Latest Fire Recovery News – Maui Now https://mauinow.com Maui News, Weather, Entertainment & More : Hawaii News Sat, 21 Dec 2024 19:57:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.3 Maui County to receive more than $2B in federal disaster recovery funding following wildfires https://mauinow.com/2024/12/21/maui-county-to-receive-more-than-2b-in-federal-disaster-recovery-funding-following-wildfires/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/21/maui-county-to-receive-more-than-2b-in-federal-disaster-recovery-funding-following-wildfires/#respond Sat, 21 Dec 2024 18:53:56 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=475563 In a pivotal milestone for the recovery and rebuilding of communities devastated by the 2023 Maui wildfires, Mayor Richard Bissen announced that the County of Maui will receive an estimated $1.6 billion in new Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for housing on Maui and an estimated $480 million more for economic development, […]]]>
La‘ikū temporary housing project. Sixteen wildfire survivors to be housed on state land. PC: Office of the Governor

In a pivotal milestone for the recovery and rebuilding of communities devastated by the 2023 Maui wildfires, Mayor Richard Bissen announced that the County of Maui will receive an estimated $1.6 billion in new Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding for housing on Maui and an estimated $480 million more for economic development, small business loans and water infrastructure, among other needs.

The US Congress in Washington, D.C., on Friday and early Saturday voted to allocate $1.6 billion in disaster relief through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development to support Maui’s efforts to rebuild homes. Another $480 million will go to Maui for disaster recovery. Strict federal guidelines govern how the funds must be used, including requirements for comprehensive financial reporting by the County to the federal government.

In response to the news, Mayor Bissen expressed deep appreciation for the federal support, underscoring the importance of this funding for Maui’s long-term recovery.

“We are profoundly grateful for this vital disaster relief, which will allow us to begin the critical work of rebuilding and fortifying our community after the worst wildfires this nation has seen in a century,” Mayor Bissen said. “This CDBG-DR funding will not only help our most vulnerable wildfire survivors, but also enable us to invest in projects that will make Maui County more resilient and better prepared for future challenges.”

The Mayor also expressed heartfelt thanks to Hawai‘i US Senator Brian Schatz for his relentless efforts in securing this funding, as well as all Hawai‘i’s Congressional leaders for their continued advocacy on behalf of Maui’s wildfire survivors.

“This funding is a lifeline for our community, and I am deeply grateful to Senator Schatz and all of our Congressional leaders for their unwavering support,” Mayor Bissen added.

“The $1.6 billion in CDBG-DR funding is for three things: housing, housing, and housing,” said US Sen. Brian Schatz, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “For the past 16 months, the people of Lahaina have done everything in their power to recover as quickly as they can. But they were never meant to do it alone. As disaster response gives way to disaster recovery, building housing is the top priority. People can’t fully recover without permanent, stable housing, and that’s why getting this funding now is so important.”

In addition to the estimated $1.6 billion in CDBG-DR funding for housing, about $480 million more will be heading to Maui, including:

  • $350 million to build critical water infrastructure
  • $33 million to repair roads
  • At least $22 million to support economic recovery, agriculture, and conservation effort
  • $19 million for child care
  • At least $12 million to provide loans to impacted small businesses

To ensure the effective management of these funds, the County of Maui, with approval from the Maui County Council, has established a CDBG-DR Program Office within the Department of Management’s Office of Recovery. The County has spent months preparing an action plan and readiness protocols to ensure efficient roll-out and use of the funding.

“We are fully committed to working in close collaboration with state, federal and local partners in this comprehensive recovery effort,” said John Smith, incoming Administrator of the County Office of Recovery. “Together, we will build a stronger, more resilient Maui for the benefit of wildfire survivors and all residents of Maui County.”

Maui residents and local stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about ongoing recovery programs and opportunities for public engagement. For more details, please visit www.mauirecovers.org/cdbgdr.

The Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program provides funding to help state and local governments respond to and recover from federally declared disasters. These funds are used to support housing, infrastructure and economic revitalization efforts, with a focus on long-term recovery and resilience.

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Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Meetings to be paused during the holiday season https://mauinow.com/2024/12/17/lahaina-disaster-recovery-community-meetings-to-be-paused-during-the-holiday-season/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/17/lahaina-disaster-recovery-community-meetings-to-be-paused-during-the-holiday-season/#respond Wed, 18 Dec 2024 01:00:00 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=475088 The County of Maui’s weekly Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Meetings will be paused during the holidays. The next in-person meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria.]]>

The County of Maui’s weekly Lahaina Disaster Recovery Community Meetings will be paused during the holidays. The next in-person meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, at Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria.

January will be the start of a transition to two meetings per month – one in person and one online.

The meetings will continue to provide updates on the County’s plans for rebuilding Lahaina Town and its plans for long-term recovery, along with an opportunity for residents to ask questions. 

Details on the twice-a-month meeting schedule, the online meeting platform and other updates will be announced at the next in-person meeting Jan. 8. 

For more information and to view past community meetings, visit www.mauirecovers.org and click on the “Events” tab.

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PBS FRONTLINE documentary: ‘Maui’s Deadly Firestorm’ premieres Dec. 17 https://mauinow.com/2024/12/16/pbs-frontline-documentary-mauis-deadly-firestorm-premieres-dec-17/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/16/pbs-frontline-documentary-mauis-deadly-firestorm-premieres-dec-17/#respond Mon, 16 Dec 2024 15:19:56 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=474757 PBS Frontline's new documentary, "Maui’s Deadly Firestorm," a year-long investigation into the devastating August 2023 wildfire that claimed 102 lives and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaiʻi. The film explores the causes of the deadliest American wildfire in a century and the missed warnings that made it so unstoppable.]]>
Aerial view of the vast burnzone from the Lahaina 2023 fire, which claimed 102 lives. Photo credit: Jia Li

PBS Frontline’s new documentary, “Maui’s Deadly Firestorm,” a year-long investigation into the devastating August 2023 wildfire that claimed 102 lives and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaiʻi. The film explores the causes of the deadliest American wildfire in a century and the missed warnings that made it so unstoppable.

The film will have a digital premiere on Dec. 17 on YouTube, PBS.org/frontline + PBS App. It will premiere on PBS on Jan. 7, 2025 (check local listings). 

In August 2023, the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century reduced much of the Hawaiian town of Lahaina to ashes, displacing thousands. Sparked by a downed power line, the fire and a chaotic emergency response unfolded as Hurricane Dora brought high winds to Maui.

Coming in the wake of a state investigation that found a broad cascade of failures, Maui’s Deadly Firestorm investigates critical missteps that day — and in the years prior, as the county and state were advised to invest more money in prevention and preparedness, and as experts and residents raised concerns.

“I yelled and screamed all these years, but nobody was listening,” says Ke‘eaumoku Kapu, a Lahaina community leader who warned Maui officials in 2018 that the county was unprepared for a major wildfire. “Now that this has happened, I blame myself.”

Written, produced and directed by Xinyan Yu, a filmmaker who is part of FRONTLINE’s Investigative Journalist Equity Initiative, and produced by Christina Avalos, the documentary draws on harrowing footage filmed by those in the path of the inferno and firsthand accounts from survivors, victims’ families and friends, first responders, and local and state authorities.

“For sure I thought that we’re gonna burn in there, because there is no way out and we cannot see anything — all smoke and fire around us,” said survivor Lily Nguyen, who was trapped in traffic in her car for hours as the fire and downed electric poles and lines blocked the town’s main evacuation routes.

Through these accounts as well as a detailed analysis of over 1,000 911 calls and public records across multiple government agencies, Maui’s Deadly Firestorm provides a harrowing, moment-by-moment reconstruction of the fire and its aftermath. It examines how changes to the climate and landscape have made Maui vulnerable and probes the factors that made this fire such a deadly event.

