For most of his life, Troy Branco-Liu never imagined leaving Lahaina. However, after the 2023 Maui wildfire upended his community, and a University of Hawaiʻi scholarship opened a door he never expected, the Lahainaluna High School graduate found himself starting over at Hawaiʻi Community College—pursuing an education that would ultimately change the course of his future.

“When I was in high school, I didn鈥檛 think about leaving,” Branco-Liu said. “I love the place I come from. I鈥檓 all about Lahaina. That鈥檚 always going to be home to me.”

Now a 2026 graduate of Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 Diesel Mechanics program, Branco-Liu says the scholarship helped him discover new opportunities while strengthening his desire to one day bring his skills back home to help his community rebuild.

Making college possible

Following the wildfire that devastated Lahaina, the University of Hawaiʻi announced scholarships for every Lahainaluna High School senior in the Class of 2024 to attend any 东精影业 campus. The initiative was later expanded to cover two years at 东精影业 community colleges and four years at 东精影业 universities.

For Branco-Liu, the scholarship made college possible during a time of uncertainty for many Lahaina families displaced by the fire. As a first-generation college student, the opportunity helped him envision a future he had never seriously considered before.

“The scholarship was life-changing,” Branco-Liu said. “It gave me the chance to come here, get my education and do something better for my future.”

Originally, he planned to enter the workforce immediately after high school.

“At first I wanted to work right away because I wanted to make money,” he said. “But then I started thinking more about my future and decided college would help me get further.”

Building a better future

After researching programs through the 东精影业 system website, he chose Hawaiʻi CC鈥檚 , drawn to its hands-on learning environment and his longtime interest in mechanics.

Branco-Liu said one of the biggest influences during his time at Hawaiʻi CC was the encouragement he received from instructors and classmates within the close-knit diesel cohort, especially instructor Mitchell Soares.

“He really cared about us. He wanted you to succeed,” Branco-Liu said.

Now preparing to return home with a mechanic job already lined up and a baby boy on the way, Branco-Liu says graduating from Hawaiʻi CC represents something bigger than himself.

• Meet more amazing 东精影业 graduates

“I鈥檓 the first person in my family to graduate from college,” he said. “Hawaiʻi CC gave me the opportunity to prove to myself that I could do more and build a better future.”

—By Katie Young Yamanaka

The University of Hawaiʻi Maui College is launching the 2026 Maui Strong Fellowship Program to empower its students and local residents to drive Lahaina鈥檚 long-term recovery and resilience following the devastating wildfires. The initiative provides awards of up to $10,000 to develop and implement community driven programs.

Fellows will collaborate with key 东精影业 Maui College programs, including (establishing a network of biocultural refuges supporting the cultivation of native plants), the , or the . Projects include essential soil and water research, collaborative initiatives to build community resilience, and culturally rooted projects that support well-being.

The program, now in its third year, is currently accepting open applications for fellowship spots with (contact: hulihia@hawaii.edu) and the (email: Shawn Pedron spedron@hawaii.edu). Applications are open to 东精影业 Maui College students and Maui residents through March 27, 2026.

Funded by the Maui Strong Fund of the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, the initiative directly supports residents who are focusing on critical areas such as post-fire recovery, sustainability initiatives and environmental restoration.

“We are proud to support Maui鈥檚 continued recovery by empowering residents to share their talents and voices,” said Jordan Hocker, sustainability specialist at Hulihia. “Through this fellowship program, we hope to inspire the next generation of leaders working toward a resilient future for Lahaina.”

A vital promise made to the students of Lahaina following the deadly 2023 wildfires has received a major infusion of support. A new $1.5-million gift from Jeff Bezos and Lauren S谩nchez Bezos ensures the University of Hawaiʻi can sustain full scholarships for Lahainaluna High School鈥檚 Class of 2024 through the 2026–27 academic year.

This scholarship support is part of a broader $3.5-million investment from the couple, which dedicates $2 million to land stewardship research aimed at preventing future wildfires on Maui.

In fall 2024, 157 students from the affected Lahainaluna High School class enrolled across six campuses: 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补, 东精影业 West Oʻahu, 东精影业 Maui College, and Hawaiʻi, Honolulu and Kapiʻolani Community Colleges. The new funding specifically targets the upcoming academic years, creating a financial bridge for students as they persist in their degrees or transfer from 东精影业 community colleges to 东精影业 four-year universities.

“We are deeply grateful to the generous donors whose support makes this possible,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “This funding ensures that students who lost so much are not forced to put their futures on hold. Education is a cornerstone of recovery, and our responsibility is to stand with Lahainaluna students and families as they rebuild and move forward.”

Transformative scholarships

For students navigating the trauma of displacement, the scholarships have been transformative. Cecelia Steiner, a 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 psychology major who lost her home in the fire, described the support as a “lifeline.” Steiner noted that while the national college enrollment average is 62%, approximately 85% of her Lahainaluna class pursued higher education because of this initiative.

“When 东精影业 offered a scholarship and paid for school, it changed my world because not having to worry about the financial aspects was huge,” said Steiner.

东精影业 Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Farrah-Marie Gomes said the scholarship support was important for students navigating uncertainty.

“It reinforces that they are not alone, and that their community is invested in their education, their future and their sense of belonging,” Gomes said.

Beyond Lahainaluna

In the aftermath of the fires, 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 offered scholarships to students from Lahaina and Kula who did not attend Lahainaluna High School but were impacted. 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 provided scholarship support to 60 students who were already enrolled for the 2023–24 academic year. The number of scholarship recipients grew to 194 in the 2025–26 academic year.

