News & Resources
Federal Field Hearing Scheduled for September 4, 2024
Sessions Announces Field Hearing in Hawaii on Federal Response to Maui Wildfires
WASHINGTON—Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce Chairman Pete Sessions (R-Texas) today announced a hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires” to examine the ongoing federal response to the devastating wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii that occurred in August 2023.
“The wildfires in Maui coincided with the Subcommittee’s hearing in Ft. Myers, FL, to review the federal government’s recovery efforts to Hurricane Ian. We just passed the one-year anniversary of the tragedy in Maui. This hearing provides an opportunity to determine whether lessons learned in Florida have been implemented or whether congressional action may be necessary. It is also an opportunity to review additional aspects of the recovery process that the specific circumstances and characteristics of Maui will highlight. I am holding this hearing in close conjunction with my colleagues from the Hawaiian delegation, and together we intend to ensure the people of Hawaii receive the necessary support from federal agencies,” said Subcommittee Chairman Sessions.
WHAT: Hearing titled “Assessing the Federal Government’s Response to the 2023 Maui Wildfires”
DATE: September 4, 2024
TIME: 10:00 AM HST
LOCATION: Lahaina Civic Center, Social Hall, 1840 HI-30, Lahaina, HI 96761
WITNESS:
Panel I:
- Mr. Bob Fenton, Regional Administrator (Region 9), Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Col. Eric Swenson, Commander, St. Paul District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Mr. Francisco Sánchez, Jr., Associate Administrator, Office of Disaster Recovery & Resilience, Small Business Administration
- Ms. Cheree Peterson, Deputy Regional Administrator (Region 9), Environmental Protection Agency
Panel II: State/Local Witnesses
- Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, Governor’s Office
- Mr. Richard Bissen, Mayor, Maui County
- Ms. Lauren Nahme, Hawaii Community Foundation, SVP of the Maui Recovery Office
- Mr. Sne Patel, LahainaTown Action Committee
- Mr. Ke’eaumoku Kapu, President & CEO, Na Aikane O Maui
The hearing will be open for viewing to the public and press and will be livestreamed online at https://oversight.house.gov/. Please note this hearing is intended for lawmakers to hear from invited witnesses and it is not a public forum.
Media wishing to attend the hearing should RSVP here.
Shop local and show aloha for Maui at Kokua for Maui
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa Hosts Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha
April 5th Event Supports Lahaina Small Businesses & Artisans Impacted by 2023 Wildfires
MAUI, HAWAII – On Friday, April 5, 2024, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa will host “Kokua for Maui,” an event where Maui residents and visitors can shop and show their aloha for local artisans and Lahaina small businesses who were impacted by the August 2023 wildfires. In partnership with the County of Maui, County of Maui Office of Economic Development, and LahainaTown Action Committee, the event will be held at Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa’s Maui Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The ‘ohana at Sheraton Maui is committed to incorporating programming that gives travelers the opportunity to give back to our community, who is still grieving and has lost so much,” said Tetsuji Yamazaki, general manager of Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa. “We are honored to host the Kokua for Maui event at our resort, where we can provide a venue for Lahaina businesses to continue to connect with locals and visitors to Maui, and support the Maui economy.”
Kokua for Maui will feature Lahaina small businesses including Maui Pineapple Store, Lahaina Music, Maui Toy Works, Kama Lei Design, Hangloose Hammocks Hawaii, Starfishaloha, Story of Hawaii Museum Exhibit and Gallery, Moonbow Tropics, Hale Zen, Lahaina Honey, Maui Ku’ia Estate Chocolate, Olivia by the Sea, Gallery Kaipua, Maui Community Sailing Foundation, Let’s Go, Kiddo!, Manakai Swimwear, MauiGrown 808, Makana Hawaii, West Maui Sports and Fishing Supply, Khloella’s Garden, Kohola Brewery and more.
Musical guests, sponsored by Kanuihele, include Kaleo Phillips, Logan Kalawai‘a, Gabe Goebbert, as well as Marvin Tevaga, a Lahaina resident and dedicated member of the Maui Police Department, who lost his home in the fires and continues to inspire his community with his music. He recently released a new song, “Take Me Home (Lahaina),” written with his neighbor Damon Williams.
“We wanted to write a song that spoke to the people of Lahaina – those that live here, who are from Lahaina and moved away, and people who love Lahaina altogether. Take Me Home (Lahaina) inspires people to remember what Lahaina was to them, to support one another. There is still hope and kokua for us,” said Tevaga.
