Maui Fires

Ongoing coverage of the 2023 wildfires that destroyed much of Lahaina and burned for weeks in Upcountry Maui. We are closely following the fires’ aftermath including efforts to rebuild and consequences for the entire state.

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New Civil Beat Database Tracks Millions In Donations And Government Funds For Maui

Readers have asked Civil Beat to follow where donated monies are going.


Latest Stories

Final Maui Fires Report Calls For Better Communication, Prevention, Education
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Final Maui Fires Report Calls For Better Communication, Prevention, Education

The report provides a blueprint for the critical first steps necessary to improve fire safety statewide.

At Least 1,000 People Have Left Maui Since The Fires, Tax Records Show
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2024

At Least 1,000 People Have Left Maui Since The Fires, Tax Records Show

Hawaiʻi will see its annual income drop by $53 million due to migration from Valley Isle, researchers say.

Maui Fire Survivors Are Finding Solace In Horse Therapy
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Maui Fire Survivors Are Finding Solace In Horse Therapy

A Kula ranch has provided more than 1,800 equine-therapy sessions to help survivors of the Lahaina and Upcountry fires cope with their grief and other deeply rooted trauma.

Do Maui Wildfire Lawyers Deserve $1 Billion In Fees?
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Do Maui Wildfire Lawyers Deserve $1 Billion In Fees?

A Maui judge will decide this month how to divide up a $4 billion settlement among many groups of lawyers representing fire victims.

Hawaiian Electric Industries Sells Most Of American Savings Bank Interest
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2015

Hawaiian Electric Industries Sells Most Of American Savings Bank Interest

The sale to investors allows the company to focus on its core utility business and legislative agenda in response to the Maui wildfires.

Plan To Bail Out HECO’s Credit Rating Would Cost Customers $48 A Year
Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

Plan To Bail Out HECO’s Credit Rating Would Cost Customers $48 A Year

A proposed wildfire settlement fund tops the utility’s legislative agenda for 2025.

Fire Ravaged Upcountry Maui, Too. Residents There Try To Heal
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Fire Ravaged Upcountry Maui, Too. Residents There Try To Heal

The same day flames tore through Lahaina in 2023, another fire in Kula caused millions of dollars in damage. The recovery effort there has been quiet but intense.

Their House Survived The Maui Fires Untouched. Here’s What Happened Next
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Their House Survived The Maui Fires Untouched. Here’s What Happened Next

Living without immediate neighbors can be creepy and lonesome, but the owners of the famed red-roofed house are determined to help bring their community back.

Governor Injects $2.2 Million Into Revival Of Hawaiʻi Fire Marshal’s Office
Courtesy: Army National Guard/Staff Sgt. Matthew A. Foster/2023

Governor Injects $2.2 Million Into Revival Of Hawaiʻi Fire Marshal’s Office

“This is workable but it’s only the beginning,” one advocate said as the Legislature prepares to consider the details.

Maui Fire Victims Jobs Program At Risk After Nonprofit Budget Troubles
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Maui Fire Victims Jobs Program At Risk After Nonprofit Budget Troubles

The federally funded initiative run by Maui Economic Opportunity employed hundreds and was to last two years. The nonprofit’s CEO announced this month that it would end early.