东精影业 Maui College announced in April that it would cover tuition and fees for Lahainaluna High school graduates (beyond the class of 2024) who were impacted by the 2023 fire for the 2025–26 academic year. There were 67 recipients enrolled in fall 2025.

When the Lahaina wildfires devastated West Maui, Michael Young, apprenticeship and trades coordinator at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College, not only lost his home but also saw the urgent community need for basic rebuilding skills.

“I grew up in Lahaina and saw how many homes were lost or badly damaged,” Young said. “People wanted to know if there were programs that taught carpentry, framing, roofing, painting—anything that would help them start restoring their homes.”

From that need, the Hale 笔腻辫补ʻ颈 program—meaning “small shelter”—emerged. The hands-on initiative, based at 东精影业 Maui College, builds 8-by-10-foot portable sheds that are small enough to be delivered to landowners without construction permits.

Real relief

These sheds, which double as teaching tools for participants, provide essential storage and, for some, temporary shelter. To date, 58 sheds have been delivered, with 220 households still on a waiting list.

“This is a way for people to feel safe and regain a sense of stability,” said Moani Whittle-Wagner, an academic support specialist who named the project. “Drivers are often greeted with hugs and tears. They鈥檙e small structures, but the relief is real.”

An helps ensure Lahaina residents and displaced families have the skills and materials they need to regain a sense of stability. To make a gift, click .

Providing hope

The program offers more than just physical relief; it provides hope for long-term recovery. Lahaina resident Gene Castillo, whose family lost multiple homes, found both skills and a forward focus in the program, recalling the evacuation with his then-pregnant wife and young daughter.

Read more 东精影业 Giving Day stories

“Without her,” he said gesturing toward his now two-year-old daughter Zanel, “I think we would have been lost. She gave us something to look forward to.”

Hale 笔腻辫补ʻ颈 is also rebuilding lives by offering pathways into the trades, bringing together credit courses, union apprenticeships and free community classes. A pre-apprenticeship program with the Carpenters Union reports a 100% placement rate, providing displaced residents with career opportunities.

“These sheds are more than wood and nails,” said Whittle-Wagner. “They鈥檙e hope in a time of loss.”

Read more about and more Giving Day opportunities.

The 2023 Maui wildfires were linked to significantly higher levels of depression and anxiety among residents, with impacts extending beyond the burn zones and closely tied to housing and income disruption. That鈥檚 according to a new University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 study published March 11 in .

The study examined 2,453 adults, including 1,535 wildfire-exposed residents on Maui and 918 unexposed residents from other Hawaiʻi counties. The data was gathered between January 2024 and February 2025 through the (MauiWES) and the 鈥檚 (东精影业ERO) Rapid Health Survey.

Key findings

• Residents inside burn zones had a 53% higher risk of depression and 67% higher risk of anxiety compared to unexposed residents.
• Maui residents living outside burn zones also experienced significantly elevated mental health risks, including more than double the risk of suicidal thoughts.
• More than half of the wildfire鈥檚 impact on depression and anxiety could be traced to housing instability and lost income.
• Being employed was strongly protective against depression, anxiety and suicidal ideation.

“These findings show that the wildfire鈥檚 psychological toll is not confined to the areas that burned,” said lead author and 东精影业ERO Professor Ruben Juarez. “The social and economic disruption鈥攅specially housing instability and income disruption鈥攊s driving much of the distress we see across the community.”

See more 东精影业 News stories on MauiWES

Co-author and Professor Alika K. Maunakea added, “Climate disasters affect biological, social and economic systems at the same time. If we only rebuild structures and do not stabilize housing, employment and mental health services, we leave communities vulnerable long after the smoke clears.”

Co-author Christopher Knightsbridge, a mental health therapist from MauiWES based in Lahaina said, “The harm did not stop at the burn zone. Housing disruption and income loss have extended the crisis into daily life, which is why recovery must include stronger housing, economic, and mental health supports.”

The August 2023 fires, which killed more than 100 people and destroyed more than 2,200 structures, displaced an estimated 10,000 residents. The study found that psychological distress persisted six to 18 months after the disaster.

东精影业ERO is housed in the .

A $2-million gift from Jeff Bezos and Lauren S谩nchez Bezos is supporting University of Hawaiʻi-led research aimed at restoring fire-prone grasslands on Maui and reducing the risk of future wildfires, building on and long-term recovery following the devastating 2023 fires.

Much of Maui鈥檚 former sugar plantation lands are now unmanaged and dominated by invasive species, such as guinea grass, that create more fire-prone vegetation and intensify wildfire risk. Several 东精影业 units are collaborating to address that vulnerability through land stewardship research designed to inform policy and guide on-the-ground management decisions.

The effort brings together researchers from the (东精影业ERO) housed in 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , the , and the Ecosystems and Land Care Program in the Department of (NREM) in the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience. The work will be conducted with watershed partners, ranchers and ʻ膩ina (land)-based organizations across Hawaiʻi.

“Insufficient investment in land care across former plantation lands has left large areas of Maui vulnerable to wildfire,” said Kimberly Burnett, a specialist with 东精影业ERO. “This work builds on evidence that actively managed lands, including forests, well-managed rangelands and agriculture, can significantly reduce fuel loads and support outcomes like erosion reduction, food production, biodiversity and community resilience.”

