FIRE UPDATE

Despite rumors that the fires are still raging, there has been no forward spread of any of the fires for several days now, Maui Fire Department reported tonight, 8/18. Fire activity has been limited to isolated hot spots within the existing footprint. County fire investigators concluded the Kula and Olinda fires have distinct origins. As mapping is refined in coming days, estimated fire acreage may be adjusted.

· Olinda fire (initially reported 8/8): Now 85% contained. Estimated 1,081 acres. There are no active threats at this time.

· Kula fire (initially reported 8/8): Now 85% contained. Estimated 202 acres. There are no active threats at this time.

· Lahaina fire (initially reported 8/8): Now 90% contained. Estimated 2,168 acres. There are no active threats at this time.

· Pulehu / Kihei fire (initially reported 8/8): Remains 100% contained. There are no active threats at this time.

* When a fire is 100% contained, it does not mean it has been extinguished. It means that firefighters have the blaze fully surrounded. A fire is declared “extinguished,” when fire personnel believe there is nothing left burning.

FATALITY UPDATE

Three additional deaths were reported by the Maui Police Department on Friday, increasing the total number of confirmed fatalities in the Maui Wildfire Disaster to 114. MPD did not release the identities of any new individuals on Friday. As of Friday night, the Maui Police Department reports that 78% of the area has been searched.

UNSAFE WATER ADVISORY

The Unsafe Water Advisory for Lahaina water system was expanded Friday, 8/18, to include the area from Kaniau Road to Leiali Parkway, the county Department of Water Supply announced. The advisory remains in effect for Lahaina and Upper Kula. Until further notice, residents in these areas should only use bottled water for things like drinking, brushing teeth, ice making and food preparation. At this time, residents in areas impacted by the unsafe water advisory are not able to treat the water in any way to make it safe to consume. Drinking water sites are set up in many areas of Lahaina and Kula. Water sampling will continue Sunday. Water testing will continue for some time to ensure drinking it is safe. When it comes to health and safety, the county must follow state Department of Health and federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations. For residents in the Lahaina and Upper Kula areas, updated maps of the areas impacted by the unsafe water advisory are available on the Department of Water Supply website, www.mauicounty.gov/water.

WEATHER

Rain associated with the remnants of post-tropical cyclone Fernanda is forecast to approach the state starting late Sunday and spread westward across the state on Monday and Tuesday. The highest rainfall amounts are forecast to occur Monday afternoon through Tuesday morning along windward and mountain slopes of Maui.

EMERGENCY SHELTERS (Due to privacy, no media allowed inside)

The number of survivors at six shelters around Maui dropped significantly over recent days as the American Red Cross is working to rapidly place survivors in hotel rooms. If a shelter closes in coming days, it’s because all survivors have moved into one of the hotels providing wraparound services. Open shelters are the best place for people to inquire about hotel emergency lodging. To find a shelter near you call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or download the free Red Cross Emergency app. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999.

· Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Pukalani (Internet)

· War Memorial Gymnasium, Wailuku (Internet)

· The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kahului (Internet)

· Kings Cathedral Church, Kahului (Internet)

· South Maui Community Park Gymnasium, Kihei (Internet)

· Grace Bible Church, Kahului (Internet)

FAMILY ASSISTANCE CENTER (Due to privacy, no media allowed on premises)

For those seeking information on loved ones, or anyone who remains unaccounted for, the Family Assistance Center (FAC) reloacted to the Hyatt Regency’s Monarch Ballroom, located at 200 Nohea Kai Drive in Kaʻanapali. The FAC is open daily, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. On Friday, staff continued to work with families and individuals to gather information and administer DNA swabs. For FAC details, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS. If you live on a neighbor island or the mainland, are the immediate family member (parent, sibling, or child) of a person missing as the result of the Maui wildfires, and you wish to provide a DNA sample to assist, call the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Honolulu Division at (808) 566-4300. 

COUNTY-FACILITATED WEST MAUI DISTRIBUTION SITES

Lahaina Gateway Center, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, will close Sunday, 8/20, for a staff break. Napili Plaza is open around the clock for food, water and other needs. Details on schedule for next week will be announced Sunday.

