Here’s your one-stop shop for verified, vetted information about the Maui fires.
Civil Beat is committed to covering this disaster in the long-term and digging into the circumstances that contributed to this tragedy, but in the shorter-term, we’re also hoping to provide practical help and answer common questions. Read more about why we’re doing this and find our latest answers below.
Have a question you’d like us to look into? Text NEWS to 808-515-3337 for directions or jump to the form.
Jump to a section:
Maui Wildfire Facts
How did the Maui fires start?
An investigation has not yet been launched into the origin of these fires. First responders and officials are focused on saving lives and protecting property at this phase of the response effort.
We do know that fires on Maui and Big Island were fueled by dry winds of Hurricane Dora, which passed to the south of the islands. National Weather Service officials had issued a red flag warning, meaning weather conditions are ripe for wildfire.
What is the current death toll in the Maui fires?
The death toll rose to 111 people Wednesday night, according to the governor. About 38% of the affected area has been searched as of Wednesday afternoon.
This is the highest number of fatalities recorded in a U.S. wildfire in more than a century.
Have the Maui fires been contained?
- Lahaina: 85% contained as of Wednesday night at 2,170 acres, according to Maui County. No active threats.
- Upcountry/Kula fire: 75% contained as of Wednesday night at 678 acres.
- Pulehu/Kihei fire: 100% contained as of Saturday. Not yet extinguished.
Are people from outside of Hawaii buying the properties of Lahaina fire victims?
Gov. Josh Green is exploring a moratorium on Lahaina property sales amid local concern that out-of-state buyers will exploit the devastation to build hotels or other buildings.
“Moreover, I would caution people that it’s going to be a very long time before any growth or housing can be built so you will be pretty poorly informed if you try to steal land from our people and then build here,” he said at an Aug. 14 press conference.
Members of the public receiving unsolicited offers should report the name, place of business, telephone number, and address of any person to DCCA’s Consumer Resource Center at 808-587-4272.
Related reporting: Hawaii Governor Seeks Moratorium On Property Sales In Lahaina
Getting Help
I’m trying to find a missing person on Maui. Where do I start?
The county has opened a family assistance center for people looking for loved ones who have not been accounted for. Visit the Kahului Community Center (275 Uhu St.) daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Hours have not been determined past Friday, the county said.
Family members of missing people are encouraged to visit the center to take a DNA test to assist in identification, the county said.
Anyone looking to find someone affected by the fires may also call the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767.
You might check this “Maui Fires People Locator” list that’s been making the rounds on social media — it contains the names of thousands who have been found and have yet to be located. Discussion about these grassroots efforts can be found on this Facebook page.
Where can I go to find housing?
The state is looking to connect more than 1,000 people and families who lost their homes in the Maui fires with people who have available housing units through its housing relief program.
See a map of available units and fill out an application for renters. Read FAQs about the program.
Does the state of Hawaii have the power to take my property?
Yes, according to David Callies, UH Manoa Emeritus Law Professor and author of the book “Regulating Paradise: Land Use Controls in Hawaii.”
“Under eminent domain in Hawaii, government can take property for virtually any reason it wants, and the private citizen has a right to compensation.” Callies said.
“The state and the county, and for that matter, the federal government have the power to exercise eminent domain, so long as there is some possible public purpose or public use, stated by the government,” he said.
How To Help
Where can I donate money or supplies to help Maui fire victims?
Civil Beat has compiled a list of organizations accepting cash donations for emergency efforts. We’re also tracking donation drives and items requested, though most organizations are requesting money gifts to allow for flexibility in their response.
Remember: Only give money to trusted organizations. Get tips on avoiding scams from the Hawaii Attorney General’s office.
How can I volunteer?
Maui County and various nonprofit organizations are seeking volunteers to assist in relief efforts. Civil Beat has compiled a shortlist of places looking for a helping hand.
I have a spare unit. How can I connect with people in need of housing?
The state has launched a housing relief program to connect homeowners, landowners, landlords and management companies interested in setting up arrangements to serve more than 1,000 families and people who lost their homes in Maui fires.
Program application forms for property owners can be found on the Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation website. Read FAQs about the program.
FEMA/Disaster Assistance
I lost my job as a result of the fires. How can I seek disaster unemployment insurance?
Call the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations at 808-762-5751 or 833-901-2272.
Call center hours were extended from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily as of Aug. 15.
I just lost my home, car or belongings in the Maui fires. What should I do?
First, file a claim immediately if you have insurance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
While federal assistance may still be available to you, FEMA doesn’t cover losses that insurance already takes care of.
How do I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials activated assistance for victims of wildfires in Hawaii on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.
The fastest way to get help is by applying for assistance at disasterassistance.gov, according to FEMA. You can also sign up using FEMA’s mobile app or by calling its helpline at 800-621-3362.
There is no charge for applying for assistance or, if necessary, an assessment made by a FEMA inspector.
Will FEMA try to take my property?
This rumor has been making the rounds on social media, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency can’t seize your property.
Inspectors may be sent to your home (at no cost to you) to confirm it was damaged and decide what kind of assistance you’re eligible for. “If the results of the inspection deem your home to be uninhabitable, that information is only used to determine the amount of FEMA assistance you may receive to make your home safe, sanitary and functional,” FEMA said on its website.
I’m an immigrant. Am I eligible for FEMA assistance? Will this hurt my plans to stay in the country?
Yes, you’re still eligible to apply. More details from the Federal Emergency Management Agency here.
Short-term, emergency disaster assistance does not signal to immigration officials that you’re likely to become a public charge, or depend on the government for assistance, according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security rules.
Get information about more questions and rumors about FEMA on the agency’s website.
Tourism
🆕 Can I visit Maui? Should I cancel my trip to Hawaii?
Depends on where you’re going. Many small businesses on Maui and workers in the tourism industry have encouraged tourists to keep travel plans to safer parts of the state amid a drop-off in travel that some say has hurt local workers.
Travel to West Maui was strongly discouraged during August, according to an emergency proclamation. That includes Napili, Kaanapali, Kapalua and, of course, Lahaina, which was essentially leveled in the fires. Hotels in the area are switching gears to accommodate people affected by the fires.
The rest of Maui and the other Hawaiian islands remain open for travel. The Hawaii Tourism Authority encourages travel to Maui to other parts of Maui including destinations such as Kahului, Wailuku, Kihei, Wailea, Makena, Paia and Hana.
“We want people to travel to the state to the extent that they’re not impacting the hard work that these extraordinary people are doing” with West Maui recovery efforts, Gov. Josh Green said during an Aug. 17 news conference.
Leave A Comment