The documentary also investigates missed opportunities and controversial decisions before and during the response — including a choice not to activate emergency sirens — and raises difficult questions about who and what are to blame for the fire’s heavy toll.

“There are so many challenges in a fire like this,” Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green tells FRONTLINE. “And it was the speed and ferocity of the fire that ultimately took Lahaina. But that doesn’t mean they couldn’t have done better. We owe answers to everyone. And we also owe it to ourselves to be ready for the next tragedy or the next challenge.”

For the full story, watch Maui’s Deadly FirestormThe documentary will be available to stream on pbs.org/frontlineYouTube and in the PBS App starting Dec. 17, 2024, at 7/6c. It will premiere on PBS stations (check local listings) on Jan. 7, 2025 at 10/9c. The documentary will also be available on the PBS Documentaries Prime Video ChannelSubscribe to FRONTLINE’s newsletter to get updates on events and more related to Maui’s Deadly Firestorm.

Lahaina resident Sanford Hill walks through the debris of Hale Mahaolu Eono, a senior living community where seven people died in the August 2023 Lahaina fire. Photo Credit: Jia Li
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Maria Lanakila rededicated 16 months after devastating Lahaina wildfire https://mauinow.com/2024/12/15/maria-lanakila-rededicated-16-months-after-devastating-lahaina-wildfire/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/15/maria-lanakila-rededicated-16-months-after-devastating-lahaina-wildfire/#respond Mon, 16 Dec 2024 01:31:01 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=474822 Maria Lanakila Catholic Church reopened last week in downtown Lahaina, resplendent in white Christmas lights and even capped by a three-quarter moon high over its spire in the West Maui night sky.]]>
Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, enters Maria Lanakila Church Wednesday afternoon for the first Mass since the August 2023 wildfire. PC: Brian Perry

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church reopened last week in downtown Lahaina, resplendent in white Christmas lights and even capped by a three-quarter moon high over its spire in the West Maui night sky.

“It’s a miracle,” said Joybelle Agustin, a Wailuku resident and Divine Mercy devotee who attended the historic church’s first Mass since the August 2023 wildfires. She recalled that, in the immediate aftermath of the fire, even flowers at the altar didn’t wither, despite flames that consumed most of Lahaina.

Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu, presided over the rededication Mass on Wednesday for the 151-year-old church.

Thankfully, the wildfire did not burn Maria Lanakila (Our Lady of Victory), Silva said in his homily. But access to the church was affected, and “that is why you were not able to come here for over a year,” he told an overflow crowd of parishioners. “We’re now very joyful that we are here.”

The devastating wildfire spared the church, its rectory and a classroom building at neighboring Sacred Hearts School. Public access to the church property at the intersection at Waineʻe and Dickenson streets has been strictly restricted by immediate post fire search-and-rescue emergency operations and, later, hazardous debris removal from surrounding properties.

Silva noted in his homily that Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris also reopened recently, five years after a fire burned the 860-year-old church’s roof, destroyed its iconic spire and damaged its roof and upper walls.

Both Maria Lanakila and Notre Dame are named after the Blessed Virgin Mary, Silva said, dedicating Wednesday’s Mass to her and to her “yes to God, the invitation that she received to be the mother of God.”

“And at that moment, the Holy Spirit entered her, and the word, the Eternal Word, became flesh,” he said. “As we recall that great moment in Mary’s life, we remember that a church is important because it is here that we gather together for the Word to come into us, for the Word to take flesh in us.”

Silva said that, the wildfire brought horrible “loss of life, loss of hope, loss of jobs. There were many tears that were shed at that time. There were also those who reached out to those in need, embracing them in their love, giving them food when they were hungry, finding shelter for them.”

“There were thousands and thousands of ways that that Word that had become flesh in us in this church,” Silva said.

