Video Gallery
EPA Completes Drinking Water and Wastewater Missions
The Environmental Protection Agency has completed its ESF-3 Water and Wastewater Mission assigned by FEMA to help Lahaina restore clean water after the devastating wildfires in Maui in 2023. This work included sampling, sewer line inspections, and contaminated water line isolations. EPA’s work was observed by Cultural Monitors to ensure appropriate protocols were followed. EPA will continue to provide technical assistance as needed and continued support with a Sustainability Advisor.
Oralani Koa, Hawaiian Language Instructor & Cultural Expert
Oralani Koa, Hawaiian cultural educator, provides a message on the importance of EPA's work on Maui. Oralani provided Cultural Sensitivity Training for EPA response staff and field crew following the Maui Wildfires in 2023.
Drinking Water Cut and Cap in Lahaina
EPA Incident Commander Jenna Manheimer walks us through the cut and cap process to ensure safe drinking water in Lahaina as part EPA’s Maui wildfire response.
EPA Samples Lahaina Drinking Water
Karl Banks, one of EPA’s incident commanders for ESF-3, discusses the mission to sample Lahaina's drinking water lines as part of wildfire recovery efforts to aid the County of Maui in restoring safe drinking water to all of Lahaina.
EPA Completes Lahaina Sewer Line Inspections
Karl Banks, incident commander for EPA's ESF-3, discusses the mission to inspect Lahaina's sewer lines as part of wildfire recovery efforts to clear debris.
EPA Hazardous Material Removal Assignment Complete - Mahalo nui, Maui
Members of EPA’s Maui Wildfires Emergency Response Team express their gratitude to the residents of Maui for their support as we conclude the hazardous materials removal process portion of our response actions. An EPA team will remain on Maui to continue assisting the county and state with assessing water infrastructure damage. Additionally, an EPA sustainability advisor is collaborating with local, state and federal agencies on long-term recovery issues.
Summary of Completion of Hazardous Materials Removal (Phase 1)
Steve Calanog, EPA’s Incident Commander, summarizes the hazardous materials removal process by the numbers, as we complete that portion of our Maui wildfires emergency response. An EPA team will remain on Maui to continue assisting the county and state with assessing water infrastructure damage. Additionally, an EPA sustainability advisor is collaborating with local, state and federal agencies on long-term recovery issues.
Deferred Properties
Rusty Harris-Bishop, a Public Information Officer with the EPA, describes what it means if a property has been “deferred” during Phase 1 of the Maui wildfire cleanup.
Maui Wildfire Response | Phase 1
EPA contractor Sarah Jenkins provides background on the Phase 1 process of the Maui wildfire cleanup. Major markings on parcels indicate which step of the process your property is currently in.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Battery Deconstruction on Maui
Learn more about EPA's process to identify, recover, transport and recycle electric and hybrid vehicle batteries as part of the Maui wildfire response.
Soiltac Application on Maui
EPA is applying Soiltac, a soil stabilizer, to the ash and debris footprints of burned buildings and vehicles to minimize dust generated when people return to their properties. The application of this stabilizer to ash and debris also minimizes the movement of ash and debris – and potential contaminants of concern – through the air and into local waterways and occupied properties.
Caution for Returning to Your Property
EPA contractor Sarah Jenkins explains the various hazards residents may encounter when returning to their properties impacted by the Maui wildfires. Please be safe when entering the burn zone, wear personal protective equipment, and follow decontamination instructions to protect your 'Ohana.
EPA Community Involvement Coordinators
EPA community involvement coordinators are boots on the ground engaging with those impacted by the Maui wildfires in Hawaii. EPA Public Affairs Specialist Georgia Thompson explains the vital role these coordinators play ensuring the public is informed and reassured about the EPA’s role in recovery efforts.
Maui Wildfire Air Monitoring
U.S. EPA Life Scientist Emma Young describes the air quality monitoring as part of EPA's response to the Maui wildfires. Please visit AirNow.gov for more information on air quality in Maui or your region.
Maui Wildfire Language Services & Support
How does the EPA reach diverse communities affected by national disasters such as wildfires on Maui in Hawaii? EPA Community Involvement Unit Leader David Yogi describes how EPA prioritizes accessibility through language support services and native and local Hawaiian support in the Maui wildfire recovery efforts. Please call (866) EPA-WEST or email r9.info@epa.gov for more information.