Source: Maui County Official Press Release
Re-Entry into Lahaina Disaster Areas
The County of Maui is gradually reopening areas affected by the disaster. The first zone now cleared for owners and residents to re-enter is Kaniau Road in Zone 1C. Owners and residents with vehicle passes can return today, Monday, September 25, and Tuesday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
During the first two days of re-entry into Zone 1C, returning residents will receive substantial support, including water, shade, washing stations, portable toilets, medical and mental health care, Maui Bus transportation from local hotel shelters, and language assistance.
Please visit www.MauiRecovers.org for more information and a map showing the zones.
Extended Shuttle Service
The free Ka'anapali Circulator Shuttle will operate with extended hours on Monday, September 25, and Tuesday, September 26, exclusively for re-entry into Zone 1C. Service will begin at 7 a.m. on both days to assist residents staying at American Red Cross shelter hotels in West Maui and needing transportation to Zone 1C. The shuttle will be available at various locations, including Aston Ka'anapali Shores, Honua Kai, Aston Maui Ka'anapali Villas, Royal Lahaina, Outrigger Ka'anapali Beach Resort, Whalers Village, Westin Maui, Hyatt Regency Maui, and Lahaina Civic Center. Regular shuttle hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. will resume on Wednesday, September 27.
Launiupoko Beach Park Reopened
Launiupoko Beach Park has reopened ahead of schedule. The county's Department of Parks and Recreation worked diligently to clear the park after the August 8th fire and wind caused significant damage. Despite eight department staff members losing their homes in the fire, the park was reopened on Saturday, September 23, at 10 a.m., allowing families to enjoy it over the weekend.
Zone Restrictions Lifted
As of September 13, County of Maui Disaster Area Restrictions were LIFTED for two business zones: Zone 5B (Lahaina Cannery Mall parcel) and Zone 5E (the business area of Kupuohi and Ulupono streets). All roadways to access these zones are clear. The Hawaiʻi Department of Healthʻs Smoke and Dust Advisory remains in effect for areas impacted by the fire and surrounding regions with smoke, ash, and dust. Air quality information is available at health.hawaii.gov/mauiwildfires. The County of Maui Department of Water Supply Unsafe Water Advisory also remains in effect. For more information, visit www.mauirecovers.org/recovery/maps-data.
Fire Update
The Maui Fire Department (MFD) continues to reassure the public that while the containment percentages have remained stable in recent days, there are no active threats among the three ongoing fires. Due to the large burn area and rural terrain, extinguishing the Upcountry fires may take an extended period of time.
Weather
Typical trade wind weather is forecasted for Maui today. Expect scattered showers over windward slopes and increased leeward cloud cover in the afternoon. Northeast winds are forecasted to return by late afternoon, with gusts up to 20 mph possible through the evening. Breezy trade winds are expected to return beyond Tuesday.
Maui Recovers Website
For comprehensive information and assistance related to the wildfires, visit the official County of Maui website, www.MauiRecovers.org. This site provides guidance on safe re-entry, water and wastewater updates, interactive maps and data resources, fire debris removal updates, financial and housing assistance details, answers to frequently asked questions, and the option to subscribe for real-time updates tailored to those affected by the fires.
Unsafe Water Advisory Update
Effective September 12, 2023, the Department of Water Supply removed Zone 1 from the Unsafe Water Advisory for Upper Kula. Water serving homes and buildings in Zone 1 is now deemed safe for unrestricted use. To check if your address falls within a specific zone, refer to the interactive map at Zone Map. Zones 2 through 5 remain under the advisory, initially issued on August 11, 2023, due to the uncertain impacts of the wildfires.
Until further notice, residents in Unsafe Water Advisory areas of Lahaina and Kula should use only bottled or potable water provided from tankers for drinking, brushing teeth, ice-making, and food preparation. Contaminants may have entered the water system.
Air Quality Update
Preliminary air sampling and monitoring conducted in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui indicate no evidence of poor air quality or hazardous levels of contaminants when the samples were collected. However, high winds or cleanup activities could cause dust and ash to become airborne. Residents in impacted areas are urged to wear high-quality masks, such as N95 masks, and other personal protective equipment when in these areas. Precautions should also be taken in nearby regions should air quality change due to disturbed ash from impacted areas.
Fatality and Search Update
The revised number of fatalities is 97, a decrease from the previously reported 115, with 99% of the Lahaina disaster area searched. Further details and identification information are available in the Maui Police Department’s daily press release, typically issued by 6 p.m. daily. For that information, please visit bit.ly/MauiPoliceNews.
