Maui’s Deadly Firestorm is PBS Frontline’s year-long investigation into the devastating August 2023 wildfire that claimed 102 lives and destroyed the historic town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii. The documentary uncovers a systemic lack of preparedness despite decades of warnings, critical failures in the emergency response to the fire, and examines ongoing tensions as the community reflects on the tragedy and attempts to rebuild in the wake of America’s deadliest wildfire in a century. Led by writer, producer, and director Xinyan Yu, with producer Christina Avalos and Hawai‘i-based field producer Keoni Alvarez, the documentary was produced by FRONTLINE at GBH in Boston and broadcast nationwide on PBS. It recently won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Climate, Environment and Weather Coverage at the 46th Annual News & Documentary Emmy Awards, hosted by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in New York City. Join us for a screening and discussion!
📸 Featured Speakers:
- Xinyan Yu – Writer, Producer, Director (via Zoom)
- Keoni Alvarez – Local Field Producer
- UʻI Kahue-Cabanting – Lahaina Cultural Practitioner & Educator
- Kat Tracy – Akakū Education & Production Director, Moderator
Register here for free to secure your spot. Seating is limited! Doors open at 5:45pm and the salon starts promptly at 6pm.
Offered on the third Thursday of each month at Akakū’s Media Lab, Akakū Upstairs is a community outreach program designed to bring Maui Nui together in person to share, learn, and be inspired by local stories, elevating community and conversation. Watch the Akakū Upstairs Playlist on demand on our free MauiStream app to catch up on past salons.
You can make sure the Akakū Upstairs salon series continues to thrive, and provide great exposure for you or your business, by making a tax-deductible donation to Akakū or by becoming an underwriter. Just reach out to development@akaku.org for details.
Thursday Septmber 18, 2025. Doors open at 5:30pm, salon starts promptly at 6pm.
Akakū Upstairs admission is free. Limited seating.
To Reserve a seat: Use the QR Code below or Register Here
