Takeaways from our collaboration on youth mental health after the Maui wildfires
September 15, 2025
Two years after wildfires devastated Lahaina, many students are still struggling with mental health issues. The Hawaii Department of Education estimates that over a third of Maui students experienced significant trauma, such as losing a family member or a parent’s job. Despite efforts to address these challenges, a shortage of mental health professionals persists. The state has tried to bring in specialists and used federal grants to support students, but hiring remains difficult. Nonprofits are stepping in with outdoor activities and peer counseling to help students cope with their anxiety and stress.