Maui Fires Continue to Devastate Community
Three days have gone by since the first evacuation order was made due to wildfires that started in Upcountry, Lāhainā and Kīhei, Maui. In that time span, the island has weathered an onslaught of unprecedented events.
Lāhainā Town Has Been Decimated
The historic town of Lāhainā has been reduced to ash, leading to thousands of displaced residents and a current death toll of 55, which is expected to increase. More than 1,000 structures, including homes, businesses and historical sites have been destroyed.
As of 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 10, the fire is 80% contained. This natural disaster is currently being considered the second-deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history, following the Camp Fire in Paradise, California, that killed 85 people in 2018.
Access to the Lāhainā remains restricted to authorized personnel only and those attempting to access the area have been turned away at Maʻalaea, including some who sought to deliver supplies to those who remain on the West Side. Mariners have been able to transport some necessities via boat.
Residents who live further up north and were able to shelter in place are isolated and many are in need of basic supplies like food, water, gas and medication. There continues to be no cell phone reception in this area, so many people have been unable to contact loved ones.
Though resources are being made available to West Side residents, itʻs unclear how many people who are in need are aware of these efforts. On Aug. 10, there was a fueling station for Hawaii residents set up across from Kaʻanapali Ocean Resort and a group of locals were authorized entrance to cook for residents at Napili Park.
Relief Efforts Already Underway
On Aug. 9, President Joe Biden issued a statement that he had ordered all available federal assets to help with the emergency response. As of publication, the Hawaiian National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, Navy Third Fleets, Army and Department of Transportation are all assisting with fire-fighting and/or search-and-rescue efforts.
Today, President Biden officially declared the State of Hawaiʻi as a major disaster zone, effectively employing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Many people are actively looking for missing friends and family around the island. To help with these efforts, Maui resident Ellie Erickson created a Google document with an alphabetical spreadsheet for those who were lost or separated from their loved ones during the fires. Out of more than 3,400 names on this list, over 1,500 are still listed as “not located.”
The Family Assistance Center and American Red Cross are also both available for help reuniting with loved ones. The center will be open at Kahului Community Center from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 11, for those seeking information. To contact the Red Cross, call 1-800-733-2767.
Various shelters have been opened across the island, including at Maui Preparatory Academy in Nāpili, Maui High School in Kahului, War Memorial Gym in Wailuku, Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kahului, Kingʻs Cathedral Maui in Kahului, Oskie Rice Arena in Makawao.
Though shelters are open to both locals and visitors, the latter is encouraged to leave the island to help conserve resources for residents in need. Calls on social media have asked those intending to visit to cancel their trips for the same reason.
Many fundraisers run by organizations and individuals are underway to help those who have lost their homes, businesses and/or loved ones. One fundraiser by Nā Wahine Toa Foundation has already raised more than $1.2 million, while various GoFundMe fundraisers have collective garnered over $1.7 million that will go directly to families in need.
Stay tuned for more information on how to help.
*Lead image courtesy Office of the Governor
