A new resource center in Lahaina was established to serve pets affected by the Maui fires six months ago.
The Maui Humane Society's Lahaina Pet Resource Center, located at 48 Ulupono Street, provides owners with free pet food, pet supplies, vaccines and microchips.
The center also has a weekly mobile animal clinic and staff to connect owners with pet-friendly housing.
Provided by Maui Humane Society
Wildfire community liaison Johnny Lingao said the resource center offers hope to pet owners who are struggling to find stable housing, especially properties where they can keep their animals.
Lingao said dogs, cats and even rabbits were there to greet the center's opening on Wednesday.
“To everyone who has brought their fur babies, we're seeing that glow of hope and positivity,” he told HPR. “Because it's already been six months since the fire, and each situation is unique, many people feel defeated.”
MHS says it has rescued approximately 800 animals from the Lahaina fire. Nearly 200 animals were reunited with their families, and about 130 were adopted by new families.
The organization, which has hired 15 additional staff to create a firefighting task force, also currently cares for about 300 “fire cats,” among more than 600 other pets.
In addition, more than 400 pets are living in hotels with evacuated families.
However, Lingao said finding affordable and pet-friendly housing is an ongoing challenge for pet owners. He added that MHS is working with local property managers and federal partners to find a solution.
“The basic principle is that people who have lost everything and all they have should survive together with the animals,” he said. “We want to give them a home here on Maui.”
MHS recently received nearly $11 million in fire donations to assist displaced animals and their owners.
