12 August 2023
The Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have released damage assessment maps for the multiple wildfires in Maui County.
As of Aug. 11, damage assessments related to the Lāhainā Fire show an estimated total of 2,719 structures exposed, 2,207 structures damaged or destroyed and 2,170 acres burned; 86% of the buildings exposed to the fire were residential.
The latest update from Maui County at 2:05 a.m. today showed no change in the ongoing devastating situation. Firefighters continue working to extinguish flare-ups and contain fires in Lāhainā, Pūlehu/Kīhei and Upcountry Maui.
The number of fatalities stands at 80 confirmed. A Family Assistance Center for those looking for information about loved ones who are unaccounted for will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Sunday at Kahului Community Center.
Police continue to restrict access into West Maui through Maʻalaea and Waiheʻe. Honoapiʻilani Highway is open for vehicles leaving Lāhainā. The burned historic Lāhainā area remains barricaded, with people warned to stay out of the area because of hazards such as toxic particles from smoldering areas. Wearing a mask and gloves is advised.
The Maui County Department of Transportation is coordinating buses to transport people staying at emergency shelters to the County Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing, which will be open for special hours today so shelter occupants can have their driver’s licenses and state identification cards reissued. Fees will be waived.
On Friday, a total of 1,418 people were being housed at emergency evacuation shelters at War Memorial Gymnasium, Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Maui High School, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani, Kings Cathedral Church and Grace Bible Church.
Additional cellphone services are becoming available in West Maui. Residents are encouraged to limit phone calls and video streaming services in order to free up bandwidth with telecommunication providers.
Cellphone users also are reminded to text, not talk, so everyone can share the limited resources.
For organizations and individuals wanting to offer services or donations to aid in rescue and relief efforts, information can be found by clicking here.