Maui Wildfire Update – September 28 as of 2 p.m.
Aloha,
Here are the latest Maui wildfire news, updates, and resources you need to know.
West Maui reopening will help stave off the economic crisis in Maui, but many are saying it’s too soon.
- An estimated 700 people were present at the Maui County Council meeting, where many urged council members to “put the brakes on tourism and seek a different path forward as the community rebuilds.”
- “Can you take care of the Lahaina people first before you open it up to visitors?” one resident asked.
- Some Lahaina fire survivors aren’t happy timeshare owners have returned despite West Maui not opening to visitors until October 8.
- Hawaiian Airlines and the Hawaii Tourism Authority are launching campaigns featuring Maui residents, encouraging support for local businesses and respectful travel.
Lawmakers questioned HECO and utility officials about how the wildfire began and whether the electrical grid was safe and properly maintained.
- Hawaiian Electric’s President and CEO, Shelee Kimura, said it could take 12 to 18 months to know the exact cause of the afternoon fire.
- HECO reported two thousand of the company’s 29,000 wooden power poles had not been tested or treated for possible termites, rot or other problems since 2013. It also said it is only responsible for trimming trees high enough to contact electric lines.
- Rep. Ed Case (D-Hawaii) and Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) shared witness statements. Some victims of the fire also attended the hearing, submitting written testimony.
- HECO has said it will gather and provide more details about exactly what happened on August 8, including when the power stopped flowing through downed power lines in Lahaina and when they decided to trigger a procedure designed to ensure that broken lines were not re-energized.
Rumor response is part of disaster response.
- From energy beam weapons to land grabs, military cover-ups and more, unsubstantiated rumors and disinformation spread quickly following the wildfires.
- Lahaina residents said that without clear, reliable information, the rumors cast suspicion on the emergency response.
- Researchers warn that rumors arising each time in the wake of a crisis are a force to contend with on their own.
Mahalo nui loa,
Your BG Team