Maui Wildfire Update – August 17 at 3 p.m.

Aloha,

Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.

First responders are still working to assess the impact of the catastrophic wildfires.

At least 111 people died in last week’s catastrophe, with 45% of the disaster zone searched so far.
The Lahaina fire is 89% contained, the Olinda fire is 85% contained, and the Kula fire is 80% contained.
By early next week, the acute recovery phase will be complete with 85% of the area surveyed, but the last 15% requires special equipment that may take days to weeks to arrive on the island.
Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya has resigned effective immediately, citing health conditions, a day after he defended the decision not to activate warning sirens. Mayor Bissen said he would announce a replacement soon.

Temporary and long-term housing solutions are urgently needed.

Governor Green reported 950 people in hotel rooms, 414 hotel rooms are filled, and 500 people are housed with Airbnb as part of the state’s Hawaiʻi Fire Relief Housing Program.
He also told Civil Beat the state “will do everything we can to the extent Lāhainā and Maui community asks us to build housing quickly” and mentioned there is a 400-acre state-owned property zoned for housing above Lāhainā to discuss during the next Build Beyond Barriers meeting. The County of Maui and developers have also made offers to assist.
FEMA’s top official acknowledged that the agency will struggle to provide temporary shelter because of the inability to rely on traditional programs available in the continental United States.
Local residents continue to express frustration and concerns over predatory land grabs, while state officials have vowed to place legal barriers to prevent developers and investors from buying affected land.
The destruction of the wildfires exacerbated Maui’s housing crisis, and many fear rebuilding will be difficult or even impossible for some residents.

Travelers are conflicted about whether or not to visit Maui.

Local officials and community members encourage support for Maui’s tourism-driven economy, while other residents ask visitors to stay away.
On social media, many are urging visitors to cancel their trip so the community can heal, but authorities and businesses have repeatedly said visitors are welcome to unaffected areas to lessen the economic impact following the crisis.
Hawai‘i’s complicated relationship with tourism is often put into sharper focus during times of crisis.

Donating funds is the best way to support Maui right now.

Mahalo nui loa,

Your BG Team

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