Data-driven strategies for wildfire prevention

In the early stages of the project, researchers will work closely with partners to co-develop research questions and products that are directly useful for land managers and decision-makers. Anticipated outcomes include statewide wildfire risk and probability maps to help guide fire reduction strategies across a range of land uses, as well as analyses of different wildfire mitigation scenarios over space and time.

Those scenarios may include forest restoration, green breaks, agroforestry, grazing and mowing, with researchers assessing the benefits and costs of each approach.

“We want to look at options beyond just mowing brush given how well these different actions align with other things people value and contribute to public safety,” said Clay Trauernicht, a specialist with NREM.

The project will also examine policy and market-based tools that could help finance and support land-use transitions that advance multiple ecosystem services, including wildfire risk reduction, across Hawaiʻi.

The gift builds on existing support from the Bezos Maui Fund to restore the island鈥檚 watersheds and reduce wildfire risk, and reflects a broader strategy that links environmental recovery with community resilience. That land-based work is complemented by a separate $1.5-million investment to support Lahainaluna High School graduates enrolled at 东精影业 who continue to face economic hardship following the fires.

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors for their continued commitment to Maui,” said 东精影业 Foundation CEO and Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “Their support is making a lasting difference for the people and places that define this community.”

In response to the devastating 2023 wildfires, Jeff Bezos and Lauren S谩nchez Bezos have donated $1.5 million to support Lahainaluna High School students, along with an additional $2 million to fund research aimed at mitigating future wildfire risk through vegetation management. The gift builds on an from the Bezos Earth Fund to the East Maui Watershed Partnership.

Together, these philanthropic investments fund critical environmental recovery work and strengthen Maui communities for the long term.

$1.5 million for Lahainaluna students

In the days following the wildfires—the worst natural disaster in state history—t to Lahainaluna’s 2024 graduating class and supported their education at any of the 10 东精影业 campuses.

This new $1.5-million donation is amplifying that effort, and directly benefiting Lahainaluna High School graduates who are currently enrolled at 东精影业 and still facing economic hardship related to displacement and loss.

The funding will provide students with tangible support, enabling them to stay focused on their studies as their community rebuilds. Leaders say the commitment affirms a shared responsibility to stand with Lahaina students and families as recovery gives way to renewed opportunity.

“We are deeply grateful to the generous donors whose support makes this possible,” said 东精影业 President Wendy Hensel. “This funding ensures that students who lost so much are not forced to put their futures on hold. Education is a cornerstone of recovery, and our responsibility is to stand with Lahainaluna students and families as they rebuild and move forward.”

东精影业 Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Farrah-Marie Gomes agrees.

“For students navigating uncertainty, this kind of support is transformative,” added Gomes. “It reinforces that they are not alone, and that their community is invested in their education, their future and their sense of belonging.”

Restoring Maui鈥檚 fire-prone grasslands

Much of the former sugar plantation lands on Maui are now unmanaged and dominated by invasive species that increase fuel loads and have intensified the island鈥檚 wildfire risk. Several units at 东精影业, including the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (东精影业ERO) that is housed in 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 College of Social Sciences, the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience, and the Ecosystems and Land Care Lab, will collaborate with a range of partners interested in fire risk reduction to turn vulnerability into stability.

The $2-million donation supports the collective effort that will build better understanding of the long-term benefits and costs of transitioning these lands, for the purposes of shaping land-use policy that supports multiple environmental and social objectives. It builds on existing support from the Bezos Maui Fund to restore the island鈥檚 watersheds and reduce wildfire risk.

“Insufficient investment in land care across former plantation lands has left large areas of Maui vulnerable to wildfire,” said Kimberly Burnett, a specialist with 东精影业ERO. “This work builds on evidence that actively managed lands, including forests, well-managed rangelands and agriculture, can significantly reduce fuel loads and support outcomes like erosion reduction, food production, biodiversity and community resilience.”

That land-based work is complemented by expanded educational access and reflects a holistic strategy for rebuilding鈥攐ne that recognizes the interconnectedness of land, learning and long-term community well-being.

“We are profoundly grateful to our donors for their continued commitment to Maui,” said 东精影业 Foundation CEO and Vice President of Advancement Tim Dolan. “Their support is making a lasting difference for the people and places that define this community.”

Fifty storage sheds have been delivered to Lahaina, each one a testament to the hands-on learning and generous spirit of the University of 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 Maui College. This effort, dubbed the Hale Pāpaʻi Project, has been fueled by students who are not just learning construction skills but also embodying the value of k艒kua鈥攈elp and assistance鈥攆or their community.

Through the generosity of a private donor, the college was able to offer free, one-week basic construction and painting classes. The Maui Strong Fund at Hawaiʻi Community Foundation then added its support by providing materials to construct the 50 sheds, and the Hale Pāpaʻi Project came to life. Instructors and their students built the sheds from the ground up, providing both a valuable service to the community and hands-on learning for students.

In the process of construction, students gained skills in building trades, such as making braces, building a skeleton and frame, roofing, installing fascia, drywall, interior and exterior trim, flooring, siding, sheer wall, and installing a window and door, along with mudding, taping, texture and painting.

“Students are able to keep the tools and belts issued to them on Day One,” said Chancellor Lui Hokoana. “Many of them come back just to help out and bring those tools with them. They say it feels good to k艒kua. One thing we know for sure, these beautiful sheds are built with aloha and we hope the recipients feel it when they receive their hale.”

