The Maui Humane Society said in a news release that there are still about 500 cats in the Lahaina burn zone. 

The nonprofit has been working to rescue animals from the burn zone since Aug. 26, when the MHS search-and-rescue team was first escorted into the area by the National Guard. 

Along with trapping the cats, MHS personnel have set up 75 feeding stations to provide food and water to the animals in Lahaina. 

After an animal arrives at the MHS facility in Puunene, their photo is uploaded to MHS’s website. Owners are encouraged to come to the facility to look for their missing pets. After 30 days, rescued cats who have not been claimed are available for adoption. 

Earlier in September when Spectrum News Hawaii spoke to the MHS’s CEO Lisa Labrecque, she said the Puunene facility was housing about 170 cats rescued from Lahaina. In order to care for more cats, the MHS expanded this week, adding an additional housing facility in Wailuku. 

The MHS also said it is reaching out to barn cat programs and rescues for undersocialized cats on the U.S. continent, where feral or community cats rescued from the Lahaina burn zone may eventually be sent. 

On Sept. 16, MHS and community members held a paddle out at Olowalu to remember the animals who died in the Aug. 8 Maui wildfires. Kahu Ua Maji led the paddle out with a pule (Hawaiian prayer) to honor the animals who lost their lives. The Orchid Lei Company provided flowers for the ceremony.

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