Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor, Mayor Bissen Announce Wildfires DCMP Move From State to County

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 7, 2026
HONOLULU - Governor Josh Green and Mayor Richard Bissen announced today, August 7, 2026, that the state of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services (DHS) Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program has transitioned from a state-led, to a county-led program.This shift will empower local coordination and ensure the program continues delivering essential support to wildfire-impacted residents. A major focus in the coming year will be helping survivors prepare for the February 2027 conclusion of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA's) Temporary Housing Assistance program."From the beginning, our commitment has been to stand with Maui's wildfire survivors for as long as recovery takes," said Governor Green. "DHS built a strong and successful program that has helped thousands of survivors navigate housing, healthcare, financial assistance and other critical needs. As recovery enters its next phase, Maui County is best positioned to lead this work with its local expertise, trusted community relationships and deep understanding of residents' needs. The state will remain a committed partner as Mayor Bissen and his team carry this vital work forward."

Launched in November 2023, the Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program connects Maui wildfire survivors with trained disaster case managers who help assess needs, develop recovery plans and connect survivors with appropriate resources.

"The needs of our wildfire-impacted families continue to evolve as recovery moves forward and our responsibility is to make sure they continue to have the support and resources they need along the way," Mayor Bissen said. "Bringing this program to the county allows us to strengthen coordination here at home and work more closely with our families as they navigate housing, financial and other recovery needs, particularly as we prepare for the transition from FEMA temporary housing next year. We are grateful to Governor Green and the Department of Human Services for building a strong foundation for this program and for their continued partnership as we carry this important work forward."

Wildfire-impacted residents currently participating in the program do not need to take any action and will continue to receive services without interruption.

Wildfire survivors currently enrolled in the Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program who have questions can directly contact their assigned disaster case manager. Survivors who are not yet enrolled but are interested in signing up can call 211 or [email protected].

"DHS is honored to have been able to support such a unique and successful program, helping thousands of survivors navigate the recovery process," said DHS Deputy Director Trista Speer. "As we continue to move forward, the next phase of recovery will be best served by Maui County and its local expertise, community connections and deep understanding of what resources are needed and where. DHS will continue to support the Wildfires DCMP with our incredible team and we look forward to supporting Mayor Bissen and Maui County in this crucial work."

Since its launch in 2023, the Wildfires Disaster Case Management Program has been administered by the state Department of Human Services. As of July 23, 2026, the program has: