First responders attend a ceremony on Friday at the Kalana O Maui County building in Wailuku. Photo courtesy Maui County

More than 300 people gathered Friday midday on the front lawn of Kalana O Maui County building in Wailuku to honor the strength of the community and its first responders on the second anniversary of the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires that killed more than 100 people.

Among those in attendance Friday were Maui County officials, Gov. Josh Green, U.S. senators and representatives, and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, who proclaimed Aug. 8, 2025 as Lā Hoʻōla, Day of Healing, in remembrance of the lives lost and continuing struggles of survivors.

“The resilience of our people has been evident in every step of our recovery – in the determination to overcome hardship, to rebuild homes and lives, and to protect the cultural and natural heritage that makes Maui County so extraordinary,” Bissen said. “We have witnessed countless acts of compassion, kōkua, and aloha: neighbors helping neighbors, volunteers stepping forward without hesitation, and communities rallying together in both quiet and amazing ways. These moments are reminders of who we are – a people bound together by respect for one another and for this ʻāina.”

People hold hands during a ceremony on Friday at the Kalana O Maui County building in Wailuku as Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen proclaimed Aug. 8, 2025, as Lā Hoʻōla, Day of Healing, in remembrance of the lives lost and continuing struggles of survivors. Photo courtesy Maui County

With the backdrop of “Maui Strong” artwork created by young artists after the fires for students who suffered losses, Mayor Bissen read the proclamation for Lā Hoʻōla “to solemnly remember those lost, recognize the continued hardships faced by many, and renew our commitment to stand together in compassion, patience and hope for a stronger future.”

Gov. Green pledged continued support for survivors, including the temporary housing development at Ka La’i Ola in Lahaina.

“Two years ago, Maui faced unimaginable tragedy — and yet today, what we see is the power of resilience, community and a shared commitment to the people of Maui,” Green said. “Together, we’ve built more than homes — we’ve built hope. Ka La’i Ola stands as a testament to what’s possible when compassion drives action, when government clears the path, and when survivors are met with dignity. This Day of Healing is a solemn reminder of the lives we lost and the strength we carry forward. Our commitment to Maui is unwavering — and we will not stop until every family, every keiki and every kūpuna has the stability, support and justice they deserve.”

People hold hands during a ceremony on Friday at the Kalana O Maui County building in Wailuku. Photo courtesy Maui County

U.S. Sens. Brian Schatz and Mazie Hirono acknowledged the progress accomplished and voiced support as recovery moves forward.

“Two years after the devastating wildfires, the Maui community has made real progress toward recovering and rebuilding,” said Sen. Hirono. “We still have a lot of work to do to ensure Lahaina’s long-term recovery, but over the past two years, we’ve seen the power of this community to rally around one another. I’ll continue doing everything I can to ensure Maui has the resources and support it needs to rebuild, guided by the vision and values of those most impacted.”

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda recognized the contributions of survivors, first responders, volunteers, teachers, healers and others who continue to contribute to the community.

U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda speaks during the ceremony. “Today is going to be a day when we reflect on the past,” Tokuda said. “Perhaps more importantly, though, this is about us joining together and committing to our community and to our entire Maui ʻohana, to our state, to each other, that we aren’t going to go anywhere. No matter how long this takes to rebuild, to revitalize, to memorialize, to heal, we will be here.” Photo courtesy Maui County

Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Amy Hanaialiʻi, a Maui native, performed the song, “Thousand Years,” as a tribute to first responders.

Those attending included about 40 representatives from the Maui Fire Department, Maui Police Department, National Guard, State of Hawaiʻi Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, American Medical Response, Maui Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Coast Guard, National Park Service and Civil Air Patrol.