Maui Wildfire Update – August 25 at 2 p.m.
Aloha,
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
Authorities release names of those missing as the search for unaccounted individuals continues.
- On Thursday evening, county officials say 388 individuals are unaccounted for after the devastating wildfires. The FBI has validated the list.
- An FBI team specializing in cell phone data has launched in Maui to help identify potential fire victims.
Hawai‘i Department of Health says Maui County is experiencing an uptick in COVID-19 cases.
- Dr. Sarah Kemble, state epidemiologist, said there were reports of a “handful of cases” at congregate shelters during the crisis, but they were well-isolated.
- COVID numbers have been steadily increasing over the last month in Hawai‘i and nationwide. More than 2,900 individuals are sheltered at 12 hotel locations around Maui, in coordination with the American Red Cross.
Lawsuits and criticism mount against Hawaiian Electric.
- According to the Washington Post, Hawaiian Electric removed damaged power poles and other equipment from a key fire scene, potentially affecting evidence that is part of an official investigation into how the blaze ignited. HECO said the allegations weren’t accurate.
- Investors filed suit against Hawaiian Electric Industries and several current and former executives, alleging they failed to disclose that the company’s wildfire prevention protocols were “inadequate.”
- Hawaiian Electric drew down on revolving credit lines and said it would suspend its third-quarter dividend. According to an investment research firm, the potential liabilities could reach nearly $4 billion if the utility is deemed negligent.
Residents are left with more questions than answers as local officials review emergency responses and determine how to move forward.
- Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency director, said in an interview with HNN that the scope and severity of what was happening in West Maui on Aug. 8 wasn’t communicated to key leaders at the state level during the first 12 to 15 hours of the wildfire disaster.
- John Stufflebean, Maui Water Supply Director, said early results of water samples from Upcountry Maui are encouraging, but there is “a way to go” before it can be deemed safe. Experts from universities and other locations in the country where wildfires have contaminated public drinking water systems are advising the county.
- Of the comprehensive review of the Lāhainā fires, the attorney general’s office said, “No one has instructed the Department of the Attorney General to leave anything off limits – everything remains on the table, and we will go where the facts lead.”
Donations toward Maui relief efforts continue with a generous gift from Blackstone.
- Blackstone is providing $1.5 million in Relocation Relief & Assistance Payments and charitable donations to support employees and residents at Blackstone’s Maui real estate properties and the people of Maui. The gift includes:
- $3,000 Relocation Relief & Assistance Payments to every resident and employee at Grand Wailea, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, and Front Street Apartments who lost their homes.
- $500,000 in donations to Hawai‘i Community Foundation and Maui Food Bank.
- Collectively, Blackstone’s resorts have also prepared thousands of meals daily to feed displaced local residents and relief workers, sheltered hundreds who lost their homes, and provided laundry services, fresh linens and supplies to emergency shelters.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team