While progress has been made, “there is much, much work ahead,” he said, noting that Sacred Hearts School, the convent, the parish center and the entire town of Lahaina need to be rebuilt.

“So there is so much more to do,” he said. “But we come here in hope and even in joy in the face of that because it is the Word of God, Christ made flesh in us, that will enable us to do all that the Lord wants us to do.”

The Maria Lanakila website has a listing of Mass times for both Maria Lanakila in Lahaina and Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua. Christmas Eve Mass at Maria Lanakila will be at 5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass will start at 5:30 and 9:30 p.m. at Sacred Hearts Mission.

Christmas Day Mass will be at 7 and 9 a.m. at Maria Lanakila. The celebration will be at 7 and 10:30 a.m. that day at Sacred Hearts Mission. A Latin Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Christmas Day at Maria Lanakila.

Within days after the wildfire, Sacred Hearts School relocated temporarily to Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua and then to 2530 Kekaʻa Drive mauka of the Kāʻanapali Beach Resort. To learn more about the school and about opportunities to support Catholic education for its students, visit its website here.

  • Maria Lanakila Church survived the August 2023 wildfire virtually unscathed, along with the parish rectory. PC: Brian Perry
  • Church pews are dedicated for Christmas. PC: Brian Perry
  • Acolytes prepare to lead an opening procession into Maria Lanakila Church during Mass on Wednesday in Lahaina. PC: Brian Perry
  • Diocese of Honolulu Bishop Larry Silva sprinkles holy water as a reminder of baptism during Mass on Wednesday at Maria Lanakila Church in Lahaina. PC: Brian Perry
  • Presentation of gifts during Mass Wednesday at Maria Lanakila Church. PC: Brian Perry
  • Wailuku resident Joybelle Agustin prays Our Father during Mass on Wednesday at Maria Lanakila Church in Lahaina. PC: Brian Perry
  • Parishioners take the blood of Christ during Communion on Wednesday at Maria Lanakila Church. PC: Brian Perry
  • The Rev. William Kunisch presents Holy Communion Wednesday during Mass at Maria Lanakila Church. PC: Brian Perry
  • Part of an overflow crowd of parishioners views Mass through an open window Wednesday at Maria Lanakila Church. PC: Brian Perry
  • A water fountain had been in the middle of the courtyard of Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina. After the wildfire destroyed classrooms and the cafeteria, the school relocated temporarily to Sacred Hearts Mission Church in Kapalua and then to a site mauka of the Kāʻanapali Beach Resort. PC: Brian Perry
  • The Sacred Hearts School cafeteria had stood at left next to Honoapiʻilani Highway in Lahaina. PC: Brian Perry
  • Maria Lanakila Church stands out as one of the few surviving structures after the devastating August 2023 wildfire destroyed most of Lahaina town. PC: Brian Perry

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Hirono and Markey introduce Public Archives Resiliency Act to protect vital records from climate impacts https://mauinow.com/2024/12/15/hirono-and-markey-introduce-public-archives-resiliency-act-to-protect-vital-records-from-climate-impacts/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/15/hirono-and-markey-introduce-public-archives-resiliency-act-to-protect-vital-records-from-climate-impacts/#respond Sun, 15 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0000 https://mauinow.com/?p=474863 US Sens. Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Public Archives Resiliency Act, legislation that would authorize grants to promote preservation, climate resilience, adaption, and continuity of vital government records and protect other records of historical or cultural significance. ]]>
Cannon guard Lahaina Harbor and the ruins of the Old Lahaina Courthouse on March 26. PC: Brian Perry / Maui Now

Following the 2023 fires that destroyed or severely damaged eight historic sites managed by the nonprofit Lahaina Restoration Foundation—resulting in the loss of tens of thousands of artifacts and records from the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom—US Senators Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the Public Archives Resiliency Act.

