In a tragic conclusion to the devastating wildfire that tore through Maui's historic town of Lahaina in August, the last of the 100 known victims has been identified as 70-year-old Lydia Coloma. Coloma's remains were found in the context of where she was last seen, as authorities were unable to rely on DNA or other positive identification methods due to the severe damage caused by the fire. Her husband, sister, brother-in-law, niece, and nephew were also among the victims. Coloma, originally from the Ilocos Sur province in the Philippines, had been on the unaccounted-for list before her identification.

The identification of the victims has been an arduous process, with forensic experts and cadaver dogs sifting through the ash in search of bodies that may have been cremated. DNA samples from the victims' family members were collected to aid in the identification process. In September, the death toll was revised downward from 115 to at least 97 after DNA testing. However, the toll rose slightly in the following month as some victims succumbed to their injuries or as additional remains were found.

The number of unaccounted-for individuals has also significantly decreased, from nearly 400 to just three, according to the Maui Police Department. The victims ranged in age from 7 to 97, with a significant portion being in their 60s or older. Many of the victims were residents of a low-income senior apartment complex.

The wildfire, which was the deadliest in the United States in over a century, caused immense devastation to Maui and Hawaii as a whole. Some residents tragically lost their lives in their cars, while others attempted to escape by jumping into the ocean or running for safety. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it is believed to have been sparked by downed power lines igniting dry, invasive grasses. An investigation by the Associated Press revealed that an overgrown gully beneath power lines may have played a role in harboring smoldering embers that reignited the fire.

The blaze destroyed over 2,000 buildings, primarily homes, and resulted in an estimated $5.5 billion in damages. Nearly six months after the fire, approximately 5,000 displaced residents were still living in hotels or other temporary accommodations around Maui. Economists have raised concerns about the affordability of housing in Lahaina after the rebuilding process, highlighting the need for zoning and other changes to mitigate potential skyrocketing costs.

The clearing of debris from residential lots has recently begun, with the waste being wrapped in thick industrial plastic before being transported to a temporary storage site. The Army Corps of Engineers is overseeing this process. The aftermath of the wildfire has left a lasting impact on the community, and efforts are underway to support those affected and address the housing crisis.