Maui Wildfire Update – November 9 as of 12 p.m.
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates and resources for this week.
Gov. Josh Green unveiled the One ‘Ohana Initiative, including a new fund for Maui wildfire survivors.
- The One ‘Ohana Initiative is the wildfire recovery framework for Hawai‘i that includes the many recovery programs the state has initiated or launched as part of numerous efforts to benefit the entire state.
- As part of the initiative, the state introduced the Maui Recovery Fund, which is intended to rapidly provide funds to Maui residents who have lost loved ones or have suffered serious injuries in the fires.
- The state, Maui County, Hawaiian Electric and Kamehameha Schools have committed over $150 million to the fund, and the total is expected to increase with contributions from others.
- More details about eligibility and expected availability of payments will be released in the coming weeks.
The decline in Maui tourism—and its far-reaching effects—continues to hinder the island’s recovery.
- According to the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority and Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism:
- Maui hotel reservations have since fallen into the negative against 2022 through at least September of next year.
- Those who have lost their household’s main income, primary earner’s paycheck or public assistance are vulnerable to losing their current housing in the next six months or less.
- A preliminary Hawai‘i Housing Study, part of the HTA’s Maui tourism recovery data, showed that of those without income, only about 22% could live with another family or find another place. Approximately 18% would rather move to the continent.
- According to the Hawai‘i Small Business Development Center on Maui, about 600 businesses have closed since the Aug. 8 wildfires.
Transitioning displaced residents from hotels into long-term housing remains a priority and challenge.
- Local officials and community members still struggle to identify long-term housing solutions for displaced residents. As of Nov. 6, 6,791 residents remained sheltered in hotel rooms.
- Lahaina Strong, a Maui advocacy group, has started a petition urging Maui Mayor Richard Bissen to use emergency powers to convert short-term rentals into long-term rentals for a minimum of one year to house displaced Lahaina residents.
- West Maui residents claimed nearly $1.3 billion in losses in the Aug. 8 wildfires, with insurance companies paying out an estimated $660 million for the losses as of Sept. 30.
Hawaiian Electric announced it has updated its Wildfire Safety Strategy.
- HECO said it would deploy spotters to strategic locations in risk areas to watch for ignition and ensure systems shut down if a fault or disturbance is detected.
- Additional phases of the strategy will harden the grid against extreme weather events and reduce potential hazards.
- The company is also exploring a public safety power shut-off program.
In news about support for Maui and how to help…
- Young Brothers was among the companies in the private sector who rushed to help Maui following the wildfires. Here are a few stories.
- Honolulu Habitat for Humanity is determining how to help Lahaina fire survivors.
- The Maui Humane Society is asking for volunteers to open their hearts and homes to foster pets rescued from fire-impacted areas.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team