The project is part of 东精影业 Maui College鈥檚 ongoing commitment to the recovery process following the August 2023 wildfires, an effort that began immediately after the disaster with thousands of meals prepared, workspace provided to relief organizations, and school supplies drives. The shed project addresses a need voiced by rebuilding residents.

Through an innovative new ocean engineering course at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, graduate students created a low–cost water sampler that is aiding researchers in their efforts to monitor the impacts of the destructive 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, Maui.

The course, launched in spring 2025 with funding from the 东精影业 Mānoa Strategic Investment Initiative and 东精影业 Mānoa (SOEST) Dean鈥檚 Office, was driven by a dual purpose: to address community concerns that require technical or engineering solutions and to satisfy student鈥檚 significant drive to get hands–on experience solving real–world problems.

Lead instructor Camille Pagniello and the five students in the inaugural cohort teamed up with Andrea Kealoha, Nick Hawco, Eileen Nalley and Craig Nelson, all faculty members in the SOEST Department of Oceanography or Hawaiʻi Sea Grant, who have an ongoing project monitoring water chemistry, reef health and fish populations in waters off Lahaina. The sponsoring scientists challenged the students with a mission: design a low–cost water sampler for coastal monitoring that can be deployed in the ocean and autonomously collect seawater.

Working together, and mentored by Pagniello, the students successfully designed and built a water sampler that satisfied all the requirements and cost approximately $800 for the base model. Their cost–effective solution allows scientists to measure key carbon chemistry parameters such as pH, and offers the flexibility to substitute various components to expand its use for measuring trace metals and organic material.

“This effort was a win–win,” said Pagniello, who is also an assistant professor in SOEST鈥檚 . “Students got real, end–to–end design–and–build experience in marine instrumentation while also delivering a new tool to the scientific community that helps democratize ocean science.”

Expanding students鈥� passion, potential

This course is training a new generation of engineers who are community–minded and capable of addressing complex scientific problems with practical and affordable solutions.

“This class was one of the most meaningful experiences I鈥檝e had at 东精影业,” said Maliheh Gholizadehsarvandi, ocean and resources engineering graduate student. “It showed me that I could take on a real–world challenge from start to finish, even though I felt overwhelmed at first. With Camille鈥檚 support, I gained confidence in handling complex problems and learned to enjoy the process. Seeing our project become something real that could benefit the community was very rewarding, and the teamwork and final presentation were definite highlights.”

Pagniello will be teaching the course again in spring 2026 and is interested to hear from the industry partners, non-profit organizations, and community members about problems that could benefit from a technical solution. To share your interest in partnering with the spring 2026 students, fill out this .

—By Marcie Grabowski

Two years after the 2023 Maui wildfires, many disabled residents remain far behind in rebuilding their homes, livelihoods, and health, according to a new report from the (东精影业ERO).

东精影业ERO鈥檚 study, , is the first comprehensive analysis of how the disaster affected disabled residents in Lahaina. Drawing on two large-scale surveys conducted between 2024 and 2025, the report shows that people with disabilities, both pre-existing and newly acquired after the disaster, continue to face disproportionate hardship two years after the fires.

“Disabled residents continue to face steep barriers to recovery, because systems and programs aren鈥檛 designed to include them,” said Daniela Bond-Smith, a research economist at 东精影业ERO who is the lead author on the report. “Recovery systems need to be inclusive—or they risk deepening existing inequities. But it鈥檚 also an opportunity to plan for a more inclusive and resilient future.”

Key findings

Housing: Fewer than half of disabled residents have secured permanent housing. Many remain in temporary or unstable living situations, and disabled renters are more reliant on rental assistance that may soon end.

Employment and Income: Working-age people with disabilities experienced sharper employment and income losses. A disproportionate number of disabled people exited the labor force, risking long-term exclusion from employment and earnings. Newly disabled people saw their household incomes fall by nearly half since the fires.

Health: Disabled people report greater physical and mental health challenges and more barriers to healthcare access than others.

Assistance and Unmet Needs: Disabled residents report higher unmet needs, from housing and healthcare to transportation and financial aid. More than one-quarter received no assistance at all in the last month.

Life Satisfaction: Despite widespread resilience, disabled people consistently report lower well-being and slower recovery progress.

Opportunities to close gap

The report finds that 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 current framework for disability inclusion in disaster preparedness and recovery is fragmented and largely non-binding. To close the gaps, the authors identify several steps that could make 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 recovery, and future disaster planning, more inclusive:

• Mainstreaming disability equity in disaster management as a cross-cutting principle, not a niche program, including explicit statutory requirements
• Updating and expanding 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 outdated disability preparedness plan to include recovery
• Setting measurable goals and data systems to monitor progress on disability inclusion at both the state and county levels
• Making disaster assistance fully accessible and expanding disability training for case managers and first responders
• Improving referrals to assistance and services for disabled residents by leveraging healthcare encounters
• Investing in accessible housing and healthcare, and expanding job programs that help disabled residents rejoin and remain in the workforce

The report serves as a resource for policymakers, service providers, and community leaders working to strengthen 贬补飞补颈ʻ颈鈥檚 disaster recovery systems and ensure that progress reaches everyone.

东精影业ERO is housed in 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa will play a leading role in a new designed to take artificial intelligence (AI) out of the lab and into the natural world.

The initiative, called , will place 300 advanced sensor systems in locations across the country to monitor the environment and provide faster warnings for natural disasters such as wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.

