Maui Wildfire Update – August 15 at 4 p.m.
Aloha,
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
At least 101 people have been confirmed dead, with about a third of the Maui wildfire burn area searched.
- Those with missing family members have been urged to contact authorities to provide DNA samples, which would help in the identification process.
- Hawaii Gov. Josh Green estimated Monday that about 1,300 people remain unaccounted for.
Federal aid for relief and recovery efforts build.
- President Biden pledged the state would have “every asset they need” for ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts. As of Tuesday morning, more than 500 federal personnel are on the ground.
- The US Coast Guard in Maui is moving from search and rescue mode to containing potentially hazardous materials in the ocean left behind by the fires.
- As of this morning, an agency official said that FEMA has made nearly $2 million in payments to about 1,200 survivors as of Tuesday. About 3,400 people have applied for assistance, said Keith Turi, the deputy associate administrator for response and recovery.
The state’s housing program continues to gain momentum.
- In a live update on social media, Governor Green reported more than 500 hotel rooms, 473 units and 1,000 AirBnbs are available to displaced residents and first responders and covered by FEMA.
- The governor also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the land remains in local hands while the attorney general’s office explores options to prohibit sales of properties damaged or destroyed by the wildfires.
Investigations into the cause of and the response to the crisis are ongoing.
- Hawaiian Electric is facing lawsuits amid claims that power lines blown over by high winds spanked the destructive Lāhainā wildfire. Shares in Hawaiian Electric plunged another 31%.
- Hawaiian Electric confirmed it does not have a shut-off program, as cutting the power could have created problems for first responders, and in Lāhainā, the electricity powers the pumps that provide the water.
- Wildfire experts argue preemptive power shutdowns are a necessary measure. Neither Tropical Storm Greg or Hurricane Fernanda is expected to pose threats to Hawai‘i.
- Gov. Green acknowledged conflicts over water on Maui during a press conference. Earlier reports claim firefighters encountered weak or no pressure at some hydrants and that a system of 400 disaster alarms failed to activate as the fire spread.
Donations and funds are being deployed as quickly as possible.
- A week later, tensions are still running high as officials, organizations and community members rush to provide aid to impacted individuals and families.
- Micah Kāne, CEO of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, says as of Monday afternoon, almost $4 million was spread among 34 organizations doing relief work on Maui.
- State and county officials encourage donations of in-demand items and monetary contributions to reputable organizations.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team