The proposed legislation would authorize grants to support the preservation, climate resilience, and continuity of vital government records, while protecting historically and culturally significant documents. It would fund public archives, libraries, museums, educational institutions, and nonprofits, with companion legislation introduced in the US House by Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC).

“Public records are essential to the preservation of our history and culture,” said Hirono. “The Public Archives Resiliency Act will help to better protect them from the effects of climate change, including natural disasters like wildfires or floods.”

Government records are generated through birth, death, marriage, taxes, military service, education, immigration, property ownership, and much more. Many institutions that manage these records however, are at risk of environmental damage and lack resources to protect themselves and their communities. When these public records are destroyed or become inaccessible, it can delay an individual’s ability to access key government benefits and services, as well as result in the loss of irreplaceable cultural artifacts.

“The importance of this bill cannot be overstated,” said Janel Quirante, head archivist, at ‘Ulu‘ulu: The Henry Ku‘ualoha Giugni Moving Image Archive of Hawai‘i. “This bill provides crucial support to libraries, archives and museums that care for historic and cultural materials endangered by the impacts of climate change. Infrastructure support would allow for critical improvements to aging HVAC systems, especially in Hawai‘i and other tropical climates where high temperature and humidity pose major challenges to maintaining a safe long term preservation environment for archival films. Digitization support would allow for the preservation, access and sharing of our cultural heritage documented on films and videos that are increasingly susceptible to loss from climate disasters.”

“Historic records and artifacts left by our kūpuna (ancestors) serve as foundational blueprints, offering invaluable guidance for addressing present-day challenges and shaping our future,” said Kai Kahele, chairman of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees. “The Public Archives Resiliency Act, which allocates additional funding to repositories, greatly strengthens the capacity of Hawai‘i’s archives to preserve and access essential historical records. This support is particularly critical as we confront the challenges of climate change, as recently underscored by the devastating wildfires on Maui in 2023.”

“The Public Archives Resiliency Act will provide essential support to Hawai‘i’s repositories dedicated to the preservation and accessibility of historic documents and artifacts,” said Kale Hannahs, research systems administrator at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. “These institutions serve as vital stewards, empowering and educating the communities they support. OHA’s partnership with the Lahaina Restoration Foundation serves as a timely example of the importance of digitizing historic documents for the purpose of preserving Hawaiʻi’s history and provides a foundational framework upon which we build our future.”

Full text of the legislation is available here.

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FEMA continues the debris removal mission on Maui https://mauinow.com/2024/12/14/fema-continues-the-debris-removal-mission-on-maui/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/14/fema-continues-the-debris-removal-mission-on-maui/#respond Sat, 14 Dec 2024 18:30:00 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=474897 The focus has now shifted to commercial debris removal. Currently, all but eight commercial properties in Lahaina have been cleared and completed. All commercial properties are projected to be completed by early 2025.  ]]>

Following the Maui wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023, debris removal cleanup has been one of the major challenges facing residents, business owners and government agencies during the recovery process. 

The US Army Corp of Engineers was mission assigned by FEMA to complete both residential and commercial debris clearing for this disaster. 

By Aug. 2024 debris and ash was cleared from all 1,390 residential properties. Then in Sept. 2024 the properties were transferred back to the County of Maui once soil sampling and erosion control measures were completed. This milestone allowed members of the community to apply for building permits and begin rebuilding. Following a six-month building process, the first family moved into their new home in Lahaina just in time for Thanksgiving.  

Maui debris removal. PC: FEMA

The focus has now shifted to commercial debris removal. Currently, all but eight commercial properties in Lahaina have been cleared and completed. All commercial properties are projected to be completed by early 2025.  

As debris clearing nears completion, Lahaina residents are seeing more of their town reopen and fewer trucks transporting debris to the Temporary Debris Site in Olowalu, West Maui. Once a permanent debris storage site is available, FEMA will manage the transfer of debris and return the temporary site to its original condition. 

Throughout the debris clearing process special consideration was given to the unique cultural context in Hawaiʻi. 

“The culture in Hawaiʻi is so paramount that we could not ignore it when we were putting our debris plan together,” said Joseph Grunditz, FEMA Debris Task Force Lead. 

FEMA and USACE staff received cultural training and cultural monitoring is always conducted on site to protect Hawaiʻi’s cultural heritage and honor Native Hawaiian traditions. Native Hawaiian, Maui-based cultural advisors were hired to lead this effort.

Historic properties also received special care. A designated USACE team assessed each historic landmark structure. One such structure is the Hawaiian Kingdom Courthouse that has been assessed and will be repaired. USACE serving as the project manager, has subcontracted 95% of work to local construction companies, supporting local economy. 

Overall, USACE identified 29 historic and culturally significant properties that would require extra steps to save the buildings. Six of those properties were selected for a technique called shoring and bracing which will allow preservation of the remaining shells for restoration. Four of the six identified properties have been cleared of debris and completed. 

“I can’t wait to see how the community rebuilds this beautiful town,” said Joseph Grunditz, FEMA Debris Task Force Lead.

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More modular homes to be delivered to the Kilohana temporary group housing site https://mauinow.com/2024/12/13/more-modular-homes-to-be-delivered-to-the-kilohana-temporary-group-housing-site/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/13/more-modular-homes-to-be-delivered-to-the-kilohana-temporary-group-housing-site/#respond Fri, 13 Dec 2024 20:00:00 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=474808 Motorists on Maui are advised of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului Harbor to FEMA’s Kilohana temporary group housing site in Lahaina over the next two weeks. ]]>
FEMA’s Kilohana temporary housing project in Lahaina, Maui. PC: FEMA

Motorists on Maui are advised of potential traffic delays as modular homes for wildfire survivors are transported from Kahului Harbor to FEMA’s Kilohana temporary group housing site in Lahaina over the next two weeks.

On the next two Sundays, Dec. 15 and 22, trucks will be moving the modular homes from Kahului Harbor to a temporary staging site near the Kahului boat ramp adjacent to Kahului Beach Road (Route 3400), according to the Hawai‘i Department of Transportation. The transport will be from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trucks will travel from Hobron Avenue (Route 32A), then head west on Kaʻahumanu Avenue (Route 32) and turn right onto Kahului Beach Road and make its way to the staging site.

On Monday, Dec. 16 and Tuesday, Dec. 17, beginning at 8 p.m., the homes will be transported from the staging site to Kilohana which is near the northern terminus of the Lahaina Bypass (Route 3000). There may be up to two convoys per night.

From Thursday, Dec. 26 through Sunday, Dec. 29, one convoy of trucks per night will be hauling the homes to Kilohana, also beginning at 8 p.m.

The route the convoys will take begins at the Kahului boat ramp where trucks will head south on Kahului Beach Road and turn left heading east on Kaʻahumanu Avenue, then turn right onto Hāna Highway (Route 36). The trucks will then turn right onto Elmer F. Carvalho Way (Route 3800) and head west, linking with Kūihelani Highway (Route 380). At the intersection with Honoapiʻilani Highway (Route 30), the trucks will turn left and head west to Lahaina. In Lahaina town, the trucks will make a right turn onto Keawe Street and make a left turn to the project site, which is mauka of Lahaina Gateway shopping center.

Motorists may encounter traffic slowdowns and stops in both directions along the route due to the size of the modular units. There will also be escorts during the transport. Highway users should heed all signs along with directions from traffic controllers.

