Maui Wildfire Update – September 12 as of 12 p.m.
Aloha,
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
Officials continue to monitor and test air and water quality.
- The Department of Health released preliminary air quality data from sampling conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in Lāhainā and Upcountry Maui. They are working to analyze the data and release a summary.
- DOH said trace amounts of toluene were detected in the Upper Kula water system, but the latest tests showed no sign of the chemical. Toluene is predominantly used as an industrial feedstock and a solvent.
- The University of Hawai‘i is offering free water testing to impacted Maui residents.
Disinformation and misinformation continue to spread on social media.
- New research from Microsoft and other companies suggests China and Russia spread disinformation and used artificial intelligence to exploit the natural disaster for political gain.
- Sen. Angus McKelvey, whose Lahaina home was destroyed in the disaster, said, “trust in government is down to an epic low,” and survivors are willing to listen to conspiracy theories, unaware of who they are spread by.
- Misinformation about blue-colored properties and other theories continues on social media.
Several investigations are underway, with the potential for more to come.
- Hawai‘i utility regulators are required by law to investigate deadly accidents involving a utility, but the Public Utilities Commission has yet to say how or when it will proceed with its investigation.
- The state’s independent investigation is underway, but the state attorney general will be the one to decide what’s released to the public — at least initially.
- Experts are reviewing complaints of unauthorized attorneys soliciting employment after Maui wildfires.
While continued funding for Maui recovery is needed, people are wondering where the money is going.
- Hawai‘i Community Foundation has distributed nearly $19 million to nonprofits so far. Maui United Way raised over $10 million and distributed nearly half to more than 5,000 victims through a one-time $1,000 payment.
- MMA star Ilima Lei McFarlane raised $2.6 million on Instagram for Maui relief efforts, but META has yet to release the funds.
- Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson donated $10 million to the People’s Fund but faced criticism online.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team