Maui Wildfire Update – October 19 as of 2 p.m.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MAUI PRESS CONFERENCE

Federal, state and county coordination

Working with the federal government, Governor Green’s priorities are health, environment and economic development.
Mayor Bissen is focusing on housing and getting people into safe, stable accommodations once they leave the hotels.

Housing

In an update today, the governor said approximately 6,784 people are housed in 35 hotels across Maui. The governor and mayor urged participation in the various programs to help displaced residents transition to long-term housing steadily.
FEMA has offered rental subsidies of 175% of fair market value and provided rental assistance to nearly 3,300 displaced residents.
Modular homes are being considered for short- and long-term needs, but the County is assessing infrastructure for when units are no longer needed.
The American Red Cross reassured displaced residents that they could remain in hotels until they are relocated to more comfortable accommodations.

Support for impacted residents and businesses

In an update today, the governor estimated 8,000 Maui residents are unemployed. FEMA support is geared toward residents, but they are connecting people with the Small Business Association and other resources to assist.
Maui Economic Opportunity will disburse $12.5 million in state support to impacted businesses and will help distribute $50 million in TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) grants to impacted families.

Return of tourism

Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism Director James Kunane Tokioka said some hotels lost reservations after the governor announced the reopening. Many visitors have decided to reschedule their trips to another time of year.
Hotels have continuously told DBEDT reservations are down, and the only month of some concern is December. Tokioka said the hospitality industry is working to accommodate the community’s and guests’ needs.
Mayor Bissen said phase 1 of reopening has gone well, and it’s a topic of discussion during the advisory committee meeting tomorrow.

Health and safety

The governor says air, soil and water testing around Lahaina schools were safe, and the Department of Health and Department of Education continue monitoring the situation.
Officials say the toxic chemicals in the Kula ash are similar to those in other locations.

Removal of hazardous debris

Maui County plans to keep the non-hazardous debris on the island per the wishes of the Lahaina community over concerns that it may still contain remains of those who died in the fire.
The EPA has cleared hazardous debris from 1,103 properties, and 29 zones are now open for residents to return to their properties.

Recovery and humanitarian fund

In early November, Governor Green will launch a new “recovery and humanitarian fund” for families that lost loved ones or were injured in the Aug. 8 Lahaina wildfire, saying
- “We are putting together a coalition to get them resources, hopefully in a much more expedited way, so that they don’t have to wait for a long period of litigation. We know that there are going to need to be settlements, there have been tragedies. We want to be compassionate. So we will look at this as a recovery and humanitarian fund for those who suffered the greatest.”

Mahalo nui loa,

Your BG Team

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