On August 8, 2023, wildfires ripped across three different areas of Maui. The most destructive fire was the one in Lahaina that destroyed thousands of homes, businesses, and cultural sites. To date, 99 individuals perished. The wildfire in Kula also destroyed homes and displaced residents. As the Surfrider Foundation Maui Chapter, we continue to support its community through a variety of direct relief efforts. We are also focusing on how we best respond to current and emerging environmental concerns, support the West Maui surfing and ocean recreation community, and ensure that rebuilding efforts are community driven and reflect sustainable design principles.
With the right plants, smart planning, and simple maintenance, we can work together to reduce the chances that our homes and neighborhoods burn when wildfires occur. Let’s move forward together toward a fire-resilient future.