Hawaiʻi Fires

Iwi Kūpuna Desecrated During Lahaina Fire Cleanup, Lawsuit Says Cammy Clark/Civil Beat/2024

Iwi Kūpuna Desecrated During Lahaina Fire Cleanup, Lawsuit Says

A family is suing a Maui landowner and the state for not protecting Native Hawaiian remains as required by law.

Beyond The Burn Zone: Maui Wildfires Cause Widespread Mental Health Issues DLNR

Beyond The Burn Zone: Maui Wildfires Cause Widespread Mental Health Issues

New research shows housing displacement and income loss were central drivers of psychological harm.

Maui Wildfire Lawyers Vying For $1 Billion Payday David Croxford/Civil Beat/2023

Maui Wildfire Lawyers Vying For $1 Billion Payday

A Hawaiʻi judge may be the one to decide what legal fees are reasonable under state law.

FEMA Maui Fire Aid Delayed By Top Trump Official, Senators Say Léo Azambuja/Civil Beat/2024

FEMA Maui Fire Aid Delayed By Top Trump Official, Senators Say

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s policy of personally reviewing large grants held up a request to renew emergency housing aid on Maui, a new report says.

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher For Maui Planning Department

The Stakes Have Never Been Higher For Maui Planning Department

The third Maui County planning director in three years plans to prioritize post-wildfire rebuilding and tackle complex local issues.

Maui Planning Commission Rejects Bill To Save Thousands Of Vacation Rentals Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2024

Maui Planning Commission Rejects Bill To Save Thousands Of Vacation Rentals

The County Council would now need a supermajority vote to allow thousands of apartment-zoned units to keep operating as short-term rentals.

Lahaina’s Famed Banyan Tree Still ‘In The ICU’

Lahaina’s Famed Banyan Tree Still ‘In The ICU’

Arborists see reasons for optimism — and worry — about the future of the tree. An upcoming assessment will help Maui County officials determine how healthy it is and when it’s safe for the public to go near it again.

Maui Housing Policy Divides Top Candidates For Mayor This Election Marina Riker/Civil Beat/2022

Maui Housing Policy Divides Top Candidates For Mayor This Election

Maui County Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura is trying to unseat Mayor Richard Bissen in a closely watched race this election.

Will Disaster Insurance Overhaul Increase Protections For Future Survivors? Provided: Juliet DiGiovanni and Herb Phillips/2023

Will Disaster Insurance Overhaul Increase Protections For Future Survivors?

Other states impacted by similar disasters are reforming their insurance laws. Legislators here are teeing up bills to follow suit.

Oceanfront Lahaina Property Owners May Get Buyout In Updated Disaster Plan Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Oceanfront Lahaina Property Owners May Get Buyout In Updated Disaster Plan

The county is seeking an amendment to create a voluntary buyout program with some of its $1.6 billion fire recovery grant from the feds.