Aloha Friend,

I am devastated and heartsick over the loss of life in Lahaina, and I have ordered a full investigation of the disaster response to uncover the facts and find out exactly what happened.

There will be full accountability, and we will make sure this never happens again in our state.

Right now, my immediate responsibility as governor is to support and care for the victims — to make sure we locate the survivors, reunite them with their families, identify those we have lost, and make sure they have all the resources they need.

To support the victims of the Maui fire, please give to the Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, which will ensure that your donation goes to those in need.

For more updates and information on resources available to those affected by the fires, click here to go to the Maui Strong Resource Hub.

With the assistance of President Biden and the federal government, we will support and care for all the survivors of this tragedy for as long as it takes.

I will make sure that Maui receives every resource available, and that ALL of it gets to the people who need it.

The people of Lahaina will have as much time as they need to heal and recover, and we will begin to rebuild only when they are ready, according to the timeline they choose.

Lahaina belongs to its people — and we are committed to rebuilding and restoring it the way THEY want it.

The land in Lahaina is reserved for its people as they return and rebuild, and I have instructed the Attorney General to impose enhanced criminal penalties on anyone who tries to take advantage of victims by acquiring property in the affected areas.

We ask that people please not travel to the area affected by the disaster in West Maui until further notice, except for returning residents and authorized emergency relief workers.

All other areas of Maui and the rest of Hawaii are safe and open to visitors, and we continue to welcome and encourage travel to our beautiful state, which will support the local economy and help speed the recovery of those who have already suffered so much.

Thank you for supporting the victims of this tragedy as they mourn, grieve, and begin to recover.

I will continue to keep you updated on our aid and relief efforts on Maui.

Mahalo,

Governor Josh Green