FOR MAUI
Updates per MAUINOW; Posted on August 17, 2023
FIRE UPDATE
Olinda fire: Now 85% contained with an estimated 1,081 acres burned. There are no active threats at this time (as of 9 p.m. on 8.16.23).
Kula fire: Now 80% contained with 202 acres burned. There are no active threats at this time.
Lahaina fire: 89% contained and 2,170 acres burned. Multiple fire crews are assigned to monitor and address any flareups. There are no active threats at this time (as of 9 p.m. on 8.16.23).
The National Guard has two military helicopters on standby for any immediate firefighting needs.
*County fire investigators have concluded that the Kula and Olinda fires have distinct origins. Going forward, data for these fires will be reported separately. Hot spots in gulches, forests and other hard to reach places, along with land divisions and fences, make establishment of complete control lines difficult in the Upcountry fires. As mapping is refined in coming days, estimated fire acreage may be adjusted. Chinook helicopters dropped water on the perimeter of the active fires as preventative measures.
FATALITY UPDATE:
The number of confirmed fatalities is 111, the Maui Police Department reported on Wednesday night. The names of three victims of the Maui Wildfire Disaster were released after their families were notified: Melva Benjamin, 71, of Lahaina; Virginia Dofa, 90, of Lahaina; and Alfredo Galinato, 79, of Lahaina.
Two other individuals were identified on Tuesday as Robert Dyckman, 74, of Lahaina and Buddy Jantoc, 79, of Lahaina.
As of Wednesday morning, police reported that 35 autopsies had been completed and seven were identified, five by fingerprints and two by DNA. The names of two were released Tuesday, 8/15 after their families were notified. Sixteen DNA profiles have been obtained from human remains, and 52 samples have been collected from family members.
To provide DNA samples to assist in identification, family members can go to the Family Assistance Center, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kahului Community Center, 275 Uhu St. The FBI is assisting with obtaining DNA samples from out-of-state family members.
FEMA opens Disaster Recovery Center on Maui
Maui residents affected by the recent wildfires can apply for federal disaster assistance at a joint Disaster Recovery Center that opened Aug. 16 and will continue daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, 310 W. Kaʻahumanu Ave., Kahului. Speak to FEMA specialists, get help registering for disaster assistance, connect with voluntary organizations and have access to federal and state resources.
TRACKING [POTENTIAL HURRICANE] WEATHER SYSTEMS: GREG, FERNANDA, HILARY
According to the National Weather Service, no impacts are expected from Tropical Storm Greg, which is passing south of the state. Tropical Storm Fernanda is forecast to weaken and is shifting farther south. The system is expected to bring breezy tradewinds today, Aug. 16, and Thursday, Aug. 17. The storm may may bring increased rain, starting Monday, Aug. 21, and Tuesday, Aug. 22.
SCHOOLS
Most public schools across the island welcomed students back on Wednesday, Aug. 16. The exception is for:
West Maui campuses which remain closed for students to allow for damage assessment. While all three campuses (Lahainaluna High, Lahaina Intermediate and Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary) sustained wind damage, the overall structure of campus buildings and classrooms are in good condition, according to department administrators. Crews are currently at the campus sites, cleaning debris and testing both air and water quality in the coming days. Kamehameha III Elementary was destroyed in the wildfires.
King Kekaulike High School facilities are still being assessed and will remain closed to both students and staff until the campus can be fully evaluated.
WASTEWATER DISPOSAL FOR PRIVATE PUMPER TRUCKS
Private pumping trucks for wastewater systems in West Maui will be allowed to dispose of wastewater at Sewer Pump Station #1 on Halawai Street next to the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Facility. For questions, call the Department of Environmental Management, Wastewater Reclamation Division at 808-270-7417.
MATERIAL DONATIONS
Donations on non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene products are being accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. near a vacant unit in Queen Ka’ahumanu Center at the Kane Street entrance. The new site is a partnership among the county, the state via Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and Mahi Pono. Mahi Pono will provide staff for the facility and work under leadership of Salvation Army and Feed My Sheep to coordinate food and supplies distribution. The collection site at War Memorial Complex field off Kanaloa Avenue was closed Monday, Aug. 14, with donations directed to the new site.
