Lahaina, Maui fires lawsuit investigation

Maui wildfires: Who’s affected? 

This is a breaking story. Please check back often for updates.

Were you present during the fires on Maui? Did you experience financial or physical hardship as a result of the Lahaina fires?

A devastating fire began Aug. 8 in Lahaina on Maui in Hawaii. Since then, more than 2,200 structures have been destroyed, leaving thousands without a home, according to the American Red Cross.

Conditions are improving, but danger remains present as new flare-ups occur in Lahaina and the surrounding areas. The death toll from the disaster has exceeded 100.

In addition to the loss of homes and businesses, many residents and visitors to the island may experience various types of injury, from physical to financial:

• Injuries during evacuation
• Loss of employment or wages
• Property damage or loss

Reuters reports the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated it will cost $5.5 billion to rebuild Lahaina.

If you were injured by the Maui fires financially — through loss of wages, property loss or other means — or if you sustained pain, suffering or physical injuries, you may be eligible to join a free Maui fires lawsuit investigation.

Experienced attorneys may be able to help victims of the Maui fires navigate the legal system by filing lawsuits to hold accountable entities — for example, the state, Maui County, the power company or others — that may have been negligent in the handling of the fires.

One such class action has already been filed against Hawaiian Electric, alleging the company opted not to de-energize its power lines during a high-wind watch and red-flag warning for wind conditions on Maui before the fires began.

While the full extent of the damage may not be known for some time, there may be hope for those who have been affected by the Maui fires.

Lahaina fires: timeline

Monday, Aug. 7

9:52 a.m.: The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency (EMA) posts on X warning residents of “extreme fire behavior” due to high winds from Hurricane Dora, low humidity and other risks. The EMA puts a Red Flag warning in effect for certain areas of Hawaii.

Tuesday, Aug. 8

3:45 a.m.: A brush fire, which would later been called the Upcountry Fire, starts near Olinda Road in Kula. Residents of the area were evacuated.

6:37 a.m.: A three-acre brush fire breaks out east of Lahaina near Lahainaluna Road.

8:55 a.m.: The Lahaina brush fire is declared 100% contained, despite power outages on the island impacting access to water and the ability to extinguish the blaze. Lahainaluna Road remains closed as Hawaiian Electric investigates a reported downed power line.

9 a.m.: The Upcountry fire continues to burn in Kula. 675 acres and two structures have burned. High winds in the area prevent helicopter operations, but firefighter crews remain on the ground. Residents are encouraged to use caution when navigating around downed power lines.

3 p.m.: Despite official reports of containment, Lahaina residents report hearing explosions from the nearby fire.

3:20 p.m.: Due to escalating conditions involving the Upcountry fire, the Fire Department recommends proactive evacuation by Pi’iholo Road and Olinda Road residents.

“The fire can be a mile or more from your house, but in a minute or two, it can be at your house,” Fire Assistant Chief Jeff Giesea warns. “Burning airborne materials can light fires a great distance away from the main body of fire.”

3:30 p.m.: A flareup of the Lahaina fire prompts the closure of Lahaina Bypass, one of the primary roads in the area. Multiple other roads are closed due to downed power lines. Residents near Lahainaluna Road, Hale Mahaolu, Kelawea Mauka and Lahaina Bypass are evacuated. People on the west side of the island are ordered to shelter in place until an evacuation is ordered.

3:43 p.m.: Hawaii Lt. Gov. Sylvia Lake issues an emergency proclamation in response to the fires.

3:50 p.m.: The Fire Department calls for the immediate evacuation of a subdivision at Kulalani Drive and Kulalani Circle. The Upcountry brush fire reaches as far as Kualono Place near Kula Lodge.

5 p.m.: Honapiilani Highway reopens after down power lines are cleared, allowing evacuations of west side Lahaina.

5:38 p.m.: Smoke pours into Lahaina Mooring Field as residents attempt to escape by boat. “Everything is burning,” an Instagram user posts, along with a video of high winds and thick smoke.

5:41 p.m.: The fire encroaches on Front Street in Lahaina, according to a Facebook video posted by a resident.

7:03 p.m.: Flames consume the Lahaina harbor, sending residents into the Pacific Ocean to escape the flames. “I saw at least a dozen bodies floating in the water,” a resident later told NBC News.