Valet parking is available for $5 for all event attendees, payable at Sheraton Maui’s front desk.
For more information, visit https://www.mauinuifirst.com/kokua
Lahaina Career Fair and Pop-Up Makeke
The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Workforce Development Office, American Job Center, and the University of Hawaii Maui College (UHMC) will be hosting on Thursday, April 4, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. a Lahaina Career Fair and Pop-Up Makeke. Join us for an event that brings together the best of both worlds — Lahaina Employers and Small Business Vendors.
Approximately, 40 employers and 10 small businesses attendees will be allowed, so please sign up early. Each organization will receive a 6 ft. table and two chairs to be hosted at Lahaina Civic Center.
This collaborative event will host a combination of Lahaina Employers, Small Business, and Resource providers. Space is limited as we will balance the combination of participants to attend, first-come, first-serve. Our aim is to serve as many employers that provide job opportunities that hire on-the-spot to help job seekers.
To register for a table, please complete this form by Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Space is limited, first come, first serve basis. You will receive an email to be officially confirmed. Registration may end earlier due to space limitations.
The American Job Center and Maui County Virtual Job Fair (MCVJF) staff will email you to confirm receipt of your registration. If you have any questions please call (808) 270-5777 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for more information. Additional logistical details about the Maui County Career & Resource Fair event will be provided to you in a separate email the week prior to the event.
REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS
Maui Business Bridge Grants
This grant program is being offered by the State of Hawaii, County of Maui, Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO), Credit Unions of Maui, and Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB). The purpose of this grant program is to support Maui-based businesses that have been directly or indirectly impacted by the August 8, 2023 Lahaina and Upcountry wildfires.
In order to be eligible to receive funding, business owners must have:
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an active registration license, established prior to August 1, 2023, with the Hawaiʻi Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA). Please check your business registration status HERE (DCCA)
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a primary business operating location on Maui as of July 31, 2023
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an active Hawaii General Excise Tax ID (GET ID), with a registered business address on Maui.
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Please check your Hawaii GET License status HERE (GET)
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Scroll down to “Business” section and click “search tax licenses”.
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NOTE: Only General Excise (GE) IDs are valid. Withholding (WH) or Transient Accommodation (TA) IDs are not eligible.
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a copy of a recent Hawaii GET filing, dated within the period of August 31, 2022 through July 31, 2023. A 2022 annual G49 filing is preferred to determine annual gross income. For information on obtaining a GET filing copy, please contact the Hawaii Department of Taxation Maui District Office or log in to your Hawaii Tax Online account.
Rental Property income landlords/businesses are not eligible for this funding opportunity.
Applications will be accepted until funds are exhausted. Due to the high demand for grant funding, it may not be possible to provide grants to all eligible applicants. Grants will range from $1,000 to $20,000, with the assigned grant processing agency determined by the applicant’s gross annual income for the 2022 tax year or an extrapolation of the most recent General Excise Tax (GET) filing period for businesses established for less than one year.
The grant processing agency will be assigned depending on the applicant’s gross annual income for the 2022 tax year, or for businesses established for less than 1 year, an extrapolation of the most recent General Excise Tax (GET) filing period as follows:
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Maui Economic Opportunity: $0 – $300,000
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Credit Unions of Maui: $300,001 – $599,999
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Maui Economic Development Board: $600,000 and above
If awarded, funds may be used for the following costs incurred as of August 9, 2023 or later:
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Rent, lease payments, or mortgage payments on new property secured as a replacement for property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Utility deposits and bills for a new business location secured as a replacement for property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Insurance premiums.
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Inventory, Equipment, Supplies and Marketing.
If awarded, funds may NOT be used for the following:
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Rent, lease payments, or mortgage payments associated with property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Any utility charges associated with property destroyed or damaged during the August 8, 2023 Maui Wildfires.
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Repayment of any loans.
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Staff salaries, wages or payroll inclusive of benefits.
Each grant processing agency reserves the right to establish additional eligibility criteria, document requirements, funding restrictions, and grant activity requirements.
If awarded, grant revenue may be taxable. Consult with a tax professional regarding proper tax treatment of these funds.
Once an application is submitted, a notice will be issued to inform the applicant of whether or not eligibility criteria has been met. Eligible applicants will be informed of their grant processing agency and will be contacted directly by that agency for further processing and award determinations. Please visit our website often for news on upcoming Business Recovery Funding and other Business Assistance opportunities.
