Wildfire Devastates Lahaina, Maui: Residents Struggle with Relief Efforts and Uncertainty
LAHAINA, Hawaii – The aftermath of a devastating wildfire in the resort town of Lahaina has left Maui residents traumatized and desperate for answers. A week after the inferno tore through the area, residents are still living off relief supplies, unable to inspect their homes, and anxiously awaiting news about their missing loved ones.
The fire, which started in grasslands outside of town, quickly spread into Lahaina, claiming the lives of at least 106 people. In a matter of hours, the fire charred a 5-square-mile area of the town, leaving behind a path of destruction.
The recovery efforts have been challenging due to the magnitude of the fire and logistical obstacles. The town’s 13,000 year-round residents are not only dealing with the emotional toll of the disaster but also the potential loss of tourism revenue.
Kiet Ma, a 56-year-old taxi driver who lost his home, expressed frustration with the local disaster response, describing it as disorganized and chaotic. “The police, everyone, first responders, they’re all rushing in but not enough manpower,” Ma said from his temporary residence at his in-laws’ home on the outskirts of Lahaina.
While donations have poured in and promises of assistance have been made by Hawaii and federal officials, some residents have taken matters into their own hands. Kanamu Balinbin, a local football coach, set up a relief camp to provide water and food for those who lost their homes and belongings. Balinbin, who was devastated by the destruction, said helping people is what keeps him going.
Local frustration has also been fueled by the perception that Maui does not receive enough attention from the state government despite its significant tourism revenues. Mary Kerstulovich, a Maui real estate agent involved in relief efforts, acknowledged that government relief was finally arriving a week after the disaster but emphasized the need for a more effective plan to distribute goods in Lahaina.
Keith Turi, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s deputy associate administrator for response and recovery, acknowledged the deep sense of loss felt by survivors. He assured reporters that FEMA has a warehouse of supplies in Hawaii and is working with state and county officials to provide support to shelters and relief operations.
The fire destroyed or damaged over 2,200 buildings, with 86% of them being residential. The estimated damage amounts to $5.5 billion, according to officials.
Adding to the frustration, few residents have been allowed back into Lahaina to visit their properties. Hawaii Governor Josh Green recently announced that residents and employees would be permitted onto a highway leading to town. However, a previous relaxation of road closures had to be halted due to congestion caused by curiosity seekers, hindering rescue workers.
Search teams, aided by up to 20 cadaver dogs, have been conducting a block-by-block search of the ashes, covering 27% of the disaster area as of Tuesday, according to Governor Green.
President Joe Biden has expressed his desire to visit Maui as soon as possible, but Governor Green stated that the visit would be scheduled for the coming weeks to avoid disrupting recovery efforts.
As of Monday, only three of the deceased have been officially identified by the police. Heartbreaking stories of those who perished have started to emerge from friends and relatives. On the fundraising website GoFundMe, relatives of Kevin and Saane Tanaka shared the devastating news that Saane’s sister, 7-year-old nephew, and parents were found in a burned-out car near their home. Another post described the heroic actions of Joe Schilling, known as “Uncle Joe” to his adopted family, who died while helping five elderly people escape from his housing complex.
The road to recovery for Lahaina and its residents will be long and challenging. However, with the support of local communities, government agencies, and the resilience of the people, Lahaina will rebuild and heal from this devastating wildfire.
Reporting by Jorge Garcia, Sandra Stojanovic, and Mike Blake in Maui; Additional reporting by Brendan O’Brien, Rich McKay, Andrew Hay, Brad Brooks, Sharon Bernstein, Dan Whitcomb, and Nilutpal Timsina; Writing by Joseph Ax and Daniel Trotta; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Stephen Coates
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
What challenges are residents facing in terms of relief efforts, and what frustrations do they have regarding the government’s response to the PAA
Assess the damage to their homes. This has left many in a state of uncertainty, not knowing if their homes are still standing or if they have lost everything. The town is still dealing with power outages and road closures, making it difficult for residents to return.
In addition to the physical destruction, the emotional toll on residents is immense. Many are mourning the loss of loved ones and their sense of security. The trauma of the fire and the uncertainty of the future have left the community in a state of shock.
Relief efforts have been slow and challenging due to the extent of the damage. The town’s infrastructure has been severely affected, making it difficult for supplies to reach those in need. Local residents and organizations have stepped up to fill the gap, setting up relief camps and providing necessities to those who have lost everything.
There is also a sense of frustration among residents that the government response has been inadequate. Many feel that the town’s significant contribution to the tourism industry should warrant more attention and support from the state government. While assistance is finally starting to arrive, there is a clear need for a more efficient and effective plan to distribute goods and aid to those in need.
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. The outpouring of support from both the local community and outside organizations has been heartwarming. People have come together to help their neighbors and provide much-needed relief. The road to recovery will undoubtedly be long and difficult, but the resilience and spirit of the residents of Lahaina will guide them through this devastating tragedy.
