As the island of Maui solemnly remembers the devastating wildfires from a year ago, a "week of remembrance" has commenced to honor the victims and celebrate the community's resilience. In a news conference at 8 a.m. Thursday, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, alongside state and federal officials, gathered to remark upon the anniversary of the fires that claimed 102 lives, with two individuals still missing as reported by Hawaii News Now.

Various events, which have been scheduled to run from August 8 through August 11, aim to gather community members and provide spaces for mourning and unity. The commemoration, dubbed Kuhinia Maui, includes musical performances, prayer groups, and luncheons. One standout event from Thursday was a "Paddle Out" at Hanaka’o’o Beach Park, while the week also features luncheons, such as the "Upcountry Aloha Luncheon," and memorial gatherings. "Our community is strongest when we’re able to support each other," Mayor Bissen explained, affirming the importance of solidarity in times of tragedy, as noted by Hawaii News Now.

State and county leaders have also publicly shared their sentiments on the anniversary. In a statement acquired by Maui Now, Maui State Senators Lynn DeCoite, Angus McKelvey, and Troy Hashimoto acknowledged the community's strength and spirit of aloha. "Each and every life lost and survived has a story and a memory," their statement read, expressing a dedication to community and rebuilding. Hawaii House Speaker Scott K. Saiki also underscored the legislature's commitment to Maui's recovery efforts.

At the core of the week's commemorations is a focus on healing the community together. The Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety is to conduct a moment of silence—lasting 102 seconds—in honor of the lives lost. This gesture, along with the lighting of the County Building Atrium in pink and the collection of letters and artwork in support of Maui, speaks to the overarching desire to never forget those affected by the wildfires. U.S. and Hawaii state flags are being flown at half-staff, from sunrise Thursday until the following Monday, by order of Gov. Josh Green, reflecting the gravity of loss experienced by the community.

Fellow islanders and leaders, like Mayor Mitch Roth of Hawaii Island, have joined in showing their support, inviting individuals to partake in the day of remembrance in their own way. Additionally, Mayor Roth has encouraged the submission of letters and poems to show solidarity, which will be shared with Mayor Bissen's office on Maui, as per Hawaii News Now. Together, these gestures encapsulate Maui's journey through adversity, underscored by a unified spirit of community and perseverance.