The new funding allows 东精影业 researchers and students to join a nationwide team working to build the next generation of AI-powered “smart” sensors. These devices can analyze information directly where it is collected, without waiting for data to be sent to distant servers. That means communities, scientists, and policymakers can get quicker updates on changing conditions, whether it is smoke from a fire, shifting weather patterns, or unusual volcanic activity.

“By joining Sage Grande, 东精影业 is not only advancing disaster preparedness and environmental science, but also giving our students hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI,” said Professor Jason Leigh, director of the in 东精影业 惭ā苍辞补鈥檚 . “We鈥檙e ensuring Hawaiʻi is at the forefront of innovation where it matters most.”

Leigh said they plan to deploy two to three sensors across the Hawaiian islands next year at sites that are still to be determined. The 东精影业 Mānoa team comprises Leigh, and Chris Shuler, Han Tseng, Anke Kügler and Tom Giambelluca of the 东精影业 Mānoa .

Building on previous experience

东精影业 already has experience with this technology. In Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, a current-generation Sage sensor has been used by 东精影业 students to test generative AI tools that analyze real-time data from Kīlauea. Their early work demonstrated how AI can help answer basic but important questions, such as whether an eruption is underway.

And on Maui, 东精影业 has installed a similar sensor in Lahaina that connects to the internet via satellite. The system is being programmed to track air quality and fire risks in an area devastated by the 2023 wildfires. Supported by a separate NSF grant, the Lahaina project is also collecting climate and pollution data to aid recovery efforts and guide future planning. Local students are helping with the instruments, gaining hands-on training in both environmental science and advanced AI.

Deaths by suicide and drug overdose significantly increased in the aftermath of the August 2023 Maui wildfire, according to a new study published in the (JAMA).

Public health must be adequately prepared to respond to serious mental health consequences of wildfires and other climate-related disasters
—Alex Ortega

The study, led by Alex Ortega, dean of the , and Keawe鈥榓imoku Kaholokula, chair of the Department of Native Hawaiian Health, in the , both at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补, along with Jonathan Purtle, associate professor at , is one of the first to show that wildfires can lead to immediate deaths from suicide and drug overdose.

“Nationally and globally, we have seen an increase in devastating wildfires, and these fires can have a tremendous impact on the health and well-being of communities,” said Ortega. “Public health must be adequately prepared to respond to serious mental health consequences of wildfires and other climate-related disasters that are increasing in both frequency and severity.”

Death rates increased statewide

The researchers analyzed death records from all of Hawaiʻi鈥檚 counties from 2014 through 2023, focusing on suicides and drug overdoses. They compared the death rates before, during and after the wildfires.

Due to Centers for Disease Control data use agreements and to protect confidentiality of individuals who died, the study authors are not allowed to report numbers smaller than 10.

The study showed that in August 2023, suicide and overdose death rates increased by 46% statewide. However, the impact was much greater in Maui, where there was a 97% increase in suicide and overdose deaths compared to prior months. When limiting their analysis to just suicides in August 2023, they found that the suicide rate was 182% higher in Maui than other islands in the state.

“Prior research has found similar effects in the months after wildfires and other disasters. But the immediacy of the effects on suicide rates that we observed in Maui are unique and troubling,” said Purtle.

Researchers suggest that both direct exposure to the wildfires and indirect effects, such as concern for loved ones, may have contributed to the rise in death rates. The findings also show that residents who fled Maui for other islands could have contributed to the increase in state-wide suicide and overdose deaths.

In an earlier study led by the 东精影业 researchers, the team documented a 41% rise in 988 Lifeline calls after the Lahaina wildfires, exposing critical gaps in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 mental health infrastructure.

A call to action

This recent study emphasized the importance of early behavioral health intervention during disaster responses and recommends including suicide and overdose prevention in wildfire response and recovery plans.

Related 东精影业 News story: UH to study Lahaina wildfire response and impact on residents, July 15, 2024

Kaholokula noted disaster recovery must address more than just rebuilding physical infrastructure. “Plans should also focus on the psychological and emotional impacts communities face鈥攊ncluding hopelessness, cultural disconnection and stigma,” he said. “There needs to be a plan for suicide and substance abuse prevention, and other mental health support.”

The study used the most recent death data available from the CDC. Researchers will use 2024 data when it becomes available to see if there is was an increase in suicides and/or overdoses over the course of 2024, as more time elapsed since the wildfires.

This study is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded Maui LOA (Learnings to Overcome Adversities) project, a five-year effort led by 东精影业 researchers to understand how disasters like the Lahaina wildfires affect community, healthcare, and emergency response system resiliency. The research focuses on vulnerable populations and aims to strengthen health system resilience and improve access to care.

Two years after the devastating Maui wildfires, a new University of Hawaiʻi study paints a complex picture: the physical and emotional scars of the disaster remain, but strong community ties are proving to be a powerful force for recovery.

The research, published on August 6 in , a journal of the American Medical Association, tracked 1,174 adults through the (MauiWES). It found that while many survivors still report lingering symptoms, those with stronger social support networks experienced better mental health and resilience, even in the face of hardship.

Key findings

• Persistent health problems: Nearly half of participants (47%) still report symptoms such as fatigue, breathing difficulties and eye irritation more than a year after the fires.
• Reduced lung function near the burn zone: Among those tested, 22% had below-normal lung function, and residents living within the fire perimeter had lung function nearly 6 percentage points lower than those outside, on average.
• Mental health burden: Half screened positive for depression—up from about 30% before the fire—while 1 in 4 experienced anxiety. Suicidal thoughts, though less common, were reported by 4% of participants.

