Maui’s recent wildfires are taxing county resources while also taking a toll on businesses and community groups that suffered serious damage.
“They all came at once and so it has been challenging for us,” said Val Martin, assistant chief of support services for Maui County’s Department of Fire and Public Safety.
The fire that started August 1 below Pukalani scorched roughly 5,300 acres of former sugar cane land.
The flames were accidentally sparked by Mahi Pono workers using farm equipment to prepare the field, according to the company.
The business delayed the planting of its first crops until late August.
Maui Electric is working with the landowner as crews deal with downed power lines and 36 scorched poles.
The estimated damage is approximately $1 million.