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IRS provides penalty relief to Maui wildfire victims https://mauinow.com/2024/12/12/irs-provides-penalty-relief-to-maui-wildfire-victims/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/12/irs-provides-penalty-relief-to-maui-wildfire-victims/#respond Thu, 12 Dec 2024 23:45:00 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=474747 The IRS will be providing failure to pay penalty relief to nearly 600 Maui taxpayers, which equates to about $300,000 in relief – an average of about $500 per taxpayer. This is separate from disaster relief previously announced in August 2023, that postponed various tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for individuals and businesses in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties until Aug. 7, 2024. ]]>
Lahaina property on Lokia Street. File PC: Lahaina Community Land Trust

The Internal Revenue Service today announced new penalty relief for Maui wildfire victims impacted by the historic 2023 wildfires, which caused a reported $5.5 billion in damages.

The IRS will be providing failure to pay penalty relief to nearly 600 Maui taxpayers, which equates to about $300,000 in relief – an average of about $500 per taxpayer. This is separate from disaster relief previously announced in August 2023, that postponed various tax-filing and tax-payment deadlines for individuals and businesses in Maui and Hawaiʻi counties until Aug. 7, 2024. 

Due to the widespread damage and closure of postal facilities, the IRS did not mail the initial notice, typically the CP14 notice, to taxpayers who filed a balance due return in Maui and Hawaii counties, between Aug. 17, 2023, and Jan. 30, 2024. As a result, the IRS is removing any failure to pay penalties added to balance due tax periods from the date the IRS would have normally mailed the notice until the date the penalties were fully paid or through Dec. 30, 2024, whichever is earlier.

Qualifying taxpayers with an impacted disaster address on the day the notice would normally have been issued are eligible, regardless of if their address has changed since then. 

This penalty relief is automatic. Maui wildfire disaster taxpayers don’t need to take any action to get it. Eligible taxpayers who already fully paid these penalties will benefit from the relief, too. If the penalties have been paid, the IRS will issue a refund or credit the payment toward another outstanding tax liability. 

Receive the latest notices from the IRS

The IRS understands that some Maui residents may still be displaced. Affected taxpayers are urged to contact the IRS to update their address as soon as possible to ensure they receive future correspondence. The IRS advises wildfire victims in Maui and Hawaii counties to update their current address with the IRS by calling the IRS Disaster Hotline at 866-562-5227, or by filing Form 8822, Change of Address. The IRS also recommends that taxpayers notify the post office serving the old address, if their address has changed.

The IRS will mail impacted taxpayers a notice in the next couple of weeks informing them why their penalties were removed and any refund amounts or balances due remaining on the affected tax years.   

Improving taxpayer service and help for Maui taxpayers still needing assistance

The IRS has taxpayer services available in person, over the phone and online. The IRS reminds taxpayers with unpaid tax debts that there are a number of payments options and online tools available to help.   

The IRS also encourages taxpayers unable to fully pay their tax balance to sign into and create an IRS Online Account where they can learn about payment plan options and apply for a new payment plan. This account allows taxpayer to view:

  • The amount they owe.
  • Payment history and any scheduled or pending payments.
  • Payment plan details and revise details of an existing payment plan.
  • Digital copies of select notices from the IRS.
  • Most recently filed tax return, including adjusted gross income, and access transcripts or tax compliance reports.

Eligible business taxpayers also now have the option to sign in and create a Business Tax Account to view and submit balance due payments. Additionally, the Tax Pro Online Account has more self-service options for tax professionals, including easier navigation to secure two-way messaging where authorized tax professionals can digitally communicate with the IRS on behalf of their clients.

What taxpayers should know about interest

The IRS is required by law to charge interest when a tax balance is not paid on time. Interest cannot be reduced due to reasonable cause. Interest is based on the amount of tax owed for each day it’s not paid in full. The interest is compounded daily, so it’s assessed on the previous day’s balance plus the interest. Interest rates are determined every three months and can vary based on type of tax; for example, individual or business tax liabilities. More information is available on the interest page of IRS.gov.

