🌱 How new federal funds will keep Lahaina powered during disasters
Lahaina, Hawaii Patch AM: a 5 min read
Good morning Lahaina! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
How new federal funds will keep Lahaina powered during disasters
How Lahaina’s wildfire lessons now guide disaster help across Hawaiʻi
How new funding will preserve Lahaina’s wildfire stories for future generations
Also on today's calendar: Nashville Nights & Jerrod Niemann and 1 more event.
Today's riddle: What has a neck but no head? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Saturday: A couple of morning showers, with a high of 87 and low of 73 degrees.
🌶 Hot!
Sunday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 86, low: 73.
Monday: A couple of showers, with a high of 88 and low of 74 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• State to receive $18.5M for electric grid projects (staradvertiser.com) — Lahaina will gain a critical power hub at the Civic Center, backed by federal funding to keep key services running during future outages. Part of an $18.5 million resilience package, the project also supports a Cannery Mall hub, grid upgrades and a West Maui hazard assessment, aiming to reduce blackout times and protect essential community lifelines.
• Before aid arrives, Hawaii's community networks step up (thegardenisland.com subscription) — Community networks that first came together after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire are now a backbone of disaster response across Hawaiʻi, often stepping in long before government aid arrives. A Lahaina resident recalls Molokaʻi boats bringing supplies when survivors were isolated and hungry, and now sees Maui returning that kōkua to other islands hit by Hurricane Lala. Leaders stress that trusted local hubs and Native Hawaiian values are central to recovery.
• Center for Oral History receives funding for future projects on Maui and beyond (hawaiipublicradio.org) — New funding for the University of Hawaiʻi Center for Oral History will support collecting and preserving stories from Maui communities, including those in Lahaina affected by the 2023 wildfires. Leaders say the goal is to honor people’s experiences, resilience, and history, not just the disaster itself. The center is also planning new collaborations with HPR and marking its 50th anniversary this fall.
Sonny Lim, Shem Kahawaii, & Wainani → Slack Key Show - Masters of Hawaiian Music, Located in the Aloha Pavilion, Napili Kai Beach Resort, Lahaina
6:30 pm
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
Just had Hawaiian Telcom installed yesterday in Kahana and I am amazed at how well it works! The installer, Drake, was very thoughtful and creative in installing the wires and equipment in the least visible manner outside and inside my home. … (Nextdoor Lower Kahana)
I have a studio apartment for rent: 500 square feet, separate entrance, Wi-Fi and electric included, no cable, access to laundry room, storage space available $1700/mo. , Mahinahina St… (Nextdoor Mahinahina)
Gecko Hospitality posted a job opening for Restaurant Sous Chef in Lahaina. Apply here.
Royal Lahaina Resort posted a job opening for Casual Cashier/Hostess in Lahaina. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Lahaina here.
🗞 Nearby News
Wailuku
Trumpet virtuoso Eddie Henderson to play Maui Jazz and Blues Festival (mauinews.com)
Honolulu Coffee Co. teams up with Tumua Tuinei for collab (khon2.com)
Sharon Har joins Catholic Charities Housing Development Corporation as Housing Development Director (mauinow.com)
Maui Surf Forecast for August 28, 2026 (mauinow.com)
Ok Lahaina! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A bottle (Thank you Netty W. for sending it in!) Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!