Maui Wildfire Update – August 16 at 3 p.m.
Aloha,
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
The cause of the fire is still unknown as criticism about disaster preparedness and emergency response mount.
- Maui Emergency Management Agency defended its decision not to activate warning sirens and instead pushed evacuation notices via Wireless Emergency Alert and the Emergency Alert System.
- Authorities also defended their response to the crisis following suggestions about growing distrust and frustration with the government, suggesting those are rumors being spread on social media.
- Thoughtful pieces highlight the role of climate change and the need for vision, leadership and comprehensive measures to safeguard the environment and communities.
- As of this afternoon, 110 fatalities were confirmed, with 35% of the area searched.
Maui residents are searching for a sense of normalcy and ways to move forward.
- Public schools reopening, traffic flowing on Lāhainā Bypass Road, and FEMA helping residents at its first disaster recovery center were some positive steps taken toward recovery today.
- But questions about where residents will live, how keiki will go to school, and more remain.
- Intermittent power and unreliable cell service continue to hinder communication on Maui as residents seek help to rebuild their lives.
Officials discourage tourism to West Maui but emphasize the rest of the island is open.
- Local officials stress part of the recovery is ensuring that Maui residents who would like to continue working can do so. Visitors are welcome to return to other unaffected areas of Maui but are encouraged to be especially mindful and respectful.
- In addition to tourism serving as an economic driver, businesses say it can also fund emergency aid.
- AccuWeather estimates the statewide economic impact of the wildfires on Maui and Hawai‘i Island to be at least $14 billion to $16 billion.
- Many are struggling to balance the need to support residents with the reality of welcoming visitors to the island.
Initial reports about services provided to affected residents were shared, but aid is still desperately needed ahead of a long recovery.
- Richard Yust, executive director of Maui Food Bank, said it had distributed 250,000 pounds of food to shelters so far.
- The American Red Cross reported it provided 4,200 overnight shelter stays, more than 28,600 meals and snacks, and completed more than 550 reunification requests out of the 2,100 it received.
- Hawai‘i Community Foundation is awarding funds to Maui Strong grantees serving on the frontlines.
- Maui’s lodging industry is providing more than 90% of the housing so far for residents displaced by the wildfires.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team