HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Today, Aug. 8 marks one year since we all woke up to unnerving news. Devastating wildfires ravaged the Lāhainā and Kula communities on Maui.
These fires resulted in the tragic loss of 102 lives and deeply impacted thousands more.
As we remember those lost and affected, the Department of Human Services (DHS) reflects on their ongoing efforts to help the community heal and recover.
Immediate and long-term support
Soon after the fires began, DHS was on the ground providing aid and resources. Over the past year, they have launched innovative programs dedicated to housing, mental health services, food, financial support and comprehensive recovery efforts.
DHS Director Ryan Yamane, along with Deputy Directors Joseph Campos and Trista Speer, emphasize the importance of these programs in helping survivors rebuild their lives.
Key recovery statistics and efforts:
- Housing assistance: In the two weeks following the fires, DHS helped 976 survivors move from shelters into hotel rooms across Maui. In total, 7,796 survivors were relocated to hotel rooms, with an additional 662 survivors housed in donated Airbnbs.
- Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP): Hawaiʻi quickly applied for federal aid and launched an interim program to expedite assistance. To date, the DCMP has served over 3,500 individuals.
- Pu‘uhonua o Nēnē Facility: This facility was created to help those who were unhoused before the fires, providing shelter and support to 390 individuals.
- Nutrition Assistance: DHS expanded access to food support through the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), aiding over 3,200 households, and the Maui Relief Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Program, which provided more than $11 million in crucial support.
- Rental Assistance Program (RAP): This innovative program utilized the local short-term rental market to secure longer-term housing for 302 households, totaling 842 individuals.
- Ka Laʻi Ola Housing Project: This project is the first government housing solution on Maui to break ground. It will house up to 1,200 survivors in temporary units for up to five years.
Community and government collaboration
The efforts to rebuild and recover have been a collaborative effort involving local, state, and federal partners.
Meghan Statts, DOBOR Administrator, noted the significance of reopening the fuel dock at Lāhainā Small Boat Harbor, a key step in restoring the community’s infrastructure.
“This important step to rebuild infrastructure and resources at the harbor, for Lāhainā and West Maui residents, will hopefully aid in the sense of overall recovery,” she said.
The reopening of the fuel dock, which cost over $750,000, is vital for both commercial and recreational boaters who rely on this facility.
Pacific West Fuels President Gary Strutz expressed the emotional and logical challenges faced during the rebuild but highlighted the community's determination to recover.
“We wanted to be part of the Lāhainā recovery effort. By being the first burned business to rebuild, we hope to inspire others to do the same,” Strutz said.
Moving forward
As the community commemorates the one-year anniversary of the fires, DHS remains committed to supporting survivors and aiding in the long-term recovery of Lāhainā and Kula.
For more information or to speak with DHS officials about the ongoing recovery efforts, click here or contact their offices directly.
Local lawmakers weighed in on the anniversary:
"One year later, our hearts remain heavy as we remember the lives lost, the families impacted, and the communities affected by the devastating August 8 wildfires.The House stands committed to supporting ongoing recovery efforts for our Maui ʻohana, and our shared dedication to prioritizing the needs of Maui residents remains unwavering."
-- Resonated Speaker Scott K. Saiki who issued this statement on behalf of the House of Representatives
"From the August 8 tragedy, one truth has emerged: our Maui community is resilient and strong. We are deeply grateful to our state, county, and federal partners for their steadfast support throughout this past year."
-- Representative Kyle Yamashita (D-12 Upcountry Maui)
The comprehensive report detailing their efforts over the past year is available on the DHS website, providing updated statistics and insights into the recovery process.