9:45 p.m.: Six hours after his statewide counterpart, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen issues an emergency proclamation due to the fires. Bissen called for support from the National Guard. Shortly after, 911 service in West Maui goes down. Residents are directed to call the Lahaina Police Department directly.

11:52 p.m.: Hawaii Adjutant General Kenneth Hara announces that the Hawaii National Guard has been activated and is on Maui supporting the Maui Police Department.

Wednesday, Aug. 9

12:40 a.m.: The Fire Department advises immediate proactive evacuation of many Lahaina neighborhoods.

9:25 a.m.: Helicopters are launched to assist in firefighting efforts after weather conditions improve.

Six casualties are reported as firefighting efforts continue.

3:50 p.m.: Visitors are advised to leave Lahaina and Maui. West Maui remains without power and phone service.

36 total fatalities are reported by Maui County.

Thursday, Aug. 10

10:30 a.m.: The wildfire that damaged Lahaina is 80% contained. Patrol flyovers of Lahaina show that more than 270 structures have been impacted by the fire. No containment assessment is available for the Upcountry fire.

Noon: Firefighting efforts continue with 17 additional reported casualties, bringing the total death count to 53.

9:15 p.m.: 2 additional fatalities are reported, bringing the death toll to 55.

Friday, Aug. 11

3 p.m.: The Lahaina fire is 85% contained, while the Upcountry fire is 50% contained. A Pulehu/Kihei fire is 80% contained. There are 67 confirmed fatalities, but search efforts continue.

9 p.m.: Flareups continue in all three fires. The number of fatalities rises to 80. Access to West Maui remains restricted as officials attempt to contain the toxic particles from smoldering fires.

Saturday, Aug. 12

The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) release a damage assessment map. More than 2,170 acres burned and more than 2,200 structures are destroyed, 86% of which are residential.

The death count increases to 93, with two deceased people identified by officials.

Sunday, Aug. 13

3 p.m.: The Upcountry fire is 60% contained, the Lahaina fire is 85% contained and the Pulehu/Kihei fire is 100% contained. Water in Lahaina and Upper Jula is deemed unsafe. There are 93 confirmed casualties, according to the Maui Police Department.

The death count rises to 99, according to Gov. Josh Green. Green anticipates that the full death count could take 10 days to be finalized, with crews finding “10 to 20 people per day probably until they finish.”

In a press conference, Green says the state’s attorney general will investigate why the emergency alerts and sirens were not activated during the disaster.

According to KHON 2, Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez is investigating the cause of the fire and any civil or criminal misconduct that may have been involved.

Monday, Aug. 14

9:20 a.m.: The Upcountry fire remains 60% contained, the Lahaina fire is 85% contained and the Pulehu/Kihei fire is 100% contained. There are 96 confirmed fatalities.

10 p.m.: The Upcountry fire is 65% contained, the Lahaina and Pulehu/Kihei fires remain 85% and 100% contained, respectively. After searching just 25% of the area, there are 99  confirmed fatalities.

Tuesday, Aug. 15

10 a.m.: The Upcountry fire is 60% contained, the Lahaina and Pulehu/Kihei fires remain 85% and 100% contained, respectively. The death count remains at 99.

11:30 a.m.: The Kahului Community Center opens a Family Assistance Center to help family members looking for missing loved ones. Family members can provide DNA samples at the center to help identify recovered remains.

The first confirmed identities of deceased residents are released by county officials, along with an updated fatality count of 106.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the families who are beginning to receive notifications about their loved ones,” Mayor Richard Bissen says in a press release. “As a community, we offer our prayers of comfort in this most difficult time.”

8:30 p.m.: The Upcountry fire is now 75% contained. The Lahaina fire remains 85% contained and the Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained but not extinguished. The death count remains 106, with three more victims identified.

Thursday, Aug. 17

10:20 a.m.: Upcountry fire is 85% contained. Lahaina fire is 90% contained. Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained. Olinda fire is 85% contained.

After searching 40% of the area, the death count rises to 111 confirmed fatalities.

5:15 p.m.: A flare-up is reported inside the Pulehu/Kihei burn area.

9:15 p.m.: Upcountry fire is 85% contained. Lahaina fire is 90% contained. Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained despite earlier flare-up. Olinda fire is 85% contained.

Water in the area remains unsafe for drinking. The power grid in West Maui is being rebuilt, prioritizing essentials such as stores, pharmacies, gas stations and utility buildings.

