The devastating wildfires that scorched Maui earlier this year continue to cast a long shadow, with Governor Josh Green now estimating the recovery effort could cost state taxpayers a staggering half-billion dollars over the next two years. This figure, announced on Monday, paints a stark picture of the financial consequences of the disaster and highlights the uncertainties that lie ahead.
The estimated cost encompasses a wide range of expenses, including debris removal, infrastructure repair, and rebuilding destroyed homes and businesses. However, a significant portion, $60 million, is earmarked for the newly established Ohana Recovery Fund. This fund aims to. . .