Maui Businesses Face Immediate Operational Disruptions and Accelerated Recovery Needs Following Emergency Proclamation

Maui County's recent emergency proclamation, signed on February 7, 2026, ahead of severe weather forecasts, signals a critical period for island-based businesses. This declaration is not merely a procedural step; it activates the county's authority to rapidly access state and federal disaster assistance funds and resources, potentially streamlining response and recovery efforts. For businesses, particularly those in tourism and small operations, this means preparedness for immediate impacts and a need for swift action in the aftermath to mitigate losses and leverage available aid.

The Change

Mayor Richard Bissen's emergency proclamation on February 7, 2026, formally designates Maui County as being at risk from imminent severe weather. This declaration allows the county government to bypass standard bureaucratic procedures to procure necessary goods and services, authorize emergency repairs, and facilitate the swift deployment of personnel and resources. Critically, it also opens the door for Maui County to formally request and receive disaster relief funds and support from the State of Hawaii and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The National Weather Service has indicated that Maui may be the most significantly impacted island, underscoring the urgency of these measures.

Who's Affected?

Tourism Operators

Hotels, vacation rentals, tour companies, and hospitality businesses on Maui are directly in the storm's projected path. The emergency proclamation suggests the potential for significant disruption to visitor services, including transportation, activities, and accommodation. Properties may sustain damage requiring immediate repairs, impacting occupancy rates and guest safety. Furthermore, the island's infrastructure, including roadways and airports, could be compromised, leading to flight cancellations and visitor displacement.

• Impact: Potential revenue loss due to cancellations and damage, increased operational costs for repairs and safety measures, and reputational risk if recovery is slow.
• Timeline: Immediate operational halts during the storm, with damage assessment and recovery needs arising within 24-48 hours post-event.

Small Business Operators

Restaurants, retail shops, service providers, and local franchises face immediate threats to their physical assets and operational continuity. Power outages, flooding, and wind damage can lead to temporary or extended closures, spoilage of inventory, and loss of income. The emergency proclamation, by enabling faster resource deployment, can also expedite the availability of certain forms of business support, but businesses must be ready to apply and document losses.

• Impact: Direct physical damage to premises and inventory, prolonged business interruption, and potential staffing challenges if employees cannot travel or work.
• Timeline: Operational disruption during the event; immediate need for damage assessment and aid application within the first week.

Real Estate Owners

Property owners, developers, and landlords, particularly those with coastal or vulnerable properties, must prepare for potential damage. The emergency proclamation facilitates expedited permitting for emergency repairs and rebuilding. However, securing insurance claims and navigating the debris removal process will be crucial. For commercial properties, damage could lead to extended vacancies and renegotiations of lease terms.

• Impact: Property damage, increased insurance premiums, potential delays in development projects, and costs associated with repairs and restoration.
• Timeline: Damage assessment begins immediately post-storm; insurance claims and repair permitting processes need swift initiation.

Agriculture & Food Producers

Farmers and food producers are vulnerable to crop destruction, livestock loss, and damage to agricultural infrastructure (e.g., irrigation systems, storage facilities). The proclamation's provisions for accessing state and federal assistance are vital for recovery, but the immediate focus must be on securing livestock, protecting vulnerable crops if possible, and assessing damage to fields and equipment.

• Impact: Loss of crops, livestock, and capital investment; disruption to supply chains and distribution networks.
• Timeline: Immediate risk during the storm; ongoing assessment and recovery planning in the days and weeks following.

Second-Order Effects

The invocation of an emergency proclamation and subsequent disaster relief efforts trigger a cascade of effects within Hawaii's unique island economy. Initially, the focus is on immediate response: emergency procurement can lead to short-term price spikes for essential goods and services as demand surges. Following the event, as businesses access aid and begin rebuilding, there's a heightened demand for construction labor and materials, potentially exacerbating existing shortages and driving up costs for all development projects. This can delay non-emergency construction, impacting the availability and cost of commercial and residential real estate. Furthermore, significant damages in key tourism areas can lead to a short-term dip in visitor arrivals, impacting the broader service economy and potentially leading to reduced hours or layoffs for workers in the hospitality sector before recovery efforts stabilize employment.

What to Do

Tourism Operators

• Act Now: Immediately review and activate your business's disaster preparedness and communication plans. Inform guests of potential service disruptions or safety protocols. Secure property, especially outdoor elements, and prepare for potential site assessments for damage within 24 hours of the storm's end.
• Action Details: Begin documenting all damages with photos and videos as soon as it is safe to do so. Initiate contact with your insurance providers within 48 hours to formally file claims. Ensure communication channels with staff are open and clear for post-storm coordination.

Small Business Operators

• Act Now: Cease all non-essential operations during the severe weather. Protect inventory and equipment from potential damage if possible. As soon as conditions are safe, conduct a thorough damage assessment. Document all losses meticulously and begin the process of applying for any available emergency grants or low-interest loans through county, state, or federal channels.
• Action Details: Prioritize safety for yourself and your employees. After the storm passes, conduct a physical inspection of your premises. Compile a detailed inventory of damaged goods and equipment, along with repair cost estimates, for insurance and disaster aid applications. Check the Maui County Office of Economic Development website for immediate business support resources.

Real Estate Owners

• Act Now: Secure properties to minimize damage. After the storm passes and it is safe, inspect all properties for structural damage, water intrusion, and hazards. Immediately notify your insurance carrier to initiate the claims process and begin documenting all damage. Identify any necessary emergency repairs that may qualify for expedited permitting under the emergency proclamation from Maui County Building Permits.
• Action Details: Document storm-related damages with clear photographic and video evidence. Obtain preliminary repair estimates from qualified contractors. If you plan to undertake repairs that fall under emergency clauses of the proclamation, consult with the Maui County Department of Public Works.

Agriculture & Food Producers

• Act Now: Implement any pre-storm mitigation strategies for crops and livestock. As soon as it is safe, assess the extent of damage to crops, fields, irrigation systems, and farm buildings. Contact agricultural extension services or relevant state agencies like the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for guidance on post-storm recovery and potential aid programs.
• Action Details: Prioritize the safety of livestock and personnel. Document crop losses, livestock mortality, and damage to farm infrastructure. Begin exploring available disaster assistance programs, such as those offered by the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), which often complements state and local aid.