ONLINE RESOURCE HUB FOR RESPONSE EFFORTS TO MAUI WILDFIRE DISASTER
An online, centralized hub called Maui Nui Strong, mauinuistrong.info designed to respond to the impacts of the Lahaina and Kula wildfire disaster was launched at mauinuistrong.info. The County of Maui site offers information on how to donate, volunteer, offer services and look for support. It is administered through the Office of Economic Development and will be utilized by multiple county departments, nonprofits and grassroot efforts to connect people to resources and services.
ROAD CLOSURES
Gov. Josh Green announced the opening of the road to Lahaina during specified hours.
Starting Wednesday, Aug. 16, the road will be open to all motorists daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Late-night access from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. is limited to West Maui residents, first responders and West Maui employees.
*The Maui Police Department advises the public that officers will cite and tow vehicles parked at the Lahaina Bypass, where there are no-parking signs.
RECENTLY RESTORED IN WEST MAUI
Hawaiian Electric Co. reported on Monday, that power was restored to all but 2,000 of the 12,400 customers who lost power in West Maui. The total doesnʻt include about 2,000 homes and businesses that were destroyed in the fire. Power was restored to the Lahaina Civic Center and nearby areas. HECO has 400 employees from across the state working on power restoration and shipped 26 specialized vehicles and equipment to Maui from Oʻahu.
In Upcountry, crews continue to respond to pocket outages for an estimated 60 customers. There are more than 400 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors from Maui, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi who are working to safely bring power back to our Maui communities. This includes construction crews and tree trimmers as well as line crews and other support teams.
All six emergency shelters now have internet connection.
Rotary on the Westside announced they have acquired two more StarLinks. The units are active now at Kahekili Beach and Honokōwai Beach Park.
Nāpili Plaza is now open 24/7 and has power restored.
GAS
With power being restored in some areas of West Maui, there are now supplies available at four stations: ʻOhana Fuels/Minit Stop on Keawe Street in Lahaina, Shell on Kapunakea Street in Lahaina, Texaco Gas Station in Honokowai and Kahana Gateway Shell are open for gasoline.
UNSAFE WATER ADVISORY REMAINS IN PLACE
Water testing was performed Monday for Lahaina and Upper Kula areas that were impacted by wildfires. The test samples went to Oʻahu and are being analyzed by the state Department of Health. Even if the initial testing is clear, it will take time and additional tests to confirm that the water is safe to drink.
For residents in Lahaina and Upper Kula areas, maps of affected areas in Upcountry and in Lahaina were recently released on the county Department of Water Supply website, www.mauicounty.gov/126/Department-of-Water-Supply. The advisory remains in effect for certain areas until further notice and states that residents should not drink and/or boil water. Bottled water should be used for all drinking, brushing teeth, ice making and food preparation until further notice. Residents are unable to treat the water in any way to make it safe. Drinking water sites are set up in many areas of Lahaina and Kula.
Although the county has an unsafe water advisory in place, Hawaiʻi Water Service does not have one in place for its customers in Kāʻanapali or Kapalua. The company advises customers of Hawaiʻi Water Service in those particular areas, that their water is safe to use and drink.
EMERGENCY SHELTERS (Due to privacy, no media allowed)
Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Pukalani
War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku (Internet)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kahului
Kings Cathedral Church, Kahului
Grace Bible Church, Kahului
South Maui Community Park Gymnasium, Kīhei
Overnight Tuesday, Aug. 15, an estimated 355 individuals were housed in shelters. No one was housed at the Grace Bible Church in Kahului.
WEST MAUI DISTRIBUTION SITES
Lahaina Gateway Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for County of Maui-facilitated food, water and other needs and supplies.
Nāpili Plaza is open for food and supplies distribution from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, Aug. 18, Maui Health clinicians and physicians will provide first-aid, wound care, health and wellness checks and pharmacy services, including baby formula for all community members in need. Kīhei Vet Clinic is also on-site to offer pet supply distribution and animal medical services.
