Maui Wildfire Update – August 10, 2023 at 4 p.m.
Here are the latest Maui Wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
Maui fire crews continue to battle three large wildfires in Lahaina, Pūlehu/Kīhei and Kula.
- The Lahaina fire is 80% contained, and access to Lahaina is still limited due to ongoing firefighting operations.
- The fires in Pūlehu/Kīhei are 70% contained, while confirmation of the containment status in Kula is still pending.
It is widely believed that this is the worst natural disaster to impact the state in 30 years and the deadliest U.S. wildfire in five years.
- As of 1:12 p.m. today, 53 fatalities have been confirmed. Gov. Josh Green expects that number to keep climbing, and it’s unclear how many people are unaccounted for.
- Officials report 271 structures have been damaged or destroyed. However, on a call with CNN, Governor Green estimated “upwards of 1,700 buildings” were destroyed.
- There have been various business and facility closures, and event cancellations.
- All Maui public schools, except for Hāna School, will remain closed through Friday.
- Hawaiian Electric is asking for affected customers to plan for extended outages as access to many impacted areas is limited due to safety and emergency response concerns. As of now, around 12,400 customers remain offline.
- Multiple road closures are in effect due to severe weather caused by brush fires, strong winds and downed utility poles.
President Biden approved Hawai‘i’s request for a federal disaster declaration.
- The President’s action makes federal funding available to Maui and Hawai‘i Island recovery efforts.
- The funds include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans for uninsured property losses, and other recovery programs for individuals and businesses affected by the disaster.
Mass visitor and resident evacuations out of Maui continue.
- Local officials have asked visitors making nonessential trips to Maui to leave and have strongly discouraged others from making such trips while the island is in crisis.
- Over 14,000 people were relocated from the island to return home or continue their vacation elsewhere. By the end of today, an estimated 14,500 more individuals are expected to be relocated.
- The Hawai‘i Convention Center is offering shelter for up to 4,000 residents and visitors who are evacuating from the wildfires.
- Governor Green urged hoteliers, homeowners and others to help house thousands of residents who have lost their homes.
There are several ways you can help those affected by the Maui wildfires.
- There are various ways to contribute in supporting Maui communities through monetary or item donations, or even providing shelter for those whose homes were impacted.
- Here are some helpful lists from the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Civil Beat and The New York Times.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team