Watch "MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai'i's Future" Friday on ABC
ABC News Studios announced "MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai'i's Future," a one-hour primetime special marking a year since the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history tore through the picturesque town of Lahaina, Maui, leaving a community reeling and inspiring a new generation of organizers ready to stand up for change. Narrated by actor and Hawai'i resident Jason Scott Lee, the program highlights the strength, determination and resilience of the people of Lahaina and follows Native Hawaiian community leaders who see the tragedy as an opportunity to re-envision a new town based on ecological restoration, cultural repair, and ultimately a chance to build a stronger, more equitable and more sustainable future for all of Hawai'i. On Thursday, Aug. 8, ABC News' reporting initiative "Maui Strong 808," which has been dedicated to chronicling the impact of the crisis and relief efforts, will highlight its yearlong commitment with coverage across programs and platforms, culminating with ABC News Studios' "MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai'i's Future," airing Friday, Aug. 9, at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC, streaming the next day on Hulu. Be sure to watch on the ABC app from your smartphone and tablet (iOS and Android), computer on ABC.com and connected devices (Roku, AppleTV and Amazon Fire TV).
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"MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai'i's Future" spotlights Lahaina leaders who see the catastrophic fire as a pivot point and opportunity to rectify long-standing issues around affordable housing, the tourism-based economy, water rights and resource exploitation. Interviews include legendary Hawaiian surfer Archie Kalepa; Hawaiian cultural practitioner Ke'eaumoku Kapu; key organizers of the grassroots community group Lahaina Strong, Pā'ele Kiakona, Courtney Lazo and Jordan Ruidas; "American Idol" winner and Hawaiian-born singer Iam Tongi and more.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, ABC News' "Maui Strong 808" coverage on network programs and platforms includes the following:
"Good Morning America" will explore the progress made one year after the fires devastated Maui, examining both the advancements in rebuilding and the ongoing challenges. ABC News correspondent and Maui-born Becky Worley will speak with officials, homeowners and communities that lost everything, providing an in-depth look at the efforts to recover and heal.
ABC News Live will debut a new, 30-minute special that will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Maui fires and explore the theme of "kuleana," the Hawaiian word for responsibility and one's contribution to the community. Worley reports from Maui on the progress that's been made on the island since the tragedy, how the community continues to heal, and the changes that have been made to prevent another fire disaster on the island. The streaming special will include an exclusive aerial tour inside the impacted zone and feature interviews with Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Hawai'i State Rep. Elle Cochran, Maui wildfire survivors and more. "Maui Strong 808: Rising from the Ashes" begins streaming on Aug. 8 at 8:30 p.m. EDT on ABC News Live.
ABC News Digital will host an immersive page on ABCNews.com, looking back at the calamity in Maui and detailing the milestones of recovery in the year since to mark the anniversary. The digital hub will house "Maui Strong 808" content from across ABC News programs and platforms, including articles, video segments, interviews, special projects and more.
ABC Audio will share an audio-only version of "MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai'i's Future" on Saturday, Aug. 10, and ABC News' daily flagship podcast "Start Here" will include coverage of the special and reporting on the ongoing efforts in Maui as part of the program that week.
"World News Tonight with David Muir," "Nightline" and "GMA3: What You Need to Know" will include additional coverage of the anniversary of the Maui fires.
"MAUI RISING: The Fight for Hawai'i's Future" is produced by ABC News Studios and is part of ABC News' "Soul of a Nation" portfolio, dedicated to inclusive storytelling. Melia Patria is executive producer, Monica DelaRosa is senior producer, and Stephanie Maurice is executive editorial producer. Mike Kelley is head of ABC News Studios.