Other volunteer run sites were available at the following locations at last report:
Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary
Nāpili Park
Pōhaku Park, nicknamed “S-Turns”
Honokōwai Beach Park
Kahana Boat Ramp
Hawaiian Homes
WEST MAUI MEDICAL
Maui Health: From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Tuesday, 8/15 to Friday, 8/18, Maui Health clinicians and physicians will provide first-aid, wound care, health and wellness checks and pharmacy services, including baby formula for all community members in need, regardless of health insurance, at Lahaina Gateway and Nāpili Plaza. For details, visit www.mauihealth.org/wildfire.
Kaiser: Since Monday,8/14, Kaiser Permanente has been providing medical services to KP members and non-members at locations in Lahaina. Pharmacy courier services will be available at all three sites. These locations are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
Kaiser Permanente’s Mobile Health Vehicle at Lahaina Gateway: Providing first aid, pediatric services. OB/GYN services are offered at this site every Friday beginning Aug. 18.
Kaiser Permanente First Aid Station at the Hyatt Regency Lahaina, Lahaina Ballroom
Kaiser Permanente First Aid Station at Nāpili Market: Providing first aid services.
Minit Medical has been open since Aug. 14 at the Lahaina Gateway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week, providing medical services to all community members in need regardless of health insurance. Contact 808-667-6161 for an appointment or visit www.minitmed.com.
COMMUNICATION
Text, not talk, is best for locations that have connectivity. Maui County updates are repeated on radio stations at 9 a.m., noon and 3 p.m. The Civil Air Patrol Hawaiʻi Wing broadcast by loudspeaker while flying between Lahaina and Kapalua to announce important public messages on Sunday, Aug. 13, Monday, Aug. 14, Tuesday, Aug. 15, and Wednesday, Aug. 16.
HEALTH ADVISORY
The state Department of Health is urging caution for residents and business owners who are allowed to return to their properties in the Lahaina area. Dangers include ash that may contain toxic and cancer-causing chemicals including asbestos, arsenic and lead and debris including broken glass, exposed electrical wires, nails, wood, plastics and other objects. Unstable buildings and structures may contain hazardous materials and could collapse and cause injury. For more information about recommendations for personal protective equipment including masks and associated hazards, go to https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-advises-caution-for-residents-returning-to-west-maui-area/.
TRANSPORTATION
Daily, county shuttle service from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Central Maui shelters to go to Central Maui shopping and medical locations launched Aug. 13. Riders are required to call Roberts Hawaiʻi for same-day reservations at 808-871-4838. Mobility devices accommodated. Luggage and bags will be limited to what can be carried.
Maui Economic Opportunity is offering free rides for medical appointments for people impacted by the fires who are sheltering at the South Maui Community Park Gymnasium and Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. The service by reservation only began on Aug. 15, and operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations can be made from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at 808-877-7651.
For all other transportation needs, riders may use The Maui Bus.
FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (Due to privacy, no media allowed on premises)
The Family Assistance Center for those seeking information on loved ones and for those who are unaccounted for is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kahului Community Center, 275 Uhu Street. Maui Emergency Management Agency and FAC staff will work with families and individuals to gather detailed information and administer DNA swabs.
DMVL SATELLITE OFFICE IN LAHAINA
The County of Maui Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing’s Lahaina Satellite Office will be available daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. beginning Aug. 16 at Lahaina Gateway to assist West Maui residents whose Hawaiʻi driver’s licenses or Hawaiʻi State Identification cards have been lost or destroyed by wildfires. For more information, call 808-270-7363.
Updates per MAUI COUNTY OFFICIAL WEBSITE; Posted on August 12, 2023
Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei and Upcountry Maui.
The number of fatalities is confirmed at 80.
