Maui Wildfires Update – November 22 as of 9 a.m.
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates and resources. This will be the final weekly issue of Bennet Group’s Maui Wildfires Update, and we will continue sending news updates as needed.
More clarity around long-term recovery efforts emerges as short-term debris removal and health and safety monitoring continue.
- Maui County’s Office of Recovery is seeking staff and nearly $21 million as it prepares to navigate the long-term rebuilding process. The County Deputy Managing Director described the framework for recovery in six focus areas: community planning, housing, infrastructure, natural, historical and cultural resources, economic resiliency and health and social service systems.
- The Department of Water Supply lifted the Unsafe Water Advisory from two zones in fire-impacted areas of Lahaina.
- More residents and businesses gain access to their properties as reopening progresses.
- The Department of Education continues to field questions about safety measures for Lahaina schools.
Local officials share insight into housing challenges and the success of efforts to date.
- At the 22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said that while Maui has lots of housing inventory, the challenge is space, infrastructure and cost. The County is seeking “voluntary compliance” from the industry to donate rooms or homes to address needs following the fires.
- Governor Green and HHFDC are renewing their call for the state’s homeowners to help host displaced families impacted by the wildfires.
- The Hawai‘i Fire Relief Housing Program successfully secured permanent housing for over 500 families who lost their homes in the disaster.
State officials continue to work on funding to support Maui’s recovery.
- Gov. Green recently informed leaders of all state agencies that he is using his emergency power to redirect $173 million in appropriations for about two dozen projects and programs.
- The state House’s interim Environmental Remediation Working Group says more money is needed to keep sampling and monitoring the air, land and water around Lahaina and restore the wetlands.
In news about support for Maui and how to help…
- Donations and volunteers to support Maui wildfire survivors are still in high demand.
- Lahaina juniors and seniors will have the opportunity to shop for prom for free, thanks to Laura Stanton.
- Na Hale O Maui hopes to help displaced families return to affordable homes.
- The University of Hawaiʻi Foundation invites donors to ‘Stand with Maui’ on Giving Tuesday.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team