Updated September 27 2023 at 7:30am HST.
We refresh this page daily to provide you with the latest information we have on hand.
If you are impacted by the fires, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App for more information. All individuals who were impacted by the Maui fires should apply for FEMA assistance.
The State of Hawaiʻi and Maui County have launched the Maui Disaster Support Call Center. The call center can be reached at (808) 727-1550 between 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, and provides a central assistance hub for community members affected by the Maui wildfires.
In light of the severe wildfires and the pressing needs of the community, renowned media figures Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have unveiled the “People’s Fund of Maui.” This initiative aims to provide direct financial assistance to those uprooted and impacted by the blaze. With an inaugural donation of $10 million from Winfrey and Johnson, they are also urging others to support this vital and continuous relief mission.
The fund, in collaboration with a distinguished advisory board and with backing from local community members and esteemed elders, intends to act as a conduit, offering cash directly to the affected families and individuals. This approach empowers them to decide the best way to utilize the funds, as stated in a press release.
As per the announcement, every adult (aged 18 and above) residing in the wildfire-stricken areas of Lahaina and Kula, who was displaced, is entitled to a monthly aid of $1,200 to assist in their recovery phase.
Apply Here > https://www.eifoundation.org/peoples-fund-of-maui/
Darryl Oliveira, the interim administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, provided an update about re-entry to Lahaina and introduced the county’s new website, www.MauiRecovers.org. This site was launched to offer crucial information and support to those impacted by the fires that began on August 8 in Maui, with the Upcountry and Lahaina fires still ongoing. Oliveira recognized that residents and businesses are eager for guidance on safely returning to Lahaina.
The MauiRecovers.org website is a comprehensive resource hub designed to assist those impacted by the fires. It provides information and support services, including guidelines for safe re-entry into affected areas, updates on water and wastewater services, interactive maps for navigating the recovery zones, details about hazardous material removal, and resources on financial and housing assistance. The site also has a FAQs section for common questions related to recovery efforts. Furthermore, users can subscribe for real-time updates specific to their needs. The County of Maui introduced an interactive map of the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster area, which is divided into zones. Residents can input their address or zone to see if their area is restricted (red) or accessible (green). The map’s status will be updated as restrictions change.
LAHAINA DISASTER ZONE ACCESS UPDATE
In the County of Maui Disaster Area, Kaniau Road in Zone 1C is the first sector cleared for re-entry by owners and residents. Today, Monday, September 25, and Tuesday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., access restrictions in Zone 1C will be relaxed for vehicle pass-holding owners and residents. A comprehensive support system including essentials like water, medical and mental health care, and language assistance will be available for residents during the initial re-entry days.
Please refer to www.MauiRecovers.org for detailed zone information and maps.
For facilitating re-entry into Zone 1C, the Ka’anapali Circulator Shuttle will operate with extended hours starting from 7 a.m. on both September 25 and 26. It will help residents staying in shelter hotels in West Maui to reach Lahaina Civic Center by 8 a.m. Regular shuttle service hours will resume from Wednesday, September 27.
Launiupoko Beach Park, despite the damages it suffered from the August 8 fire and wind, reopened ahead of schedule on Saturday, September 23, thanks to the efforts of the Parks Department.
On September 13, at 10 a.m., Disaster Area Restrictions were lifted for business zones 5B and 5E in County of Maui, paving clear access to Lahaina Cannery Mall and the business district of Kupuohi and Ulupono streets. However, advisories regarding air quality and water safety continue in parts of Maui; refer to the mentioned links for more detailed information.
Currently, re-entry to the disaster area in Lahaina is strictly limited to authorized personnel due to the lingering risks in fire-affected areas. Those returning are advised by the state Department of Health officials to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and refer to bit.ly/WestMauiCaution for more recommendations.
Employees, entrepreneurs, and independent workers in Maui affected by the August wildfires, either through job loss or reduced working hours, might qualify for disaster-related unemployment assistance. This aid is available from Aug. 13 until Feb. 10, 2024, provided the individual’s joblessness directly stems from the wildfire aftermath.
Note that one cannot receive both standard unemployment insurance and disaster unemployment assistance simultaneously.
The final date to submit an application is Monday, Sept. 25. To register, visit https://uiclaims.hawaii.gov. If online filing is not an option for you, please call any of the following toll-free numbers: (833) 901-2272, (833) 901-2275, (808) 762-5751, or (808) 762-5752.
Residents of West Maui can receive food and supplies at Lahaina Gateway, located at 325 Keawe St. The distribution will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Additionally, a mobile health vehicle will be available on-site.
The old Kahului Safeway at 170 E. Kamehameha Ave. has now opened its doors as a new drop-off point for donations of non-perishable food, water, and paper supplies exclusively. Donations can be made on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals affected by the fires can also collect supplies here. The Queen Kaʻahumanu Center location is no longer accepting donations.
Mobile food distribution sites by Feed My Sheep are operational at two locations:
In addition, the Maui Humane Society will continue to offer donated pet supplies and veterinary services at several distribution sites island-wide. Please visit mauihumanesociety.org for more.
