Title: Maui Schools Begin Reopening as Recovery Efforts Continue After Wildfires
Subtitle: Traffic resumes on major access road, while emergency agency defends lack of sirens
Date: [Insert Date]
LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Public schools on Maui have started the process of reopening, and traffic has resumed on a major access road, signaling signs of recovery a week after devastating wildfires demolished a historic town and claimed the lives of at least 110 people. However, the head of the island’s emergency agency has expressed “no regret” over the decision not to sound sirens to warn residents about the encroaching flames.
While entire neighborhoods in Lahaina were reduced to ash, at least three schools that were untouched by the flames are still being assessed for wind damage, according to Hawaii Department of Education superintendent Keith Hayashi. The campuses will reopen once they are deemed safe.
Hayashi provided an update in a video statement, stating, “There’s still a lot of work to do, but overall the campuses and classrooms are in good condition structurally, which is encouraging. We know the recovery effort is still in the early stages, and we continue to grieve the many lives lost.”
Elsewhere on Maui, cleanup crews are working to remove ash and debris from schools, while air and water quality tests are being conducted. Displaced students who enroll at these campuses will have access to services such as meals and counseling, said Hayashi. The education department is also offering counseling for students, family members, and staff.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened its first disaster recovery center on Maui, which FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell described as “an important first step” in providing residents with information about assistance. The center will also provide updates on aid applications. Criswell announced that she would accompany President Joe Biden on Monday during his visit to Maui to survey the damage and “bring hope.”
Meanwhile, transportation officials have announced that the Lahaina Bypass Road, which had been closed since August 8, is now open again. This allows residents access to some areas near the burn zone during specified hours.
Herman Andaya, the Maui Emergency Management Agency administrator, defended the decision not to sound sirens during the fire. He explained, “We were afraid that people would have gone mauka. If that was the case, then they would have gone into the fire.” Andaya clarified that there are no sirens in the mountains, where the fire was spreading downhill. The sirens in Hawaii are primarily meant to warn about tsunamis, although the Maui siren system website states that they may be used to alert for wildfires.
As the death toll rises to 110, a mobile morgue unit with additional coroners has arrived in Hawaii to assist with the difficult task of sorting through remains. Search and recovery crews, aided by cadaver dogs, have covered approximately 38% of the burn area. Due to the challenging terrain and heat, the number of canine teams has increased to over 40.
Among the victims found in the ashes are some of Lahaina’s most vulnerable residents, including children. Governor Josh Green revealed that a family of four was found dead in a charred car, and the remains of seven family members were discovered inside a burned-down house.
Lahaina has a significant population of children and elderly residents. According to Census Reporter, just over a quarter of the town’s 13,000 residents are under the age of 18, while another 10% are aged 71 or older.
Survivors have shared harrowing stories of fleeing the fast-moving flames. Kimberly Buen, whose father lived in an assisted-living facility that was destroyed, expressed concern for the elderly and lower-income individuals who may not have had warning or resources to escape. Bill Seidl, another resident of the facility, knocked on doors to alert others before escaping.
The names of two victims, Lahaina residents Robert Dyckman and Buddy Jantoc, have been released by the county. Maui Police Chief John Pelletier has appealed to families with missing relatives to provide DNA samples.
Sacred Hearts School in Lahaina was completely destroyed, and Principal Tonata Lolesio announced that lessons would resume in the coming weeks at another Catholic school. Lolesio emphasized the importance of providing students with a sense of normalcy and a supportive environment.
Communication on Maui remains challenging, with limited phone connections. Some individuals have resorted to walking to a seawall, where phone signals are stronger, to make calls. A single-prop airplane has been flying low off the coast, using a loudspeaker to provide information on where to find water and supplies.
Thousands of displaced residents are currently staying in shelters, hotel rooms, Airbnb units, or with friends. While the power company has restored electricity to over 10,000 customers, around 2,000 homes and businesses still remain without power.
The cause of the wildfires, which are already the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century, is under investigation. Governor Green has warned that more bodies could be discovered.
According to Karen Clark & Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling company, the Lahaina fire has caused approximately $3.2 billion in insured property losses. Over 2,200 buildings have been damaged or destroyed by flames, with an additional 3,000 structures damaged by fire, smoke, or both.
John Allen, a resident who witnessed a destructive wildfire in Oakland, California in 1991, expressed the urgency and speed at which fires can spread. Allen and his daughter surveyed the devastated landscape, reminiscing about the places they used to live and work.
[Insert Author Name] reported from [Insert Location]. Associated Press journalists Haven Daley in Kalapua, Hawaii; Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; Seth Borenstein in Washington, D.C.; and Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri contributed to this report.
Note: Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
How does continuing education benefit students during times of crisis and provide a sense of normalcy?
Of continuing education and providing a sense of normalcy for the students during this difficult time.
Recovery efforts are still ongoing, with authorities conducting tests to ensure the safety of schools and providing support services for displaced students. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened a disaster recovery center to provide information and assistance to residents affected by the wildfires. President Joe Biden is also set to visit Maui to survey the damage and offer hope to the affected communities.
In the midst of the recovery, transportation officials have reopened the Lahaina Bypass Road, allowing residents access to certain areas near the burn zone. However, there has been controversy surrounding the decision not to sound sirens to warn residents about the encroaching flames. The head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency defended the decision, stating that sirens were not present in the mountains where the fire was spreading downhill.
Tragically, the death toll has risen to 110, with search and recovery crews working diligently to comb through the burn area. Among the victims are children and elderly residents, highlighting the vulnerable population in Lahaina. Survivors have shared their harrowing stories of escaping the fast-moving flames, while authorities continue to appeal to families with missing relatives to provide DNA samples.
Despite the devastation, there are signs of hope as Maui schools begin to reopen and traffic resumes on major access roads. The community is coming together to support one another, and the efforts of recovery are slowly but surely progressing.
So grateful for all the dedicated individuals working to restore our schools amidst this tragedy. Your efforts are truly appreciated! 🙏🔥🏫 #MauiStrong
Sarah: These wildfires have caused so much damage, but together we can rebuild and create an even stronger community. Let’s support our schools in any way we can! 💪🔥🌺 #MauiRecovery
Thank you to everyone involved in the recovery efforts, your hard work and commitment are truly inspiring. Together, we will rebuild and ensure the safety and education of our students. #MauiStrong 💙🔥🌿