Maui Wildfire Update – September 8 as of 12 p.m.
Aloha,
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
One month later, Governor Green provided an update on Maui fire recovery and response.
- According to the latest update, the number of fatalities still stands at 115, but the number of unaccounted for has dropped to 66. Authorities are still trying to determine exactly how many people died in the nation’s deadliest conflagration in over a century.
- Over 7,500 displaced people have transitioned to 29 hotels and hundreds of Airbnbs. The state is working with FEMA and the American Red Cross to secure long-term housing for at least 36 weeks and up to 18 months. He also says kauhale communities will be built on Maui to support housing needs.
- Governor Green says Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) will be made available to supplement funding to impacted residents.
- Approximately $25 million in aid is available for local businesses. Maui Economic Opportunity will help distribute $10,000 and $20,000 bridge grants.
- Lāhainā residents and business owners will be able to survey the damage during scheduled, supervised visits to their property in the coming weeks.
- The EPA hazardous debris removal is anticipated to take three to four months. Removing the remaining debris is estimated to last over a year and will cost $1 billion. Governor Green said 25 cultural practitioners are assisting the effort and expects more local businesses and individuals will be hired.
- The state is exploring forming a Lāhainā recovery fund to help victims avoid costly litigation. He also asked local law firms to consider representing victims pro bono or significantly reducing fees.
- He emphasized a full investigation is underway and promised full accountability and transparency to the public.
According to UHERO, there have been 10,448 new unemployment claims in Maui County since the fires four weeks ago.
- The number of new claims for unemployment in Maui is about 9,900 more than expected based on the preceding four weeks. It represents more than 11% of all employment in Maui County.
- Destruction of restaurants and shops, closure of West Maui north of Lāhainā and impact on tourism-related businesses contribute to unemployment.
- Additional employment loss stems from many displaced families losing homes and cars, making commuting outside the burn area difficult.
- For more on the economic perspective of Maui’s devastating wildfires, see UHERO’s latest blog post.
Local officials underscore Maui needs the support of visitors now more than ever to keep its economy afloat.
- Governor Green announced West Maui will reopen to tourism on October 8. Lāhainā will remain closed.
- The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has created a new section of its website focused on Maui recovery efforts and is encouraging visitor industry partners and businesses to utilize its Mālama Maui toolkit.
The Department of Education continues to navigate challenges reaching unaccounted-for students and transitioning displaced students to other schools.
- Parents who attended the Board of Education meeting yesterday demanded more transparency from education officials. The Department of Education said it could not release the number of those believed to have died or who remain missing because it would violate their privacy.
- Starting Monday, Lahainaluna High School will begin a phased start for employees and students at its temporary campus at Kūlanihākoʻi High School in Kīhei.
- Families continue to raise concerns about displaced children being bullied at school while dealing with the trauma of the wildfires.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team