A Kaʻanapali fire reported above Puʻukoliʻi at 6:10 p.m. Friday was reported to be 100 percent contained before 8:30 p.m. The fire is in the area where a county fueling station was positioned Friday to distribute an estimated 3,000 gallons of gas and 500 gallons of diesel for an estimated 400 vehicles that were lined up before the operation began. No fuel will be distributed Saturday.
Police are restricting access into West Maui through both Maʻalaea and Waiheʻe. Honoapiʻilani Highway is open for vehicles leaving Lahaina. The burned historic Lahaina town area remains barricaded, with people warned to stay out of the area due to hazards including toxic particles from smoldering areas. Wearing a mask and gloves is advised.
Volunteers are distributing food, water and other supplies at Napili Plaza.
Food, water, toiletries, canned goods, diapers, baby formula, clothing and pet food will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lahaina Gateway Center.
Donations of non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene items will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 pm. Saturday at the War Memorial Complex field in Wailuku. No clothing is being accepted.
A Family Assistance Center for family members who are looking for information about loved ones who are unaccounted for will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Kahului Community Center.
The county Department of Transportation is coordinating buses to transport people staying at emergency shelters to the county Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing, which will be open for special hours from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday so shelter occupants can have their driver’s licenses and state identification cards reissued. Fees will be waived. County are volunteering to work to open the department.
On Friday, a total of 1,418 people were emergency evacuation shelters at War Memorial Gymnasium, Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Maui High School, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani, Kings Cathedral Church and Grace Bible Church.
For organizations and individuals wishing to offer services or donations to aid in the county rescue and relief efforts, an online tool is available. Information can be provided at https://tinyurl.com/mauireliefsurvey to be used to help organize and deploy resources.
Additional cellphone services are becoming available in West Maui. West Maui residents are encouraged to limit phone calls and video streaming services in order to free up bandwidth with telecommunication providers. Cellphone users are reminded to text, not talk so everyone can share the limited resources.
Updates per MAUI COUNTY OFFICIAL WEBSITE; Posted on: August 11, 2023
Lahaina fires update, 9 p.m.
Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lahaina, Pulehu/Kihei and Upcountry Maui.
The number of fatalities is at 80.
A Ka’anapali fire reported above Puukolii at 6:10 p.m. Friday was reported to be 100 percent contained before 8:30 p.m. The fire is in the area where a county fueling station was positioned Friday to distribute an estimated 3,000 gallons of gas and 500 gallons of diesel for an estimated 400 vehicles that were lined up before the operation began. No fuel will be distributed Saturday.
Police are restricting access into West Maui through both Ma’alaea and Waihe’e. Honoapiilani Highway is open for vehicles leaving Lahaina. The burned historic Lahaina town area remains barricaded, with people warned to stay out of the area due to hazards including toxic particles from smoldering areas. Wearing a mask and gloves is advised.
Volunteers are distributing food, water and other supplies at Napili Plaza.
Food, water, toiletries, canned goods, diapers, baby formula, clothing and pet food will be distributed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lahaina Gateway Center.
Donations of non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene items will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 6 pm. Saturday at the War Memorial Complex field in Wailuku. No clothing is being accepted.
A Family Assistance Center for family members who are looking for information about loved ones who are unaccounted for will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Kahului Community Center.
The county Department of Transportation is coordinating buses to transport people staying at emergency shelters to the county Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing, which will be open for special hours from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday so shelter occupants can have their driver’s licenses and state identification cards reissued. Fees will be waived. County are volunteering to work to open the department.
On Friday, a total of 1,418 people were at emergency evacuation shelters at War Memorial Gymnasium, Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Maui High School, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani, Kings Cathedral Church and Grace Bible Church.
Additional cellphone service was becoming available in West Maui. Cellphone users are reminded to text not talk so everyone can share the limited resources.
Original Post:
On August 8th 2023, fueled by drought conditions, a dry El Nino summer, and strong winds from a passing hurricane, wildfires started burning Tuesday, spreading leeward while consuming the land around it, and taking most of Maui by complete surprise.
The hurricane whipped flames and hot wind swiftly across parched grass and dry tinder growth covering the island. At its height, fires began devouring homes, businesses, vehicles, boats - everything in its way - in Central, Southern, and West Maui.
