After the Maui fire, the US real estate developers wanted to “loot” the land of the victims at a low price, and the power company tried to shirk its responsibility
A fire broke out in Maui, Hawaii, USA on the 8th of this month. The fire has killed at least 115 people, and many people are still missing. The search is still continuing. However, many real estate developers ignored the physical and mental harm suffered by the victims, took advantage of the situation, repeatedly harassed the victims, and attempted to buy land on the island at a low price. Many victims were very angry about this.
According to US media reports on the 28th, disaster victims in Maui have recently received frequent calls from real estate developers outside the island, wanting to acquire land on the island. Local residents say they are still experiencing the pain of losing their loved ones and their homes, and are still worried about their survival. The disaster area still lacks water and electricity; these acquisitions lack compassion and are almost like looting.
Maui Resident: We don’t sell Lahaina. I will repeat, we do not sell Lahaina.
Maui Residents: We are going to protect our land and we locals will rebuild on our land.
Tiare Lawrence, director of non-profit organizations in Lahaina, Maui: This is disgusting. Land speculators are calling to buy while people are still mourning. This really irritates us. As I said, everyone’s psychological trauma is very serious now, and these real estate developers are adding salt to the wound.
US media: Power companies and local governments shirk their responsibilities
The US Hawaiian Electric Power Company issued a statement on the 28th stating that the first fire in the Maui Island fire that occurred on the 8th of this month was caused by power lines blown down by strong winds. But in response to Maui County suing the company for the blaze, the statement denied the allegation. After the first fire broke out, crews went to the scene to make repairs and cut off power to the power line, the statement said. But a second fire started at noon that day and quickly spread towards Lahaina. The cause of the second fire is still unclear.
Earlier, on the 24th, the government of Maui County, Hawaii had sued the Hawaiian Electric Company, accusing the company of negligently failing to cut off the power when the hurricane was approaching and the climate was dry, which led to a devastating fire.
ABC reported that Hawaiian Electric’s statement was an attempt to shirk responsibility. And the debate over the cause of the accident could determine who is responsible for billions of dollars in damages in addition to loss of life.
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2023-08-30 11:48:00