The Maui News

Maui County has launched a new website to serve as a comprehensive resource hub for people affected by the Aug. 8 wildfires in Upcountry and Lahaina.

The MauiRecovers.org website offers information and support services, including:

• Reentry information: Guidance on safe reentry to affected areas, outlining essential safety measures for those returning to their properties.

• Water and wastewater updates: Regular updates on the status of water and wastewater services in impacted areas.

• Maps and data: Interactive maps and data resources to facilitate navigation of impacted areas during the recovery process.

• Fire debris removal: Updates on the removal of hazardous materials from areas affected by the fire.

• Financial and housing assistance: Detailed information on available financial and housing assistance programs to support recovery.

• Frequently asked questions: Answers to common questions related to the recovery efforts.

Individuals can also subscribe to receive real-time updates tailored to assist those impacted by the fires, the county said in a news release Wednesday. The website will continue to evolve and expand as more information becomes available.

“We are going to work very hard to continue to provide information and keep the community updated,” Darryl Oliveira, interim administrator of Maui Emergency Management Agency, said in a video announcement Wednesday. “Some of these phases do take time, but we are going to be moving in a forward direction and continue to try to bring closure for the community and allow people to return home.”

Oliveira is providing once-a-week updates on reentry for four consecutive weeks, starting this week.

“It is our intent and goal to support residents and businesses returning, visiting their properties to collect any remaining personal effects, to bring in their insurance providers and carriers, to settle insurance claims and do their own personal damage assessment,” Oliveira said. “And a big piece of this is for those that are looking for closure.”

Maui County has developed a program that allows residents to access an interactive map of the Lahaina wildfire disaster area. The map is divided into zones. Residents may enter their address or zone into the search bar to check their status. If the zone is colored green, the restriction is lifted. If the zone is colored red, it is still restricted.

The map will be updated when a zone status has changed.

Phase 1 of bringing people back to Lahaina involves the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency removing hazardous materials, which began Aug. 26. As of Tuesday, the EPA had completed the removal of hazardous material at 300 properties in Kula and Lahaina, the county said.

Before transitioning to Phase 2, which involves the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers collecting and removing debris, the county said its priority is to facilitate the “return to Lahaina.” This focus aims to support residents and businesses in returning, visiting their properties for various purposes, including the collection of personal effects, engagement with insurance providers and carriers, settling insurance claims, and conducting personal damage assessments.