Crucial role of social support for mental well-being

Despite these challenges, one clear takeaway emerged: feeling supported matters. Survivors with strong social networks:

• Experienced five fewer days of poor health each month on average.
• Reported significantly lower depression scores, even among those with high wildfire exposure.

“Neighbors and family aren鈥檛 just a comfort—they are critical to recovery,” said study co-lead Ruben Juarez, (东精影业ERO)-HMSA Distinguished Endowed Professor of Health Economics. “Disaster response must go beyond rebuilding homes. It must strengthen the social fabric that helps people heal.”

Social support did not improve lung function, underscoring the need for ongoing clinical care to support physical health.

What this means for Maui and beyond

“This is a lesson in resilience—but also in responsibility,” said co-lead Alika Maunakea, professor in the Department of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology at the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM). “Healing after the disaster isn鈥檛 just about rebuilding; it means restoring the systems that sustain health. We need long-term investment in biomonitoring, health screenings, and mental health care—especially for our youth—to fully understand the fire鈥檚 lasting impact and to prevent the emergence of future health challenges.”

As climate-driven disasters become more frequent, the Maui experience offers a roadmap: pair long-term health monitoring with culturally grounded mental health and community-based support. The authors call for integrated strategies that link clinical care, social networks and local resilience initiatives.

MauiWES is supported by the National Institutes of Health, State of Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund and Kaiser Permanente. This public impact research project is the result of an ongoing partnership among 东精影业ERO, which is housed in the 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补 , JABSOM and .

See more 东精影业 News stories on MauiWES.

While more Maui fire-affected residents are transitioning into permanent housing and reporting greater economic stability, many remain displaced, face high rent burdens, or continue to deal with long-term income loss. That鈥檚 according to a new report released August 5, by the (东精影业ERO), offering the most comprehensive look to date at how individuals and households impacted by the August 2023 Maui wildfires are faring two years into recovery.

The report, “,” draws on nearly a year of monthly survey data from more than 950 fire-affected people, and highlights both hopeful developments and enduring struggles.

“Our findings show two realities unfolding side by side,” said 东精影业ERO Research Economist Daniela Bond-Smith. “Some households are finding new footing—moving into stable housing, returning to work and regaining stability. But others are still living with deep uncertainty, especially those with limited support and population groups who had already been marginalized prior to the fires.”

The survey—launched in August 2024 and still ongoing—includes people who lived, worked or owned a business in West Maui or Kula at the time of the fires. Its monthly format offers rare, near real-time insights into how recovery is progressing at the household level. Among its key findings:

• Permanent housing is steadily increasing, and the share of people in precarious housing situations has halved since late 2024.
• Median rents have started to decrease, particularly for smaller units such as studios and one-bedrooms.
• Rental assistance has helped many fire-affected households. Almost three-quarters of this group pay less rent in the second quarter of 2025 than before the wildfires. On the other hand, rent levels for those without full rental subsidies remain well above pre-fire norms, particularly for larger units.
• Full-time employment remains below pre-fire levels, and nearly 60% of households report lower income than before the fires.
• Poverty rates have nearly doubled, with almost one in four households now below the poverty line.
• Self-reported unmet needs have declined over time, especially in categories including housing, food and financial assistance.
• Fewer people are receiving assistance now compared to a year ago, which may reflect both greater economic stability for parts of the population and persisting gaps for others.

The report emphasizes that a meaningful recovery is underway, but that gaps in support and affordability risk leaving some fire-affected people behind as emergency programs wind down.

“As long-term planning continues, it鈥檚 important that decisions are guided by timely data grounded in the experiences of those most affected,” said 东精影业ERO Executive Director Carl Bonham. “Our goal is to provide timely insights that reflect the evolving needs of Maui鈥檚 fire-affected communities.”

The Maui Recovery Survey will continue through at least mid-2026, with 东精影业ERO releasing bimonthly updates on the .

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东精影业ERO is housed in 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

A powerful musical tribute to Lahaina and West Maui has earned Hawaiʻi鈥檚 top recording industry recognition for students and faculty at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College.

The album , created by students in the college鈥檚 Institute of Hawaiian Music (IHM), was named Compilation Album of the Year at the 2025 N膩 H艒k奴 Hanohano Awards in June.

Originally intended to celebrate West Maui through song, the project took on deeper meaning after the 2023 wildfires devastated Lahaina. IHM students responded by composing original mele that reflect the town鈥檚 rich history and their hopes for its future.

• Related 东精影业 News story: Celebrating Lahaina in song, 东精影业 Maui students record album, May 28, 2024

“We are very proud of our students, some of whom were directly impacted by the Lahaina fires. Our gatherings, where they learned to write songs for West Maui and record them in our campus’ studio, greatly contributed to their healing and forged bonds that will last our lifetimes,” said 东精影业 Maui College Associate Professor Keola Donaghy, who coordinates the IHM and is a multiple N膩 H艒k奴 Hanohano Award winner.

Student artists Bobbi Bridges, Herb Folsom, Grace Gomes, Aaron Grzanich, M膩kena Laurion, Hualani Moore, Iraj Namiranian, Al Nip and Mehra Park met nearly every Saturday in fall 2023 to write and rehearse. Recording and mixing finished in April 2024. The album was produced by Donaghy, 东精影业 Maui College lecturers Joel Katz and Stephen Fox, and Lance D. Collins.

Donaghy said, “We are especially grateful to the North Beach West Maui Benefit Fund, the HK West Maui Community Fund, and to Lance D. Collins and Jocelyn Romero Demirbag for connecting us all and making the project possible.”

