General Aviation Provides Assistance after Maui Wildfires

General Aviation Comes to the Rescue In Maui Fire Relief

GA is providing shelter, relief supplies in Hawaii

Atlantic Aviation staffer loads water on to relief flight — With a severe shortage of vital supplies in the fire-ravaged Lahaina, Maui-area ranging from pet food to portable generators, a staffer at the Atlantic Aviation FBO at Honolulu International Airport (PHNL) helps load a relief flight with cases of bottled water. (Photo: Atlantic Aviation)

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

August 13, 2023

General aviation companies have been among those providing relief for victims of deadly wildfires on the Hawaiian island of Maui. Relief supplies have been arriving at Maui’s Kaluhui Airport (POGG), which was undamaged by the conflagration. On Saturday, the Hawaii Department of Transportation announced it would shut down the airport's secondary 4,980-foot Runway 5/23 as it prioritizes commercial and cargo flights into the island.

The fires have proven to be the deadliest in modern U.S. history with the toll reaching nearly 100 victims as of Sunday. According to state officials, more than 2,000 structures in and around the historic town of Lahaina were burned, leaving thousands homeless and without food, water, or power. While Lahaina was destroyed, locals noted that the most severe damage was largely limited to the western shore of the island leaving the remaining infrastructure intact.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.