2023 Year in Review
Lahaina’s devastating wildfire headlines a news-filled year
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos
The Maui News / MATTHEW THAYER photos
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FIRST PHOTO: Aug. 8--With the Wailoa Church Hall burning in the foreground, the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission explodes into flames on Aug. 8. This photo was taken about 7 p.m. Fueled by high winds sweeping down the mountain, the wildfire claimed at least 100 lives and 2,200 structures to make it the deadliest United States fire in more than 100 years. The disaster would spur an out-pouring of support from concerned residents of Maui, the state and the world. Many residents are still mourning and struggling to pick up the pieces as their search for permanent housing stretches into the new year. SECOND PHOTO: A young man rushes to rescue a man who escaped from the steadily-advancing flames near Malu O Lele Park only to run out of steam along the south end of Front Street.
THIRD PHOTO: Aug. 21--President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden emerge from Air Force One at Kahului Airport. The couple spent the day touring the ruins of Lahaina and meeting with residents.
FOURTH PHOTO: Aug. 7--The long-awaited Kulanihako'i High School in Kihei opens for its first day of classes. Friends Gabi Salas (from right), Tati Rames, Shayla Suetos and Scarlett Hipolito share greetings that morning. The campus would later be used as a school within a school to host displaced Lahainaluna students and faculty. FIFTH PHOTO: Feb. 24--The 94-foot luxury yacht Nakoa rests on the rocky shore at Honolua Bay. The yacht spent nearly two weeks on the rocks before being towed off by a Honolulu tugboat and eventually sinking offshore in 800 feet of water. The boat's owners were fined $117,472 by the state and the salvage fees of more than $450,000 were paid by the owners' insurance.
SIXTH PHOTO: Feb. 22--Striking United Public Workers union members block the main entrance to Maui Memorial Medical Center while picketing on the opening day of their strike in Wailuku. The strike at three Maui hospitals would go on to last 52 days before a settlement was ratified. SEVENTH PHOTO: At the Maui Space Force Complex at the summit of Haleakala, a green emergency generator that leaked 700 gallons of diesel fuel rests in the right side of this photo taken Feb. 22. The spill occurred when the backup generator failed to shut off due to a mechanical issue after a lightning.
EIGHTH PHOTO: Jan. 26--Bernard Brown listens as his request for a new trial is denied and he is sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole in Wailuku. He was convicted in 2022 for the 2014 murder of Moreira "Mo" Monsalve. Second Circuit Court Judge Peter Cahill handed down the sentence while Monsalve's family and friends looked on. NINTH PHOTO: Jan. 2--Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen is sworn in by former 2nd Circuit Court Chief Judge Joseph Cardoza as wife Isabella Ka'ihikapulani Bissen looks on at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Castle Theater.