Restrictions ease in Lahaina burn zone
Maui County is lifting access restrictions to much of a largely commercial area of Lahaina destroyed by wildfire more than a year ago. Read more
Maui Wildfires
Hawaiian Electric delivers answers to PUC probe
Hawaiian Electric has delivered a 96-page report to the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission in response to 30 information requests and nearly 200 questions about the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina fire, which killed 102 people, caused $5.5 billion in damage, left thousands homeless and decimated Maui’s visitor industry. Read more
Editorial: Recovery plan is pledge to Maui
The county’s challenge is to balance the myriad responses. Some residents want the original configuration of the town maintained; others prefer that the region’s historical heritage be better reflected. Read more
War on wildfires becoming high-tech
Given the recent explosion of global warming-fueled wildfires across the planet, quick detection is needed more than ever. Read more
Annual census find homelessness rising in Hawaii, nationally
The Biden-Harris administration has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at addressing homelessness across the nation, including Hawaii. Read more
Lahaina survivor grateful to have a home for the holidays
This holiday season, Jesica Cadiam Standley, a Maui fire survivor, is grateful to have a place to call home for the holidays. Read more
Maui County releases Lahaina’s long-term recovery plan
The program has the capacity to serve approximately 3,000 households at a time, ensuring that all survivors have access to the necessary support and resources. Read more
Maui is poised for $1.6B in federal funding to rebuild Lahaina
With Congress scheduled to adjourn Friday, the U.S. House likely will take up the bill this week before sending it back to the Senate, Schatz said. Read more
Report calls for inclusive recovery for Filipino survivors of Lahaina fire
A comprehensive report by Maui grassroots organization Tagnawa and the Hawai‘i Workers Center highlights the deep disparities, resilience and urgent needs of Filipino survivors of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina fires. Read more
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with breaking news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
By clicking to sign up, you agree to Star-Advertiser's and Google's Terms of Service Opens in a new tab and Privacy Policy Opens in a new tab. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA.
Congressional delegation continues to support Maui survivors
A bipartisan bill sits on President Joe Biden’s desk that would exempt survivors of disasters, including the 2023 Maui wildfires, from having to pay federal income tax on settlement money. Read more
Public works official named Maui wildfire recovery leader
John Smith was instrumental in leading infrastructure restoration efforts following the wildfires, county officials said, and will oversee the county’s recovery efforts. Read more
FEMA seeks vacant lots for temporary housing for Maui fire survivors
The agency is interested in leasing land in or near Lahaina that will remain undeveloped for the next two to three years, providing an opportunity for property owners to support recovery efforts. Read more
Lahaina teacher runs in marathons for survivors
Lahaina Intermediate School teacher Nathan Kahaiali‘i is running his third Honolulu Marathon on Sunday. Read more
First FEMA modular homes ready for Maui fire survivors
The first 24 homes in FEMA’s 167-unit temporary housing community called Kilohana were provided to fire survivors over the past weekend. Read more
Maui County finds new site to bury wildfire debris
Maui County has tentatively secured land to enlarge the only major municipal solid waste landfill on the Valley Isle and bury debris from the August 2023 wildfire that destroyed most of Lahaina. Read more
Lahaina ohana completes first home rebuild in fire zone
Maui County’s Recovery Permit Center has issued over 254 building permits, and more than 120 homes were being rebuilt in fire-affected areas in Lahaina and Kula. Read more
Below-market rentals, awards program support Lahaina educators
Hawaii Schools Superintendent Keith Hayashi said one out of every three West Maui educators was displaced from housing by the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire. Read more
$4B settlement of Maui fire claims is tangled up in court
The ashes of last summer’s devastating fire in Lahaina, which killed 102 people and destroyed the town, were still smoldering when talk turned to how fraught the rebuilding process would be. Read more
FEMA extends assistance to Maui survivors; Schatz asks for further aid
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Hawaii’s request to extend Financial Assistance and Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for an additional year, now through Feb. 10, 2026. Originally, the 18-month assistance period was scheduled to end on Feb. 10, 2025. Read more
Hawaiian Electric removes ‘going concern’ warning in latest earnings report
HEI’s dividend continues to be suspended, the company said. Read more
Hawaiian Electric claims gains in cutting fire risk
Hawaii’s largest electrical utility plans to spend $300 million over the next three years on top of $120 million this year to reduce wildfire risk. Read more
Having trouble finding what you need? Try using our search feature.
Subscriber Favorites
Driver dies after Pearl City head-on collision
Maryknoll School teacher burned in acid attack offers public thanks
Police release images of 2 Radford High burglary suspects
Matson cargo business from China is broadsided by Trump trade tariffs
Community supporter, politician John Henry Felix dedicated his life to public service
More Editors' Picks
Matson cargo business from China is broadsided by Trump trade tariffs
Maryknoll School teacher burned in acid attack offers public thanks
Waterman Clyde Aikau had a ‘joyous’ way of life
Mililani’s Kai Hirayama is more than a perfect pitcher; he’s also a model son and sibling
