For immediate release:
Press release by:
Alice L. Lee, Chair
Maui County Council
media@mauicounty.us
Messages of hope, reflection mark wildfires’ second anniversary
LAHAINA & KULA, Hawaiʻi (Aug. 8, 2025)—Maui County Councilmembers are standing with the community at gatherings marking the second anniversary of the August 2023 wildfires to honor the memories of loved ones and offer comfort and strength to survivors, Council Chair Alice L. Lee said today.
A paddle-out this morning at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach Park featured messages of hope and prayers followed by a gathering at Kalana o Maui in Wailuku, continuing the journey of healing through reflection and unity.
“Two years on from the August 2023 wildfires, we honor our community’s resilience and give thanks for the healing already underway,” said Vice-Chair Yuki Lei K. Sugimura, who holds the seat for the Upcountry residency area. “Still, we know recovery is not linear, and there is still much to rebuild, remember and reimagine as we continue to move forward together.”
“On the second anniversary of the Maui wildfires, we honor the lives we lost and continue to support the healing and rebuilding of our community,” said Councilmember Nohelani Uʻu-Hodgins, who holds the seat for the Makawao-Haʻikū-Pāʻia residency area.
The schedule of remembrances will conclude with an evening tribute at Lahaina Civic Center starting at 5:30.
“Two years later, we continue to honor the lives lost and draw strength from the unwavering spirit of our Maui ʻohana,” said Councilmember Tom Cook of the South Maui residency area. “In the face of immense loss, our community has shown the world what resilience, unity and aloha truly look like. As we move forward, we remain committed to healing, rebuilding and standing strong—together.”
The council-approved fiscal year 2026 budget took effect last month and includes funding aimed at wildfire recovery to restore historic properties, support workforce development and provide health and human services to wildfire survivors.
“Our community’s spirit has carried us through two years of deep loss and determined recovery,” said Sugimura, who also chairs the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee. “For all the progress we’ve made, much still lies ahead, and I am here to help however I can.”
The Lahaina Obon Festival, honoring ancestors and celebrating enduring spirit, is scheduled for tomorrow night from 5 to 9 at Lahaina Jodo Mission. The mission’s grounds had been destroyed in the wildfires.
The remembrance gatherings are presented by Kuhinia Maui, which is led by the communities of Lahaina and Kula with the support of the County of Maui.
For more information, visit kuhiniamaui.org.
Lee said the gatherings are a testament to Maui County’s unity, strength and perseverance.
“E ola koa kākou,” said Lee, who holds the council seat for the Wailuku-Waiheʻe-Waikapū residency area. “May you live like a koa tree—long, strong and courageous. God bless you all.”
Photo courtesy of Office of Council Services.
Photo courtesy of Office of Council Services.