POWER RESTORATION

Hawaiian Electric is continuing to rebuild sections of the electric grid to safely restore service in parts of West Maui and Upcountry, focusing on critical circuits that serve businesses which provide essential services for local communities. More than 80% of the customers who lost electricity have their power back on. More than 90% of all customers on Maui have electricity. Approximately 1,800 customers in Olowalu, Lahaina and some surrounding areas remain without power. Hawaiian Electric has begun contacting those whose electricity may be restored beyond this week. Crews continue working to restore pocket outages in Upcountry.

DMVL SATELLITE OFFICE IN LAHAINA

The County of Maui Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing’s Lahaina Satellite Office will reopen Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lahaina Gateway Center, 325 Keawe St., to assist West Maui residents whose Hawaiʻi driver’s licenses or Hawaiʻi State Identification cards have been lost or destroyed by wildfires. The daily satellite office opened 8/16. Also, DMVL locations around Maui will assist survivors. For more information, call (808) 270-7363.

HEALTH ADVISORY

The state Department of Health is urging caution for residents and business owners who are allowed to return to their properties in the Lahaina area. Dangers include ash that may contain toxic and cancer-causing chemicals including asbestos, arsenic and lead and debris including broken glass, exposed electrical wires, nails, wood, plastics and other objects. Unstable buildings and structures may contain hazardous materials and could collapse and cause injury. For more information about recommendations for personal protective equipment including masks and associated hazards, go to https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-advises-caution-for-residents-returning-to-west-maui-area/.

ROAD OPENING

Late-night access on the road to Lahaina is limited to West Maui residents, first responders and West Maui employees from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. All motorists may enter from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. The Maui Police Department will cite and tow vehicles parked at the Lahaina Bypass, where there are no-parking signs.

MATERIAL DONATIONS

Donations of non-perishable food, bottled water and hygiene products are being accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. near a vacant unit in Queen Ka’ahumanu Center at the Kane Street entrance. No clothes at this time, please. The new site is a partnership among the county, the state via Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke and Mahi Pono. Mahi Pono will provide staff for the facility and work under leadership of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters to coordinate food and supplies distribution. The collection site at War Memorial Complex field off Kanaloa Avenue was closed 8/14.

ONLINE RESOURCE HUB FOR RESPONSE EFFORTS TO MAUI WILDFIRE DISASTER

An online, centralized hub to respond to the impacts of the Maui Wildfire Disaster was launched at mauinuistrong.info. The County of Maui Maui Nui Strong site offers information on how to donate, volunteer, offer services and look for support. It is administered through the county Office of Economic Development and will be utilized to connect people to resources and services.

TRANSPORTATION

Maui Economic Opportunity will offer free rides for medical appointments for people impacted by the fires who are sheltering at the South Maui Community Park Gymnasium and Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani. The service by reservation operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reservations can be made from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at (808) 877-7651.

Daily county shuttle service is available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Central Maui shelters to go to Central Maui shopping and medical locations. Riders are required to call Roberts Hawaii for same-day reservations at (808) 871-4838. Mobility devices accommodated. Luggage and bags will be limited to what can be carried. For all other transportation needs, riders may use The Maui Bus.

WEST MAUI MEDICAL

Maui Health clinicians and physicians will continue providing first-aid, wound care, health and wellness checks and pharmacy services, including baby formula for all community members in need, regardless of health insurance, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lahaina Gateway and Napili Plaza this weekend. The Maui Health Community Medical Clinic will then move to Hyatt Regency Maui Hotel from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, 8/12, through Saturday, 8/26. For details, visit www.mauihealth.org/wildfire.

Kaiser Permanente is providing medical services to KP members and non-members at locations in Lahaina. Pharmacy courier services will be available at all three sites. These locations are open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week.
 · Kaiser Permanente’s Mobile Health Vehicle at Lahaina Gateway: Providing first aid, pediatric services, and OB/GYN services. OB/GYN services began 8/14 and will be offered every Friday beginning 8/18.

· Kaiser Permanente First Aid Station at the Hyatt Regency Lahaina, Lahaina Ballroom, and Napili Market: Providing first aid services.

COMMUNICATION

Maui County updates are aired daily at noon on local radio stations. Sign up for press releases on mauicounty.gov.

FEMA OPENS DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER ON MAUI

Maui residents affected by the recent wildfires can apply for federal disaster assistance at a joint Disaster Recovery Center that operates daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the University of Hawaii Maui College, 310 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului. Speak to FEMA specialists, get help registering for disaster assistance, connect with volunteer organizations and have access to federal and state resources.