Maui Humane Society has rescued 90 animals from fire-ravaged Lahaina since receiving access to the off-limits burn zone on Aug. 26, according to a news release.

What You Need To Know

  • Maui Humane Society and other animal rescue groups are being escorted into the burn zone by the National Guard

  • Once animals are trapped, MHS is working to connect those with a microchip to their owner

  • Animals without a microchip will be cared for by the nonprofit for 30 days before becoming available for adoption 
  • Under the Lahaina Stray Hold Policy, original owners can reclaim a pet up to 90 days after being rescued

Shortly after the Aug. 8 fire, MHS estimated there were 3,000 lost animals related to the fire. In August, animal lovers and activists held daily protests outside the Maui Mayor’s office in Wailuku, demanding animal rescue teams be allowed into the Lahaina burn zone to trap missing pets.  

Now, MHS is being escorted into the burn zone by the National Guard. Along with MHS, Animal Search and Rescue, Bissell Pet Foundation’s Animal Incident Management and Greater Good Charities are helping to trap animals. 

Once animals are trapped, MHS is working to connect those with a microchip to their owner. For animals without a microchip or other identification, MHS takes photos of them, files paperwork and prepares them to be spayed or neutered. 

The nonprofit said it is prioritizing reuniting animals with their owners who have been affected by the Lahaina fires. On their website, dogs, cats, two rabbits, a chicken and a turtle that came from Lahaina appear with a red banner that says “Lahaina.” These animals are only available for adoption 30 days after coming into MHS’s care. Under the Lahaina Stray Hold Policy, original owners can reclaim a pet up to 90 days after being rescued.

Cats found in Lahaina with unknown temperaments will be placed in a large communal cat room for up to 10 days to allow them to decompress. The cat room has indoor and outdoor areas, different levels for cats to jump and play and areas for cats to hide. MHS personnel will evaluate each cat’s behavior during this time. MHS said for cats that are determined to be feral after the decompression period “options for live outcomes will be set as priority.”  

MHS also shared a cat-rescue story with a happy ending. On the fourth day of rescuing animals in Lahaina, a friendly orange cat was trapped. At the shelter, MHS employees scanned the cat and found it had a microchip. The cat’s owner, Danielle, was immediately called, and she came within an hour. She said her cat’s name was Finn, and she was thrilled to be reunited with him.

Danielle told MHS on Aug. 8, she was separated from her two boy cats, Finn and Bali, as she evacuated Lahaina. 

“I cried everyday feeling guilty,” Danielle said. “I couldn’t break down the door to save them. I held out hope even though it had been weeks now. My partner and I just pictured their faces and hoped beyond hope they would make it by some miracle. Getting the call my Finn not only survived but was okay was the happy news we needed in these uncertain times.” 

Once reunited, Finn rubbed all over Danielle and her partner Bon, sharing in their excitement to be reunited. 

“He is skinny, but has his personality,” said Danielle. She still hopes to reunite with Bali. 

MHS encourages pet owners who are hoping to reunite with a missing pet to file a lost pet report or call (808) 877-3680 ext. 9. This helps the nonprofit to match owners with their pets. If images are uploaded with a lost pet report, facial recognition is also used to help match pets with owners. 

According to MHS, people can help Maui survivors with pets by providing emergency housing through Airbnb.org. Homeowners do not need to be an Airbnb Host to offer a space. 

Michelle Broder Van Dyke covers the Hawaiian Islands for Spectrum News Hawaii. Email her at michelle.brodervandyke@charter.com.

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