Friday, Aug. 18

8:33 a.m.: A Lahaina man is arrested by Maui police for entering the Lahaina wildfire disaster area in violation of Mayor Bissen’s emergency proclamation.

9:15 p.m.: Upcountry fire is 85% contained. Lahaina fire is 90% contained. Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained. Olinda fire is 85% contained.

Three additional death reports raise the fatality count to 114. 78% of the area has been searched.

Saturday, Aug. 19

7:00 p.m.: Upcountry fire is 80% contained. Lahaina fire is 89% contained. Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained. Olinda fire is 85% contained with active firefighting efforts. The death count remains at 114, with the FBI assisting in victim identification efforts.

Sunday, Aug. 20

After 85% of the disaster area is searched, the confirmed fatalities remain at 114.

The Maui police department identifies five additional Lahaina residents who died in the fires. 16 individuals have been identified, but only 11 families have been located and notified.

Maui County prepares for potential impacts from post-tropical cyclone Fernanda. High rainfall totals are anticipated for Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Wildfire areas could be at risk for extreme flooding.

Upcountry fire is 85% contained. Lahaina fire is 90% contained. Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained. Olinda fire is 85% contained.

Monday, Aug. 21

The death toll rises to 115 after 100% of single-story residential properties are searched in the wildfire disaster area.

Two additional Lahaina residents have been identified amongst the deceased wildfire victims. 22 individuals have been identified, but only 13 families have been located and notified.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visit Maui to meet survivors and first responders.

“To my left is the banyan tree beloved by this community for over 150 years. Today, it’s burned, but it’s still standing. The tree survived for a reason,” President Biden says during a press conference. “I believe it is a very powerful symbol of what we can and will do to get through this crisis.

Upcountry fire is 85% contained. Lahaina fire is 90% contained. Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained. Olinda fire is 85% contained. The Maui Fire Department assures the public that there are no active fire threats, despite containment percentages remaining the same for several days.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

The Maui police department releases the names of eight additional Maui fire victims, including one California tourist. Of the 22 identified individuals, only one victim’s family has not been located and notified.

The death count remains at 115. Search teams, including 341 emergency personnel and 50 canine units, are starting to search multi-story residential and commercial properties.

Emergency response officials announce that between 1,000 and 1,100 individuals remain missing following the Maui fires. However, more than 1,400 individuals previously reported as missing have been found safe.

“The Maui Police Department, the FBI and other law enforcement agencies are doing critically important work. On behalf of our community, I want to express our gratitude for their efforts, care and compassion,” Mayor Richard Bissen says. “This is an extraordinarily difficult time for many families, and our hearts are with them as we make our way through this time.”

Family members of missing individuals are encouraged to submit official reports and DNA samples to the Family Assistance Center.

Upcountry fire is 85% contained. Lahaina fire is 90% contained. Pulehu/Kihei fire remains 100% contained. Olinda fire is 85% contained.

How can I help?

While those affected by the Maui wildfires spend their days in limbo trying to track down their loves ones and recover from this disaster, people watching the news may feel helpless. However, residents of other islands, other states and even other countries can help in a variety of ways.

Numerous organizations and mutual funds are accepting cash donations for emergency efforts. To help people avoid scams and non-authentic donation efforts, Honolulu Civil Beat has compiled a list of relief efforts that are accepting donations, including information about how donations will help Maui residents and fire victims.

Money is not the only way people can help. Food banks are accepting donations in south and central Maui. People can donate non-perishable foods, baby food, diapers, hygiene products and more. County emergency shelters are accepting similar donations, with additional calls for coolers, bottled water, clothing, flashlights and generators. Maui County, Maui Food Bank, American Red Cross and other organizations are looking for volunteers who are willing to dedicate their time to Maui fire relief efforts. Business owners in other parts of Maui, not directly impacted by the wildfires, are encouraging visitors to keep their reservations in the coming months to help offset the economic impact

Join Maui fires lawsuit investigation

As the confirmed death toll continues to rise with each report, Maui residents estimate that the final death count could reach the hundreds or thousands. Thousands of residents remain missing.

Although the full extent and cause of the wildfires will only be revealed with time, an experienced lawyer may be able to help you take legal action for property damage, injuries and other damage resulting from the fire.

If you were injured by the Maui fires financially — through loss of wages, property loss or other means — or if you sustained pain, suffering or physical injuries, you may be eligible to join a free Maui fires lawsuit investigation.

Please fill out the form on this page to see if you qualify for a FREE case evaluation.