Much of the affected area has been under federal jurisdiction, with the government overseeing the extensive cleanup effort. Displaced residents, whose homes were destroyed, were housed in government-funded resort condominiums through a temporary program that recently concluded. Local officials, however, are pushing to extend the program to provide continued support. To aid in the recovery, the Maui Recovery Fund was established, offering financial assistance to affected families. More than $1.8 billion in federal funds have been allocated, covering costs related to survivor support, debris removal, temporary schooling, and other essential services. Currently, over 99 percent of those displaced have been relocated to long-term housing. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers played a crucial role in clearing ash and debris from 1,999 fire-damaged homes on Maui. As of early August, 98 percent of residential lots had been cleared, with local officials aiming to complete the cleanup months ahead of schedule, by year’s end. Last month, the Corps conducted soil testing and confirmed that the land is free of toxic contaminants. This crucial milestone allows homeowners in Lahaina to begin rebuilding. “We are making progress, and are further along than we had anticipated as we pass the one year mark,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen in a joint statement. “Drinking water was restored just one week ago, sewer infrastructure should be restored by the end of the year and we are starting to see homes going up.” Bissen says that 50 home building permits have already been issued, while 111 are in process, and 16 homes are actively being built. "Residential debris removal is almost complete and we are making great headway with commercial property clearances,” he added. “This momentum continues to give our community hope.” Mario Siatris, a Lahaina resident whose century-old plantation was burned in the conflagration, expressed hope during a recent interview. “It looks like a new place,” he said. “Now that everything’s cleared away, it looks better. I can picture the future.” Signaling that rebuilding efforts are underway and soon to progress, heaps of gravel can be seen atop the soil on properties. Though the structures on his property still need to be rebuilt, Siatris, eager to return as soon as possible, says he would rather now camp on the land rather than rent someone else’s home. “One year ago, the wildfires in Upcountry and West Maui brought unprecedented tragedy, but it also revealed the incredible strength and resilience of our community,” Governor Josh Green said in the statement. “The recovery journey has been challenging, but through our collective efforts, we have made significant strides,” he added. “Together, we are restoring not just homes, but also hope and community.”Maui residents have begun the rebuilding process a year after devastating wildfires devastated the lush Hawaiian island, destroying the town of Lahaina.
