Maui Expands Disaster Recovery Office to Aid Kona Storm Rebuilding

The County's Office of Recovery will now coordinate long-term recovery efforts for all future emergencies and natural disasters.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 11:42am

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A dramatic landscape painting depicting heavy rain and stormy skies over a lush, tropical Maui setting, conveying the power of nature and the need for resilience in the face of natural disasters.Maui's Office of Recovery expands its mission to help the island community rebuild and prepare for future natural disasters with a proactive, community-focused approach.Lahaina Today

In the wake of devastating wildfires in 2023 and recent back-to-back Kona storms, Maui County is strengthening its commitment to long-term recovery by expanding the focus of its Office of Recovery. The office, initially established after the 2023 fires, will now oversee recovery efforts for all future emergencies and natural disasters in the county.

Why it matters

This shift signifies a move towards proactive rebuilding and resilience, as the County recognizes the importance of sustained effort beyond the initial crisis response. The recent Kona storms, which caused widespread damage, underscored the need for a dedicated office focused on long-term solutions.

The details

The Office of Recovery, led by Administrator John Smith, will coordinate efforts across all County departments and leverage state and federal resources. This centralized approach aims to streamline recovery projects and programs. The www.mauirecovers.org website is launching a new section dedicated to Kona storm recovery, and residents and businesses impacted are encouraged to sign up for updates.

  • The County of Maui began repairs immediately after the recent storms, utilizing its emergency fund with County Council approval, rather than waiting for federal or state funding.
  • A community meeting was held on Thursday, March 27, 2026, hosted by Mayor Richard Bissen, drawing over 100 attendees from Upcountry Maui. Additional meetings are scheduled for 'Īao Valley (March 29), South Maui (March 31), and West Maui (April 1).

The players

Richard Bissen

The Mayor of Maui County, who initially established the Office of Recovery following the 2023 wildfires and is now expanding its focus to encompass all future emergencies and natural disasters.

John Smith

The Administrator of the Maui County Office of Recovery, which will coordinate long-term recovery efforts across all County departments and leverage state and federal resources.

Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)

The agency that will continue to handle short-term disaster response, including preparation and coordination of immediate aid, while the Office of Recovery focuses on longer-term rebuilding and restoration.

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What they’re saying

“Expanding the County of Maui Office of Recovery's focus to oversee long-term recovery for all disasters ensures that our community isn't just reacting in the moment, but staying committed to rebuilding for the future.”

— Richard Bissen, Mayor

What’s next

Additional community meetings are scheduled for 'Īao Valley (March 29), South Maui (March 31), and West Maui (April 1) to engage residents in the recovery process.

The takeaway

Maui County's proactive approach to disaster recovery, with the expansion of the Office of Recovery, reflects a growing trend in emergency management towards increased focus on resilience, data-driven decision making, community engagement, and public-private partnerships to ensure communities are better prepared for and able to recover from future disasters.