This is IHM鈥檚 fourth N膩 H艒k奴 Hanohano Award, including three wins for compilation albums and one for Hawaiian EP of the Year. IHM is recruiting a new cohort of students to begin Fall 2025. Interested students can contact Donaghy at donaghy@hawaii.edu or (808) 984-3570.

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Nearly two years after the devastating August 2023 wildfires, new findings from the largest post-disaster health study in Hawaiʻi鈥檚 history—led by the University of Hawaiʻi—paint a complex picture: steady progress in some areas of recovery, but continued health and housing challenges, particularly for children and vulnerable groups.

Now following 2,000 adults and children, the (MauiWES) shows encouraging trends in emotional healing and expanded access to health insurance. However, the latest data also reveal persistent physical and mental health burdens, as well as stark warning signs among the newly enrolled cohort of children—whose struggles underscore the urgent need for pediatric care, trauma-informed services and long-term investment.

Worse health, elevated blood pressure, more

Data collected from the full cohort of 1,800 adults through January 2025 echoed 2024鈥檚 findings and revealed the long arc of recovery. Overall, 42% of adults report worse health compared to the previous year. Half show depressive symptoms, 26% report moderate-to-severe anxiety, and 4.2% have had suicidal thoughts in the past month. Meanwhile, 74% have elevated or hypertensive blood pressure, and more than a quarter show reduced lung function.

While insurance coverage has improved significantly—with fewer than 10% now uninsured—access to care remains a persistent barrier. About one in three participants report difficulty scheduling appointments or getting prescriptions, especially for chronic and respiratory conditions.

About 41% of adults are still living in temporary housing, and 25% remain unemployed but actively looking for work. Despite these struggles, 61% report high levels of support from family and friends—demonstrating the continued strength of community bonds.

Child health: Depression, PTSD, impaired breathing

Children in the MauiWES study show signs of physical healing, but their emotional well-being raises serious red flags. More than half (51%) of children ages 10–17 screen positive for depression, with 22% in the severe range. About 30% report anxiety symptoms, and nearly 45% still show signs of PTSD—8% at severe levels. One in four report low self-esteem, and many are experiencing functional challenges at school and home.

One in three children had elevated or high blood pressure, with Filipino youth most affected—16% falling into Stage 2 hypertension. Nearly 20% of children have impaired breathing capacity, especially among Asian and Filipino children. Girls show slightly more severe lung issues.

According to the report, these findings point to the need for sustained investment in pediatric care, trauma-informed school services, clean indoor air and culturally tailored mental health programs. Without early intervention, these risks could become lifelong health burdens.

Ongoing findings: Recovery in progress

Among the 1,800 adults enrolled in MauiWES, one-year follow-up data is available for 424 participants. Within this group, experts are seeing meaningful signs of recovery. Reports of worsened health dropped from 48% in year 1 to 36% in year 2. Suicidal thoughts declined by nearly half, and rates of severe depression and anxiety fell significantly. These improvements suggest that emotional healing is underway for many.

PTSD remains widespread, affecting nearly one in three participants. Physical health indicators—such as blood pressure and lung function—have worsened for many, pointing to gaps in long-term care. Access to health insurance has improved dramatically, with the uninsured rate cut in half thanks to outreach efforts and programs. Many residents—especially in rural areas—still struggle to get the chronic and respiratory condition care they need.

Nearly half of participants are still in temporary housing, and food insecurity is a common concern. Yet community resilience shines through: most participants report strong support from family and neighbors—underscoring Maui鈥檚 strength, solidarity and determination to heal.

Looking ahead

Maui is recovering—step by step, community by community. The data suggest that while the road to full recovery remains long, meaningful progress is underway. Strategies such as outreach-driven health insurance enrollment, trusted community partnerships, and culturally rooted social support have helped many residents regain stability. At the same time, long-term challenges such as chronic physical health conditions and trauma recovery as well as permanent housing needs require renewed investment and attention.

“As stability improves, deeper psychological effects are surfacing,” according to the report. “Ongoing longitudinal tracking is therefore critical to keep a pulse on these shifts, build on the trust we鈥檝e earned, and ensure that locally grounded strategies continue to foster healing, resilience, and a healthier future for all.”

See more 东精影业 News stories on MauiWES.

A new (东精影业ERO) analysis reveals significant mental health, housing and financial challenges among Maui鈥檚 immigrant communities in the aftermath of the 2023 wildfires—while also spotlighting community driven solutions.

The blog published on May 16, draws on surveys of nearly 300 participants conducted by , a multicultural immigrant justice and disaster response organization dedicated to supporting migrant and immigrant communities on Maui. Data shows that 46% of respondents report mild to severe depressive symptoms, and more than 1 in 4 experience moderate to severe anxiety—underscoring an urgent need for culturally responsive mental health services.

The wildfire鈥檚 impact on housing and income stability remains severe. More than half of respondents experienced homelessness, and nearly 60% have relocated three or more times since the disaster. Most reported working in informal, low-wage jobs with limited security, and more than 75% said their income either fails to meet or only partially covers basic needs.

Gaps in healthcare access were also stark: 17.4% of respondents remain uninsured—more than three times the Maui County average—with language barriers, legal fears and affordability cited as top obstacles.

“The data speak plainly: trauma persists, systems remain fragmented, and survival is still a daily challenge for many. Yet, within this adversity lies a roadmap for action,” according to the blog.

