The administrator of Maui’s emergency management agency, Herman Andaya, has resigned, citing health reasons, according to a statement by Maui County on Thursday. The abrupt departure comes just a day after Andaya defended the island’s siren system’s silence during the recent catastrophic wildfires that have ravaged the region. The wildfires, which ignited on August 8, have resulted in a tragic death toll of at least 111 individuals, primarily centered around Lahaina, a cultural and economic hub that has now been largely consumed by the relentless inferno.
The shocking number of casualties is anticipated to rise as search and rescue teams continue their heart-wrenching work in the charred aftermath, with over 2,000 homes and businesses reduced to ashes. Amidst the tragedy, more than 1,000 residents are still unaccounted for, amplifying the magnitude of the catastrophe. Hawaii Governor Josh Green, in an interview with CNN, expressed the somber reality of the situation.
While the fires still rage on in certain parts of the island, there has been a growing scrutiny surrounding the official response and preparedness for such disasters. The focus has shifted to the effectiveness of the island’s siren system and the role of the local electricity provider in ensuring safety.
Silent Sirens Spark Public Outrage
As the wildfires spread, the notable absence of any attempt to activate Maui’s outdoor siren system raised eyebrows. A spokesperson from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency disclosed that the island’s 80-alarm, all-hazard outdoor siren system remained untouched during the crisis. In a recent press conference, Herman Andaya was questioned about the decision not to activate the sirens. The absence of this crucial alert mechanism drew sharp criticism from US Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, who characterized Andaya’s assessment as “premature.”
The controversy intensified as narratives surrounding the reasons for the siren system’s inaction began to shift. Hawaii Governor Green pointed out that some sirens were, in fact, malfunctioning. In light of the growing concern, the governor initiated an inquiry into the fire’s cause and the overall response, focusing specifically on the siren system’s silence.
A Misguided Response and Community Outrage
The discussion surrounding the silence of the sirens ignited a strong reaction from both public figures and local residents. State Senator Angus McKelvey, whose representation includes Lahaina, was especially vocal in condemning Andaya’s response as “insulting.” McKelvey dismissed the notion that residents would have been confused by the sirens, emphasizing that these were disaster alarms, not tsunami alerts.
The lack of clarity surrounding the siren system’s inactivity prompted a thorough review of the situation. The shifting explanations, coupled with the devastating scale of the wildfires, spurred Governor Green to involve the state attorney general in an extensive evaluation of the fire’s origin and the authorities’ response, with a particular focus on the silence of the sirens.
Electrical Company Faces Scrutiny for Wildfire Preparations
While the exact cause of the wildfires is still under investigation, the island’s major power provider, Hawaiian Electric, has come under scrutiny for its role in the crisis. Questions have arisen as to why the power lines were not shut down during the high winds that exacerbated the fire conditions. A sensor network operated by Whisker Labs detected significant utility grid faults hours before the fires were first reported.
Hawaiian Electric’s preparation for wildfires has also come under scrutiny. Despite public statements in 2019 about conducting drone surveys to identify fire-prone areas, the company invested less than $245,000 in wildfire-specific projects between 2019 and 2022. Regulatory filings revealed these figures, sparking concerns about the utility’s commitment to safeguarding residents and infrastructure.
Additionally, the utility’s failure to seek state approval for rate hikes to fund safety improvements has raised questions about its priorities. Although the rate increase proposal was introduced in 2022, it has yet to receive approval. The gap between public statements and the allocation of resources has intensified the spotlight on Hawaiian Electric’s response to the wildfire crisis.
Federal Assistance and Ongoing Challenges
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ National Response Team has been enlisted to aid local authorities in determining the fire’s cause. The team includes experts with diverse skill sets, including an electrical engineer, fire investigators, and an explosives group supervisor. Their expertise will contribute to a thorough investigation into the origin and progression of the wildfire.
Despite the progress in containing some of the fires, the devastation still poses significant challenges to the region. A Facebook post by Maui County indicated that the largest and most destructive fire, spanning 2,168 acres, was 90% contained. However, other blazes, like the Olinda fire (85% contained) and the Kula fire (80% contained), continue to smolder.
With the situation still uncertain and recovery efforts underway, President Joe Biden and the First Lady have announced their plan to visit Maui on Monday. The visit underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for continued federal support.
Facing the Tragic Aftermath and Ensuring Closure
As search and rescue efforts continue, the reality of the tragedy becomes increasingly evident. Nearly half of the affected area, spanning about five square miles, has been searched. The process of identifying victims is particularly challenging due to the extent of the destruction. The presence of unrecognizable remains and a lack of fingerprints complicate the identification process.
To facilitate this painstaking task, a genetics team will assist in identifying the remains, ensuring that the victims are honored and their families informed with compassion. Authorities have requested DNA samples from relatives of the missing to aid in the identification process.
Despite the devastation and loss, the community has shown remarkable resilience. A cadre of canines from various states has joined in the search efforts, offering a glimmer of hope as they assist in bringing closure to the families of the missing.
The fires have exacted an immense toll on the brave responders, many of whom have experienced personal loss. Firefighters, battling the blazes while knowing their own homes were in danger, exemplify the spirit of selflessness in the face of adversity. The strength and dedication of these individuals remind us that even amidst tragedy, humanity prevails.
