Hawaiʻi Fires

State Efforts To Shore Up HECO Gain Traction On Wall Street Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2023

State Efforts To Shore Up HECO Gain Traction On Wall Street

HECO’s parent company got a boost to its credit rating after significant moves during the last legislative session to shore up the utility’s finances.

After Fumbling Fire Priorities Last Year, Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Make Amends National Guard/2023

After Fumbling Fire Priorities Last Year, Hawaiʻi Lawmakers Make Amends

After the 2023 fires destroyed much of Lahaina, Hawaiʻi vowed to improve prevention measures. More than two years later, the state has finally paved the way for that to happen.

Five Troubling Findings From New Report On Hawaiʻi’s Health Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

Five Troubling Findings From New Report On Hawaiʻi’s Health

University of Hawaiʻi study has followed 2,000 people since 2022. This year includes after-effects of Maui wildfires

For Immigrants After Lahaina Wildfire, Survival Is A ‘Daily Challenge’ Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023

For Immigrants After Lahaina Wildfire, Survival Is A ‘Daily Challenge’

A new survey shows that many immigrants are struggling with housing, jobs and stress after the 2023 fire.

Lahaina Wildfire Debris Heading To Final Central Maui Site In June AP Photo/Jennifer Sinco Kelleher/2024

Lahaina Wildfire Debris Heading To Final Central Maui Site In June

Officials say they have worked to minimize traffic and address health concerns. But a December deadline for removal looms large.

Maui Fire Survivors Uprooted Again As FEMA Starts Charging Rent Nathan Eagle/Civil Beat/2025

Maui Fire Survivors Uprooted Again As FEMA Starts Charging Rent

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is trying to reduce the load on the island’s housing stock but the continual need to relocate is frustrating residents.

State Lawmakers Are Removing A Hurdle To Rebuild Lahaina. Will It Matter? Kawika Lopez/Civil Beat/2025

State Lawmakers Are Removing A Hurdle To Rebuild Lahaina. Will It Matter?

The Legislature is exempting properties destroyed in a disaster from certain permitting requirements to speed up recovery efforts, but not everyone can take advantage of it.

Maui Asks Feds To Flex Rules Governing $1.6 Billion Wildfire Recovery Grant Kawika Lopez/Civil Beat/2025

Maui Asks Feds To Flex Rules Governing $1.6 Billion Wildfire Recovery Grant

The county wants to use some of the money to rebuild accessory dwelling units but is primarily focused on securing final approval.

Hawaiʻi May Cut Grass On More State Land To Prevent Spread Of Wildfires Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024

Hawaiʻi May Cut Grass On More State Land To Prevent Spread Of Wildfires

The state land department is asking for $10 million more to battle wildfires.

Lawmakers Agree To Pay $807 Million Into Lahaina Wildfires Settlement Fund Chad Blair/Civil Beat/2025

Lawmakers Agree To Pay $807 Million Into Lahaina Wildfires Settlement Fund

The legislation is part of a $4 billion deal that includes money from HECO, Kamehameha Schools and others.