Words cannot adequately describe the devastation caused by the fires that scorched thousands of acres and destroyed nearly all of Lahaina.

Today cranes, excavators, and bulldozers are still clearing debris — removing one by one what is left of burned houses and the melted husks of cars and abandoned pickup trucks.

Environmental crews continue to monitor the safety of the air, water, and soil in the affected area.

In addition to the lives we lost that day, an estimated 9,806 people were displaced and 3,971 properties were destroyed.

Thanks to our partners, over the last six months we have been able to house 7,796 people in need in short-term accommodations — and with the help of the American Red Cross and other non-profit organizations, we have provided over 1.2 million meals.

We continue to work closely with FEMA — as well as Maui County and our federal and non-profit partners — to put Lahaina on a path to recovery, while making every effort to preserve its distinct culture and sense of community.

Today, I will be joining Mayor Richard Bissen, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, and other leaders in this effort at the UH campus in Kahului to deliver an update on our progress over the past six months, our current efforts, and the path forward for Maui’s recovery.

I will also give further details on our plans to support the victims and their families, and provide long-term housing for those displaced by the fires, including:

• the $175 million One Ohana fund to offer on a voluntary basis $1.5 million to families of those who lost a loved one or suffered serious injury in the disaster


• the $500 million Housing Partnership funded by FEMA, the State of Hawaii, Maui County, the Hawaii Community Foundation, and other philanthropic partners to provide 3,000 long-term housing units with 18-month commitments to house displaced families

I would like to thank you personally for the aloha and support you have shown the people Maui of over the past six months — it has made a tremendous difference in the slow and sometimes difficult process of recovery and healing we have all been through.

I believe more than ever that the people of Hawaii are one ohana — and we are in this together.

Mahalo,

Josh