became the first to complete Hoʻōla LTRG’s House to Home Program, which helps wildfire survivors transition into rebuilt homes. […]
New Maui Film Festival Features Award-Winning Lahaina Fire Documentary
The inaugural Wailuku Film Festival runs June 17-21, featuring ‘Lahaina Rising,’ a 92-minute documentary about the 2023 Lahaina wildfire that won best feature film at the Hawaii International Film Festival. The five-day Wailuku Film Festival is hosted by the Maui County Film Office and features work from over 55 Hawaii filmmakers plus international creators. ‘Lahaina […]
Lahaina Harbor Dredging Project Begins Monday, Running Through December
A dredging project to remove sediment from Lahaina Small Boat Harbor starts Monday and will run through December 2026. The project will restore proper depths for boats while disposing of any wildfire debris at the landfill. Dredging will deepen the harbor entrance to 13 feet and basin to 10 feet to improve vessel access. All […]
March Flooding Creates Federal Aid Centers Amid Record Wet Season
Multiple sources report that Maui County experienced its second wettest season in 30 years, with March flooding prompting federal disaster assistance. FEMA and SBA are operating recovery centers through mid-June to help flood-affected residents and businesses. Maui County recorded its second wettest season in 30 years from October 2025 through April 2026, with rainfall 100-250% […]
Lahaina Recovery Group to Present Wildfire Rebuilding Update at Rotary Event
The Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset will host a June 2 presentation on wildfire recovery efforts by Ho’ōla LTRG, focusing on ongoing support for survivors rebuilding after the 2023 fire. Nestor Ugale Jr. and Ho’ōla LTRG Executive Director will present on long-term recovery coordination efforts. Ho’ōla LTRG works to identify and fill gaps in recovery […]