Kokua for Maui Month
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
October 27, 2023
Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha: A Collective Effort to Support Maui
In the spirit of aloha and unity, Hawaii’s four mayors have jointly launched November as “Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha” Month. This collaborative effort, led by the County of Maui in partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi, City and County of Honolulu, County of Hawaiʻi, County of Kauaʻi, and various community partners; aims to provide essential support for Maui’s people and businesses as they continue to recover from the devastating August wildfires.
County of Maui Mayor Richard Bissen shared, “Maui’s people and businesses have demonstrated incredible resilience during these trying times, and ‘Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha’ is dedicated to bolstering their efforts while revitalizing the island’s economy.”
This initiative will feature a series of events and activities throughout November, including the following, with more events to be announced shortly:
10th Annual Hawaiian Airlines Made in Maui Festival (Nov. 3-4): Presented by the Maui Chamber of Commerce and supported by the County of Maui Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, this festival celebrates locally made products, stimulating the island’s economy.
22nd Annual Native Hawaiian Convention (Nov. 14-17): The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) made a conscious decision to move their convention to Maui; an event that features discussions on culture, economic development, education, with a focus on Maui’s history and future.
Hawai‘i Food & Wine Festival (Nov. 18): In partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, this gourmet event at Humble Market Kitchin by Roy Yamaguchi and Wailea Beach Resort will contribute to Maui’s recovery.
Kokua for Maui at the Hilo Farmers Market (Nov. 18): Maui small businesses will be hosted by the County of Hawaiʻi and the Hilo Farmers Market, offering a touch of Maui on Hawaiʻi Island.
Kokua for Maui at the Neal Blaisdell Center (Nov. 19): This collaborative event with the City and County of Honolulu and community partners features Maui-based vendors and their products.
Kokua for Maui in Waikiki (Nov. 20-21): Bringing Maui’s entrepreneurs to showcase their products, art, and more; allowing visitors to support and show aloha for Maui and its businesses.
The MauiNuiFirst.com website also includes a directory of local businesses you can support.
Hawai‘i State Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke underscored the importance of supporting local businesses and families, saying, “November is typically the month for giving, and we all know someone affected by the Maui wildfires. Our islands might be separated by ocean, but we’re one island state. When one island hurts, we all feel it. We keep hearing from people, how we can help? One way to make a real difference for small businesses and local families is to keep supporting local.”
For more information and updates on “Kokua for Maui – Shop & Show Aloha,” please visit MauiNuiFirst.com.
About MauiNuiFirst.com: MauiNuiFirst.com is an online directory created by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development to celebrate and support the diverse businesses, products, services, and activities that make “Maui Nui” no ka oi. Serving as a vital resource for both businesses and consumers alike, it plays a pivotal role in nurturing a strong, interconnected community.
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LAC Businesses Impacted by Wildfire Meeting 9/5/23
The LahainaTown Action Committee (LAC) collaborated with local government officials to organize a crucial meeting for our valued members and businesses most affected by the Lahaina Wildfire. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Senator Lynn DeCoite and her office for their invaluable support in coordinating a panel designed to specifically address the questions presented by our members.
To access the meeting recording, please follow the link below or reach out to president@visitlahaina.com if you need assistance accessing the video. Furthermore, we are fully committed to producing a comprehensive document that compiles the questions submitted by LAC members alongside the responses from government officials. This document will be promptly shared with our dedicated LahainaTown Action Committee members and made available on our website for the benefit of the wider community.
In these intricate and sensitive times for Lahaina, we recognize the paramount importance of transparency and inclusivity. While our primary focus was addressing the immediate needs of our members, it is clear that the entire West Maui Community is seeking answers and solutions. We sincerely hope that by sharing this meeting video with the public, we can inspire other groups to seek the same level of attention and responsiveness for their unique needs.
We deeply regret any confusion or inconvenience caused by misleading communications regarding attendance at this meeting without prior registration. These messages and social posts were disseminated by individuals seeking to divide us. The survival and recovery of Lahaina from one of the most significant natural disasters in recent history depends on our collective efforts. If you were turned away today and are a business within the impact zone or on West Maui in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Our dedicated board president, Sne Patel, is readily available to personally address your concerns.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Together, we can foster a more informed and engaged community.
Sne Patel, LAC President
LahainaTown Action Committee
September 5th, 2023 4:40 PM HST