Unaccounted-For Individuals
Help is still needed to identify individuals reported unaccounted for following the Lahaina wildfire disaster. A validated list of names is available at mauinuistrong.info/unaccountedfor. If you recognize a name on the list and have information to confirm their safety or assist in locating them, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at (888) 814-7693 or visit www.fbi.gov/MauiFires.
To report an individual who is still unaccounted for, please email unaccounted@mpd.net and provide the necessary information for both the person reporting and the unaccounted individual.
DNA Sample Assistance
Family members on Maui who wish to submit DNA for use in identifying someone who is unaccounted for should contact the Family Assistance Center at (808) 270-7771 or send an email to FAC@mauicounty.gov to schedule an appointment.
Source: Maui County Official Press Release
Fire Update
As of August 26, the fire containment progress stands as follows:
Unaccounted Individuals
Help is needed in identifying 388 individuals reported unaccounted for following the Lahaina wildfire disaster. The validated list of names is available at mauinuistrong.info/unaccountedfor. If you have information about any individual on the list, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at (808) 566-4300 or email HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov.
Family Assistance Center
For those seeking information about missing loved ones, the Family Assistance Center (FAC) is open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency’s Monarchy Ballroom (200 Nohea Kai Drive) in Ka‘anapali. Trained staff are available to provide support and assistance.
DNA Sample Assistance
Immediate family members of individuals missing due to the Maui wildfires can provide DNA samples to assist in identification. Contact the FBI Honolulu Division at (808) 566-4300 or email HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov. DNA samples are solely for identification purposes related to wildfire victims and survivors.
Fatality and Search Update
The most up-to-date fatality numbers and identification information are included in the Maui Police Department’s daily press release, available at bit.ly/MauiPoliceNews. As of now, there are 115 confirmed fatalities, with 99% of the Lahaina disaster area searched.
Funeral Assistance
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is reviewing its policy to provide assistance for eligible funeral expenses, including caskets, urns, and transportation. To request funeral assistance, apply to FEMA at a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Unsafe Water Advisory
An interactive map at bit.ly/mauiwateradvisory depicts the Unsafe Water Advisory's precise location. Affected residents should only use bottled or potable water provided by tankers for drinking and food preparation. Contaminants might have entered the water system.
Shelters, Housing, and Financial Aid
Hotel shelter locations are open around Maui in coordination with the American Red Cross (ARC). To qualify for shelter and financial assistance, register with FEMA at a Disaster Recovery Center or call 1-800-621-3362.
Here is the list of available hotel shelters:
Food Distribution and Medical Assistance
Transportation
Source: Maui County Official Press Release
Fire Update
The Maui Fire Department reported that the wildfires have not spread further for several days. Fire activity is now confined to isolated hot spots within the current area. County fire investigators have determined that the Kula and Olinda fires have distinct origins. As mapping progresses, estimated fire acreage might be adjusted.
(Note: A fire being 100% contained means it's surrounded by firefighters but not necessarily fully extinguished.)
Fatality Update
Maui Police Department reported three additional deaths on Friday, bringing the total confirmed fatalities to 114. Identification details for the new individuals were not disclosed. As of Friday night, 78% of the area has been searched.
Unsafe Water Advisory
The Unsafe Water Advisory for the Lahaina water system has been expanded to include the area from Kaniau Road to Leiali Parkway. Residents in Lahaina and Upper Kula should only use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and food preparation. Water testing and sampling are ongoing to ensure safe consumption.
Weather Forecast
Rain associated with post-tropical cyclone Fernanda is expected to move across the state starting late Sunday. The highest rainfall is forecasted for Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning along windward and mountain slopes of Maui.
Emergency Shelters
Survivor numbers at Maui's shelters have decreased as the American Red Cross rapidly transitions survivors into hotel accommodations. Open shelters are best for inquiries about hotel emergency lodging. Contact 1-800-RED-CROSS or use the Red Cross Emergency app for shelter locations.
Family Assistance Center
For those seeking information about loved ones or missing individuals, the Family Assistance Center is now located at the Hyatt Regency's Monarch Ballroom in Kaʻanapali. The center is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.
Power Restoration
Hawaiian Electric is working to restore power to parts of West Maui and Upcountry. Over 80% of customers have had power restored, and more than 90% of all Maui customers have electricity. Restoration efforts continue for remaining outages.
Additional Updates
For the latest and most detailed information, please refer to the original press release linked above.
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