Despite challenges, the community鈥檚 resilience is evident. The data shows that community members are not just identifying unmet needs—they are actively seeking out culturally relevant, community based solutions. Surveyed individuals expressed strong demand for practical, culturally relevant services such as tax preparation, ITIN registration, group therapy and driver鈥檚 license test preparation.

Trust in local organizations—including the State of Hawaiʻi and Maui County—remains strong, in contrast to widespread distrust of FEMA, signaling the importance of trusted, community-rooted initiatives.

“Roots Reborn has a critical role to play—not only as a service provider, but as a trusted anchor for rebuilding lives with dignity, cultural humility and community voice at the center,” the blog said. “As Maui moves from emergency to long-term recovery, these findings must catalyze a deeper commitment—from funders, policymakers and partners alike—to build systems that are inclusive, equitable and rooted in the lived realities of those too often left out of disaster narratives.”

The full blog is available on .

东精影业ERO is housed in 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

The (东精影业ERO) has released the Hawaiʻi Housing Factbook 2025, the third edition of its annual report offering detailed analysis of the state鈥檚 housing market. The report documents continued affordability challenges, a historically low rate of housing production, and recent policy shifts, alongside emerging signs of modest improvement.

Key findings from this year鈥檚 Factbook include:

• Homeownership remains out of reach for most households: In 2024, fewer than 25% of Hawaiʻi households earned enough to afford a mortgage on the median single-family home, priced at $950,000. Condominium prices declined slightly, though rising HOA fees may offset that gain.
• Rents continue to rise, but at a slower pace: Hawaiʻi, which previously had the highest median rent in the nation, now ranks second behind California. This shift reflects a moderation in rent growth, particularly in counties that have expanded their housing supply.
• Housing supply remains constrained: The pace of new housing construction remains historically low. Housing permitting times continue to be long, especially in Honolulu and Maui. However, recent efforts such as the Ka Lei Momi public housing initiative and Honolulu鈥檚 transit-oriented development strategy aim to expand supply.
• Maui faces acute pressures: The 2023 wildfires led to sharp rent increases and a surge in homelessness. While many displaced residents remain on-island, a substantial share still lives in temporary housing. Hawaiʻi now has the highest homelessness rate in the country.
• External cost pressures are rising: Insurance premiums have increased statewide, particularly for condominiums. Supply chain issues and tariffs on building materials could further raise construction costs.
• Short-term rentals and out-of-state demand continue to impact housing availability: In 2024, short-term rentals made up 6% of the state鈥檚 housing stock. Out-of-state buyers accounted for 20% of single-family and 31% of condo purchases, with the highest concentrations on the neighbor islands.

The Factbook is based on a wide range of data sources and offers housing indicators down to the zip code level.

The full Hawaiʻi Housing Factbook 2025 is available at .

东精影业ERO is housed in 东精影业 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 .

The is offering a series of free, week-long training classes in essential carpentry skills to support Lahaina recovery efforts.

The training courses will be led by professional instructors, and participants will receive hands-on experience with carpentry equipment, tools, roofing, siding, quality control and more.

The courses include sessions specifically for high school students.

“High school students can learn the basics of carpentry while helping our community recover from the 2023 wildfires,” said Chancellor Lui Hokoana.

During the training, participants will help build sheds that will be donated to Lahaina wildfire victims to aid in their recovery.

Course schedule:

• Courses open to all: start May 19 and June 9
• Courses for 东精影业 Maui College employees only: start June 2
• Courses for high school students only: start June 16, June 23, July 7, and July 14

Classes will be held at the 东精影业 Maui College carpentry shop, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No prior experience is necessary, and space is limited.

Register for all trainings here:

In a continued effort to support Lahaina鈥檚 recovery after the 2023 Maui wildfires and invest in the next generation of leaders, the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College will once again cover tuition costs for eligible Lahainaluna High School (LHS) graduates entering college in fall 2025.

“We understand our responsibility to invest in our future, and we remain committed to serving these students in their higher educational aspirations. Through this support, these students can contribute their strengths and talents to the future of Lahaina,” said Chancellor Lui Hokoana.

This builds on a systemwide 东精影业 initiative launched in 2023, offering one-year scholarships to all LHS seniors impacted by the August 2023 wildfires. A generous anonymous donor later extended that support to two years at any 东精影业 community college and four years at any 东精影业 university.

“We were greatly encouraged and gratified by the increase in enrollment of Lahainaluna graduates in 2023 from 41% to 81% in 2024,” Hokoana said, “so we are particularly pleased to be able to continue to provide this assistance.”

Scholarship qualifications

东精影业 Maui College鈥檚 latest commitment ensures that students from Lahaina continue to have access to higher education opportunities close to home. To qualify, students must:

• Be first-time, first-year degree-seeking students
• Have been enrolled at LHS on August 7, 2023, graduating from a Hawaiʻi high school in 2025
• Be a graduate of LHS in 2025 or previously enrolled at LHS on August 7, 2023
• Reside or have resided in a Lahaina zip code (96761 or 96767) on August 7, 2023
• Demonstrate financial need through the 2025–26 FAFSA and 东精影业 Maui College award package

Scholarships will cover tuition and fees based on enrollment, up to the cost of attendance. The support is renewable for two years for associate degree students and four years for those in 东精影业 Maui College鈥檚 baccalaureate programs.

Eligible students should contact Lahainaluna Maui Student Coordinator Chelsea Kau at ckhk@hawaii.edu.