The Maui County Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee convened on August 6, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding disaster recovery efforts and community engagement initiatives. A significant focus of the meeting was the upcoming community presentation scheduled for August 11, which aims to outline program details related to disaster recovery and eligibility for assistance.

The managing director emphasized the importance of this presentation, noting that it will be held virtually at 2 PM. This session is intended to inform the community about the recovery programs and gather feedback from council members on potential improvements to operations and projects. The director expressed a commitment to incorporating community input into future planning.

Council member Cenantes acknowledged the hard work and dedication of county staff and partner agencies in the recovery efforts, particularly highlighting the sacrifices made by individuals involved in the response to the Lahaina disaster. Cenantes expressed gratitude for the collective efforts and suggested that a moment of reflection and appreciation for the team’s work would be beneficial.

The meeting also touched on the ongoing development of a community land trust, which was initiated in response to the needs identified in Lahaina following the disaster. The managing director shared insights on how the office has been actively listening to community concerns and researching viable solutions to support recovery.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to transparency and community involvement in the recovery process, with a clear call for public participation in the upcoming presentation. The next steps will involve gathering community feedback and refining recovery strategies based on the input received.