17-8-2023 (MAUI) In the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept through Maui, the head of the island’s Emergency Management Agency, Chief Herman Andaya, is standing by his decision not to activate warning sirens, despite claims that this action could have potentially saved numerous lives.
During a press conference, Chief Herman Andaya held firm in his choice to rely on alerts distributed via mobile devices, radio, television, and the county’s opt-in resident alert system. This decision came under scrutiny as critics raised concerns about the effectiveness of this approach during the recent apocalyptic wildfires.
Andaya responded to the allegations that questioned his experience and qualifications for the role he holds, a matter that was raised by the governor during the same press conference.
Steadfast in his stance, Andaya emphasized that the blaring sirens are typically reserved for tsunami warnings, and that the island’s residents are accustomed to seeking higher ground when these sirens are activated. He noted that had the sirens been sounded during the wildfire incident, it could have resulted in residents moving towards the path of the fast-moving inferno, potentially leading to more casualties.
Explaining the rationale behind his decision, Andaya stated, “Had we sounded the siren that night, we’re afraid that people would have gotten mauka [toward the mountains] and if that was the case, then they would have gone into the fire.”
He further addressed the absence of sirens on the mountainside, where the fire was spreading down, pointing out that even if sirens had been activated, it would not have effectively reached and saved those in that area.
This response followed a moment of tension when a journalist highlighted statements from survivors claiming that a clear and audible warning could have saved lives as the flames approached their homes.
The reporter also drew attention to reports suggesting that Andaya lacked prior emergency management experience before taking on his current role in 2017. In response, Andaya refuted these claims, citing his history in the housing department and his time as a staffer in the mayor’s cabinet. During this period, he asserted that he frequently reported to emergency operation centers and underwent relevant training.
Both Mayor Richard Bissen and Hawaii Governor Josh Green intervened to support Andaya during the exchange. Green shared that he too would have interpreted sirens as signaling a tsunami warning.
In light of the tragic losses suffered by the community due to the wildfires, authorities have established the Morgue, Investigation and Notification Taskforce (MINT) to expedite the process of identifying the deceased and notifying their families.
While the wildfire’s final death toll remains uncertain, Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier emphasized the unprecedented nature of the situation. Thousands of residents have been displaced and are accommodated in shelters and accommodations, while many homes and businesses still lack power. President Biden is scheduled to visit the affected area, as the investigation into the cause of the deadliest wildfires in the US in over a century continues.
