Maui Fires

Ongoing coverage of the 2023 wildfires that destroyed much of Lahaina and burned for weeks in Upcountry Maui. We are closely following the fires’ aftermath including efforts to rebuild and consequences for the entire state.

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New Civil Beat Database Tracks Millions In Donations And Government Funds For Maui

Readers have asked Civil Beat to follow where donated monies are going.


Latest Stories

Affordable Housing Project Could Help Keep Teachers In Lahaina
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Affordable Housing Project Could Help Keep Teachers In Lahaina

The state introduced plans to provide affordable housing to West Maui teachers in 2022, but limited funding and the wildfires halted progress.

FEMA’s Plan For Maui Wildfire Survivors Lacked Safeguards For Residents
George Wylesol, special to ProPublica

FEMA’s Plan For Maui Wildfire Survivors Lacked Safeguards For Residents

FEMA officials said they didn’t want their housing program for survivors of Maui’s 2023 wildfires to displace any residents. But they didn’t bar the agency’s contractors from leasing properties previously occupied by long-term tenants.

First Families Move Into Temporary FEMA Housing For Maui Fire Survivors
Léo Azambuja/Civil Beat/2024

First Families Move Into Temporary FEMA Housing For Maui Fire Survivors

The rent will be covered for the first few months by continued emergency assistance, but tenants must begin paying in March.

Maui Invitational Returns To Lahaina As Post-Fire Emotions Are Still Raw
AP Photo/Mengshin Lin/2024

Maui Invitational Returns To Lahaina As Post-Fire Emotions Are Still Raw

Many residents are excited about the economic boost the tournament will bring. But concerns also are high that visitors might show disrespect.

Maui Landfill: $4M Deal Is A Step Toward A Permanent Home For Fire Debris
courtesy of Maui County/2024

Maui Landfill: $4M Deal Is A Step Toward A Permanent Home For Fire Debris

The agreement with Nan Inc., which must be approved by the County Council, would provide nearly four times more acreage than a previous deal.

Honolulu Condos: City Might Water Down Fire Safety Law Again
Anthony Quintano/Civil Beat/2017

Honolulu Condos: City Might Water Down Fire Safety Law Again

Seven years after the fatal Marco Polo fire, Honolulu might extend a key deadline for condo associations after failing to pass a sprinkler law.

HECO: Wildfire Risk Already Cut By More Than Half Across Hawaii Grid
Marcel Honore/Civil Beat/2023

HECO: Wildfire Risk Already Cut By More Than Half Across Hawaii Grid

The power company plans to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in the next few years on wildfire prevention. Some lawmakers question why that didn’t happen before Lahaina.

Money For New State Fire Marshal Isn’t Nearly Enough, Fire Council Says
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Money For New State Fire Marshal Isn’t Nearly Enough, Fire Council Says

The State Fire Council will recommend spending far more than the Legislature has approved for the new office.

Judge: All Maui Wildfire Insurance Claims Must Be Made Public
Screenshot/Hawaii News Now/2024

Judge: All Maui Wildfire Insurance Claims Must Be Made Public

Maui Judge Peter Cahill’s ruling will provide a rare glimpse into insurance business.

Maui County Looks To Extend Tax Exemptions For Wildfire Survivors
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2024

Maui County Looks To Extend Tax Exemptions For Wildfire Survivors

The tax credits also benefit landlords who rent to people displaced by the August 2023 fires.