"Maui Red Cross Shelters Close as Displaced Residents Seek Hotel Accommodations, Businesses Brace for Tourism Impact"

The American Red Cross will be closing its five congregate shelters on Maui and relocating displaced residents to hotel rooms, where they will live free of charge. Around 750 hotel rooms have been secured for this purpose, and local hotels have been cooperative in making these arrangements. The Vice President for Disaster Operations for the American Red Cross described the aftermath of the wildfires as unprecedented in terms of destruction and trauma. Charitable organizations and volunteers have been providing assistance and services to the affected residents. The hotel accommodations will be available to residents of the fire zone who register with FEMA, and wraparound services will continue to be provided. The federal and state governments will cover the expenses, and federal money will also be used to support those without legal status. FEMA has approved over $3.8 million in assistance to affected households, and more than 5,000 people have registered for aid.