Peaceful Protestors Advocate for Animal Rescuers to Access Lahaina Town

Maui residents concerned about animal rescuers being denied access to the cleared areas of Lāhainā, following the Aug. 8 wildfire that devastated most of the town, held a peaceful protest at the Maui Emergency Management Agency in Wailuku on Friday, Aug. 18.

An announcement about the protests posted in the Missing Pets of Maui Facebook group states, “We are requesting that an animal rescue team be safely escorted into burn zones that have already been cleared of human remains to save the lives of animals while being respectful.”

This comes after the Hawaiʻi and Maui County Joint Information Centers sent out a public reminder that “access to the closed area of Lāhainā applies to all unauthorized personnel,” citing a zero-tolerance policy for trespassing that could result in a citation or arrest.

The demonstration occurred one day after a Change.org petition began circulating. It has gathered more than 2,200 signatures since its inception on Aug. 17.

The petition claims that “there have been eyewitness accounts of over 500 live animals in Lāhainā since the fire.” It goes on to emphasize that every day these animals are left to fend for themselves is another day they’re likely without food, water or proper care.

Supporters of this movement have also pointed to the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006, which is a public law that “authorizes federal agencies to provide — as assistance essential to meeting threats to life and property resulting from a major disaster — rescue, care, shelter and essential needs to individuals with household pets and service animals and to such pets and animals.”

Another protest will be held off Keawe Street in Lāhainā starting at 9am on Saturday, Aug. 19.

Lead image courtesy of Meg Herzberg