HONOLULU (Eagle News) – On the one-month anniversary of the wildfires that decimated the historic oceanside town of Lahaina and other areas around the Island of Maui, Governor Josh Green, MD, announced beginning October 8, all travel restrictions to the Valley Isle will end while West Maui will be open once again for visitors.

“Many have asked when it will be the right time to reopen West Maui to visitors,” said Governor Green during his televised address to the State. “There is no easy answer to this question, but I can say that if we support Maui’s economy and keep our people employed, they will heal faster and continue to be able to afford to live on Maui.”

The governor justified reopening West Maui sooner than later “so people from Hawaii and around the world can resume travel to this special place and help it begin to recover economically.”

Green hightlighted in his address:

• As of September 8, more than 7,500 survivors who were displaced are now relocated from shelters to 29 hotels and hundreds of Air BnBs. An agreement with the Red Cross will house survivors for a minimum of 36 weeks, while the state and various agencies work to secure more housing options to keep people housed well into 2025.
• The governor authorized $100 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to support families in need across the state, especially on Maui.
• The state will work with other organizations to make $25 million immediately available in the form of $10,000 and $20,000 bridge grants to help businesses survive until the economy recovers.

The governor also estimated when displaced survivors may return and view their properties.

“Once the EPA has completed the removal of hazardous materials from the affected areas, which will take three to four months, we can begin the removal of the remaining debris,” Green assured. “We are in partnership with FEMA and the US Army Corps of Engineers in this effort, which will take the better part of a year to complete.”

According to Green, the state will work with 25 cultural practitioners to ensure Hawaiian traditions are respected in Maui’s reopening. He added every effort will be made to use local workers and companies to complete the work.

The governor issued a warning as some investors try to buy local land cheap, especially from residents who lost everything in the fire.

“The land of Lahaina is reserved for its people as they return and rebuild,” Green said. “I instructed the Attorney General to impose enhanced criminal penalties, including up to a year in prison, on anyone who tries to take advantage of victims by the unsolicited acquiring of property in affected areas of Maui.”

Meanwhile on Maui, Mayor Richard Bissen addressed families and businesses impacted by the August 8 tragedy through a video message, which was posted on the county government’s official social media platforms.

“On this solemn day our thoughts and wishes of comfort are with you all as we go through this hardship,” Bissen said. “We, the county, are here to support you in every way possible. Your strength and resilience have truly been inspiring.

“Today, we honor the precious lives lost. Today, we remember with gratitude the firefighters, police, paramedics and extraordinary citizens who put their own safety at risk to help their neighbors and strangers, exhibiting incredible courage and heroism in Kula, Olinda, Kihei and Lahaina,” Bissen said. “Today we mahalo those who continue to be community leaders and spokespersons for those who may not be ready to talk about their experiences.”

As of this article, the death toll stands at 115, while the number of unaccounted for dropped significantly from 385 to 66. Another 80 names, however, are pending to be included among the missing as their identities are still being vetted.

(Alfred Acenas, Hawaii-Pacific Bureau, Eagle News Service)