18-8-2023 (MAUI) Herman Andaya, the head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, has resigned from his position following severe criticism of the agency’s response to the devastating Lahaina wildfire. This wildfire, which has claimed the lives of at least 111 people, stands as the deadliest wildfire in the United States in over a hundred years. Maui County officials announced Andaya’s immediate resignation, citing “health reasons” as the cause.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen expressed the urgency of addressing the crisis at hand, stating, “Given the gravity of the crisis we are facing, my team and I will be placing someone in this key position as quickly as possible, and I look forward to making that announcement soon.”
The Maui wildfires broke out on August 8, and despite the severity of the situation, residents reported no evacuation orders and no activation of the island’s warning sirens. When asked by reporters on Wednesday if he regretted not activating the sirens, Andaya responded, “I do not.”
Andaya explained that the decision not to activate the sirens was based on the protocol of using Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) instead. He stated that the sirens are typically used for warning of tsunamis or approaching storms, and activating them during the wildfire would have led people towards the fire if they sought higher ground. However, residents reported not receiving any text alerts or television and radio notifications due to power outages in the area.
Andaya’s qualifications and background in disaster response have come under scrutiny. Local news site Maui Now reported in 2017 that Andaya was hired over 40 other qualified applicants, despite having no prior experience in disaster response. However, Andaya defended his credentials, stating that he served as the deputy director of the state Department of Housing and Human Concerns before leading the emergency agency. He also emphasized his extensive training and interaction with emergency operations officials during his 11-year tenure as the Maui County mayor’s chief of staff.
The cause of the wildfires is still under investigation, and the Hawaii attorney general’s office has launched an inquiry into the local government’s response before and after the fires broke out. Meanwhile, search efforts to locate victims have intensified, with federal personnel utilizing cadaver dogs to comb through the burn area. The number of people unaccounted for is estimated to be between 1,100 and 1,300.
Maui Governor Josh Green provided an update on the search efforts, stating that approximately 45% of the burn area has been searched so far. Additionally, 41 cadaver dogs have been flown in from the mainland United States to aid in the search. The search and rescue teams on the ground consist of nearly 500 FEMA personnel, 270 Red Cross workers, close to 400 Hawaii National Guard members, and approximately 200 U.S. Army reservists.
Of the four wildfires that broke out on Maui on August 8, three are still burning. Maui County officials announced that two of these fires, previously referred to as a single blaze, are now recognized as separate fires with distinct origins. Moving forward, they will be reported as the Olinda and Kula fires. The Olinda Fire has burned 1.69 square miles and is 85% contained, while the Kula Fire has scorched about one-third of a square mile and is 80% contained. Firefighters continue to battle these blazes, addressing hot spots in challenging terrain.
The Lahaina fire, which has burned 3.39 square miles, is currently 89% contained, with no active threats reported at this time. However, the fire has caused significant damage, destroying or damaging at least 2,200 structures.
As the investigation into the wildfire response continues, the community in Maui grapples with the destruction and loss caused by the devastating fires. The resilience and determination of local authorities, emergency personnel, and volunteers remain pivotal in working towards recovery and providing support to those affected by this tragedy.