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Maui nonprofits invited to streamline their volunteer management systems with free POINT Pro subscriptions https://mauinow.com/2024/12/12/maui-nonprofits-invited-to-streamline-their-volunteer-management-systems-with-free-point-pro-subscriptions/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/12/maui-nonprofits-invited-to-streamline-their-volunteer-management-systems-with-free-point-pro-subscriptions/#respond Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:54:02 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=474730 The Maui Volunteer Coalition for Recovery in partnership with the Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group, is offering a limited number of complimentary POINT Pro subscriptions to Maui’s nonprofit organizations. This initiative aims to strengthen volunteer management systems and enhance capacity to support wildfire recovery efforts.]]>
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement utilizes the POINT app to publicize volunteer opportunities at their Kākoʻo Maui Distribution Center in Kahului. To sign up to volunteer, visit https://www.mauilongtermrecovery.org/volunteer. Photo credit: Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement

The Maui Volunteer Coalition for Recovery in partnership with the Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group, is offering a limited number of complimentary POINT Pro subscriptions to Maui’s nonprofit organizations. This initiative aims to strengthen volunteer management systems and enhance capacity to support wildfire recovery efforts.

These one-year licenses grant access to a leading volunteer management platform, enabling qualified nonprofits to streamline operations and focus on their core missions during this critical time.

This special offering is funded by the Hawai‘i Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (Hawai‘i VOAD), a network of organizations coordinating disaster response and recovery in the state of Hawai‘i.

Key Benefits of POINT Pro for Nonprofits

POINT Pro is a volunteer management platform designed to meet the needs of organizations striving for efficiency and effectiveness. With its user-friendly interface, robust analytics, and mobile compatibility, nonprofits can:

  • Simplify Operations: Manage schedules, tasks, and communication with volunteers from a centralized platform.
  • Enhance Volunteer Relationships: Build engagement with personalized communication and recognition tools.
  • Track and Report Impact: Use analytics to measure outcomes and produce detailed reports for stakeholders.
  • Expand Capacity: Seamlessly manage larger events and growing volunteer networks.
  • Showcase Professionalism: Customize the platform with your organization’s branding for a consistent look and feel.

A limited 100 free POINT Pro subscriptions are available for eligible Maui nonprofits actively engaged in wildfire recovery and community rebuilding. Organizations are encouraged to act quickly to secure their subscription:

  • Sign up online at www.mauinuistrong.info/nonprofits
  • Once your nonprofit is approved, you will automatically receive instructions on the next steps to onboard and begin promoting your volunteer opportunities.

A virtual Information Session will also be held on Dec. 16, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. to walk you through the process and learn about the benefits of this volunteer management system. To register, go to the EventBrite here.

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Wednesday Disaster Recovery Community Meeting at Lahaina Intermediate cafeteria https://mauinow.com/2024/12/11/wednesday-disaster-recovery-community-meeting-at-lahaina-intermediate-cafeteria/ https://mauinow.com/2024/12/11/wednesday-disaster-recovery-community-meeting-at-lahaina-intermediate-cafeteria/#respond Wed, 11 Dec 2024 17:56:46 +0000 https://admin.mauinow.com/?p=474633 Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Weekly Disaster Recovery Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria.]]>
The Lahaina Community Weekly Disaster Recovery Meeting at Lahaina Intermediate School. PC: County of Maui

Residents are encouraged to attend the County of Maui’s Weekly Disaster Recovery Community Meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, in the Lahaina Intermediate School cafeteria.

The meeting will include:

  • Status of debris clearing by the US Army Corps of Engineers
  • An update on the wastewater system
  • Information from the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Boating and Recreation
  • An overview of community input received on the County Long-Term Recovery Plan
  • Information about the Mennonite Disaster Serviceʻs home building program

The meeting will be livestreamed on the County of Maui’s Facebook page; no account is needed to view. Akakū: Maui Community Media will show a live broadcast of the meeting on Channel 53.

There will be no community meetings on Dec. 18 and 25 and Jan. 1.

Impacted residents and homeowners are encouraged to sign up for email and text notifications at https://www.mauirecovers.org/sign-up.

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