Video still courtesty of ABC7 Chicago
By late Wednesday, August 9th 2023, 36 people had been confirmed dead - making the Maui Wildfires the deadliest U.S. wildfire since the 2018 Camp Fire in California. The Camp Fire killed at least 85 people and laid waste to the town of Paradise. The Hawai’i death toll could, and most likely will, rise. Volunteers and Emergency services (including military guard reservists and rescuers) are deploying to parts of the island that had been made inaccessible because of uncontained remnant fires that were still burning more than a day after the worst of the devastation.
It’s been reported that Lahaina was 80% contained on Thursday, August 10th, according to an official release by Maui County Officials. 300+ businesses and homes - including historic edifices whose significance dates back to the golden age of the modern Hawaiian Kingdom - have been damaged or destroyed. Dozens of people are newly homeless, hungry, angry, and injured - including some critically.
Non-essential travel to Maui is being heavily discouraged right now. Resources for native Hawaiians, locals, and residents are the first, and most urgent priority.
KAIROU has consolidated links and references to a handful of community funds and nonprofits who are on the ground, helping families now - in real time. For the months of August, September, and October, 25% of all profits in the KAIROU Makeke will be donated to charities and organizations supporting Maui locals, residents, and native Hawaiians.
Anything can help. Small donations can make a universe of difference for those affected by the fires. If more information becomes available, KAIROU will add those links and reports to the list below.
The Salvation Army
Providing food and resources to those in need, The Salvation Army is accepting Maui donations on its Hawaiʻi site, hawaii.salvationarmy.org.
Maui Mutual Aid Fund
A local effort, the Maui Mutual Aid Fund is run by volunteers looking to get funds and support to vulnerable residents, such as kūpuna (elderly), those with physical disabilities, renters and individuals without insurance. Donations can be sent to bit.ly/mauimutualaide.
If you are a kamaʻāina in need, reach out to Maui Mutual Aid Fund at (650) 279-1662.
Maui United Way
Maui United Way has set up a Maui fire relief fund that will go directly to support Maui fire victims. Donate here.
Maui Strong Fund
Created by the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation to provide resources for disaster preparedness, response and recovery, the Maui Strong Fund is currently being used to help aid communities affected by the Maui Wildfires. You can donate online at its website, hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/maui-strong, or you can send a check to: Hawai‘i Community Foundation, 827 Fort Street Mall, Honolulu, HI, 96813.
Make checks payable “Hawai‘i Community Foundation”.
Maui Humane Society
Unfortunately, it’s not just people affected by the fires, but pets too. The Maui Humane Society is asking for emergency foster homes for its animals to help make space for new displaced pets. Pet supplies, like wet and dry food, litter and pop-up kennels are also in need, and you can always donate funds on its website, mauihumanesociety.org.
Hawaiʻi Red Cross
A leader in disaster relief, the Hawaiʻi Red Cross is providing assistance and shelter to Maui fire victims. Donate here.
Maui Food Bank
The Maui Food Bank is accepting both physical drop-off donations at various locations across Maui as well as online monetary donations on its website mauifoodbank.org/donate.
War Memorial Complex
Maui County has opened the Maui War Memorial Complex (700 Halia Nakoa St, Wailuku) as a donation drop-off center, and it will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. accepting non-perishable food, bottled water, hygiene items and blankets.
Additional Drop-Off Locations:
Sparky’s Restaurant, 385 Hoohana St., Suite 5C, Kahului
Hoʻomana Barbell, 1826 Koahu St., Wailuku
Pāʻia Bay Coffee Bar, 120 Hāna Hwy., Pāʻia
Hi-Tech Store, 425 Koloa St., Kahului
Maluhia Collective, 1960 Main St., Wailuku
Boba Bar Pāʻia, 2 Baldwin Ave., Pāʻia
Anytime Fitness Pukalani, 24 Kiopaʻa St., Makawao
Lumeria Maui, 1814 Baldwin Ave., Makawao