In an effort to disseminate crucial information to residents who have limited access to telecommunications, Maui County, along with public communication specialists from around the state, are publishing daily updates at the following locations in Maui:
The County of Maui has launched a dedicated online platform, mauinuistrong.info, to address the aftermath of the Maui Wildfire Disaster. The “Maui Nui Strong” portal provides details on donating, volunteering, extending services, and finding assistance. Managed by the County’s Office of Economic Development, this platform aims to bridge individuals with essential resources and services. For further inquiries or to converse with a county official about the Maui Wildfire Disaster, dial 808-270-7285.
The Hawaiʻi State and Maui County have initiated the Maui Disaster Support Call Center as a primary support platform for those impacted by the Maui wildfires.
Contact: 808-727-1550. The center is operational daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. HST.
The center provides daily updates on food provisions, social services, state-managed housing, and more. As community needs shift, the center’s offerings will adapt accordingly.
James Barros, the head of the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, stated, “The Maui Disaster Support Call Center aims to streamline the various state and local aid options for our residents. This ensures a more straightforward and empathetic route to sustained recovery.”
Those in need of immediate help can also reach out to:
Kaiser Permanente has introduced two mobile health units and a first aid center on Maui. Details on their locations and operational timings are provided below.
Mobile Health Vehicle Details by Kaiser Permanente:
Nāpili Park:
Open: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
Services: First aid, pediatric care, and OB/GYN services. Note: OB/GYN services available every Friday.
Additional: Pharmacy delivery services to this mobile unit are accessible for those collecting medicines.
Royal Lahaina Hotel:
Open: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
Services: First aid only.
Additional: Starting September 6, pharmacy delivery services to this mobile unit will be accessible for medication pickups.
Kaiser Permanente First Aid Center:
Hyatt Regency, Kāʻanapali, Maui Suites, Promenade Lower Level:
Open: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Closed: Saturdays and Sundays
Services: First aid and wound care.
Additional: Pharmacy delivery services from the mobile health units are available when required.
A Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program replacement benefit is available for recipients who experienced loss of food as a result of the recent wildfires. To apply for SNAP replacement benefits, visit the Processing Center in your area or call the Public Assistance Information Line 1-855-643-1643.
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program helps uninsured people after disasters to be sure they still have the medicines and medical equipment they normally use to stay healthy. To enroll, call 1-855-793-7470 or visit https://aspr.hhs.gov/epap for more information from the US Department. of Health and Human Services.
The Hawai‘i Department of Health has initiated a call center to assist residents in need of non-emergency medical care, mental health assistance, and other services. Affected individuals can reach out at 808-586-4468, available on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
As of September 12, 2023, the Department of Water Supply has updated the Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula, exempting Zone 1. Tests have confirmed the water in Zone 1 is safe for all uses. To check if your location falls within a specific zone, view the interactive Zone Map.
The map categorizes Upper Kula into five zones, with Zone 1 now highlighted in green. Addresses in this green area are no longer under the Unsafe Water Advisory.
Zones 2 to 5, however, remain under the advisory, initially set on August 11, 2023, due to potential wildfire impacts.
Residents of affected zones in Lahaina and Kula should use only bottled water or water from provided tankers for consumption, oral hygiene, and food-related activities. The potential contamination means the water cannot be treated at home to ensure safety.
To collect clean drinking water, residents can bring sterilized containers to:
Lahaina: Lahaina Gateway Center, Honokohau Valley, Behind Lahaina Baseyard, Kahoma Village, and Hawaiian Homes/Lahaina Civic Center.
Upper Kula: Kula Lodge and Copp Road.
Mobile sanitation and cleanliness units are now accessible for community-driven support centers aiding in recovery initiatives. Offerings encompass: trash containers (kindly refrain from including burnt fire remnants), cardboard disposal units, portable toilets, handwashing stations, and mobile showers. Heads of these centers are encouraged to reach out to the Maui County Department of Environmental Management at 808-270-7880 or via email at recycle.maui@mauicounty.gov with their requests.
Hawaii CARES 988 is a 24/7, free support service for help with crisis, mental health, and substance abuse. If you need mental health-related or addiction crisis support, or are worried about someone else, you can also call or text 988 (TTY 711)
The Family Assistance Center, previously situated at the Hyatt Kāʻanapali Monarchy ballroom, has relocated to the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center at the Lahaina Civic Center Gymnasium (1840 Honoapiʻilani Highway).
The Lahaina Disaster Recovery Center operates daily between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Shuttles that serve between Lahaina-area hotels and the Family Assistance Center will extend their services to the Lahaina DRC.
If you’re struggling to find or get in touch with a loved one affected by the disaster and can’t make it to the FAC, dial 1-800-733-2767. Choose Option 4 and follow the instructions for “Hawaii Wildfires.” Please provide comprehensive details to aid in the search for your missing person. Due to high call traffic, be prepared for extended wait times.
For those residing on neighboring islands or in the continental U.S., if you’re an immediate family member of someone missing due to the Maui wildfires and want to give a DNA sample to help, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation Honolulu Division at 808-566-4300 or email HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov.
Maui Humane Society will be providing pet supplies and emergency kits to the following shelters. Veterinarians are stationed at Lahaina Gateway and Napili Plaza. Pet Supplies Only at Lahaina Gateway, Napili Plaza, War Memorial (Wailuku), Hannibal Tavares (Makawao), Ma’alaea Harbor.
