(FEMA/2023)
If FEMA Didn’t Exist, Could States Handle The Disaster Response Alone?
For a small state like Hawaiʻi, the 2023 Lahaina fires showed how FEMA can assist in responding to a disaster.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2022
Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Clears Way For $4 Billion Maui Wildfire Settlement
A historic settlement can begin flowing to people and businesses affected by the fire, but consequences for the insurance market are unclear.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2021
Stakes Are High As Maui Wildfire Settlement Case Goes Before Supreme Court
The outcome could mean higher insurance premiums or a bankrupt utility. It could also upend the proposed settlement, delaying payments to wildfire victims
(Courtesy: Maui Police Department/2025)
Police Say Maui Woman Killed By Officers After Abuse Report Wielded A Knife
Body camera footage captures the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of Macayla Deponte, less than seven minutes after Maui police officers arrived at a Pukalani residence.
(Courtesy: Krizhna Bayudan)
Maui Lawmakers Seek To Speed Up Rebuilding For Some Fire Victims
As temporary housing for survivors has cropped up around the island, efforts to replace permanent housing have been slowed by a special state coastal permit process.
Kirstin Downey/Civil Beat/2025
Kirstin Downey: Maui’s Historic Restaurants Get Help From National Trust
They survived Covid. Then they escaped the Maui fire. Now some longtime island favorites are finally getting some help.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Woman Dead After Officer-Involved Shooting In Upcountry Maui
The officer involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave.
Cory Lum/Civil Beat/2015
Hawaiʻi Joins Legal Fight Against White House Funding Freeze
Nonprofit organizations say that a pause in federal funds would impact essential services in the state.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Maui Police Officer Indicted And Fired After Tasing Incident
Carlos Frate is accused of firing a taser and then falsifying a report to cover up the incident.
Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2024
Cost Of 450 Temporary Homes For Maui Wildfire Victims: $411,000 Each
Costs are up 60% just this year, and it is unclear what will happen to the homes after 5 years. But families are grateful to be settling into their own homes.