48 thoughts on “Extent Of Maui Disaster Expands Exponentially As Search/Rescue Begins”
Mj
Rob and Jeff:
Thanks so much for this cryptic and informative post. Some mainland companies observed Aloha Friday today for the first time to honor those who were affected by the fires. The idea was to both acknowledge and honor Hawaii native beauty as well as wish recovery to all residents. Hindsight is 20/20 in many situations like this and we hope that solution planning is swift and comprehensive. Beware of willy-nilly spending of taxpayers money. I would suggest looking at history for recommendations of urban recovery from huge fires, like Chicago (even though long ago) and San Francisco. The restructuring of Lahaina power grids should have safety first, not just replacing existing poles.
With the extent of damage it might be prudent to go underground with downtown Lahaina.
Incredible update. My heart goes out to the people of Maui. As if this tragedy were not bad enough, to think that a combination of complete mismanagement, bad information and the ignorance of local officials to head the warnings of 10 years ago just makes this situation even more devastating. How many lives, homes and jobs were lost because of these mistakes and ignored warnings. The people of Hawaii need to get angry, and not at the tourists. They need to ask their leaders where is all the tax money the Hawaiian government takes from them and the tourists going, because evidently it is not going toward improvements that could keep something like this from happening, or at least help keep the losses to a minimum. God bless all those beautiful souls lost to this horrible tragedy and grant the loved ones left behind the strength to go on.
Maui United Way will provide funds directly to survivors. United Way helped us after the Tubbs Fire 2017 and we continue to be grateful.
Mauiunitedway.org
Lahaina should be re built mindfully,utilizing its potential for both wind and solar power,restoring old fishponds and endemic plants,; mindfully aware of climate change ,perhaps rebuilt further inland with emphasis on pedestrian mobility -Lahaina rebuild has the potential to be a model for Maui residents,Hawaii residents,and the world
Mahalo for this information update. Their is also comments from a Mrs Davis interviewed by Kitv 4 .. She stated that her neice father is a firefighter and he informed her “they have run out of water and should evacuate asap”. This was around 3pm Tuesday. There were zero first responders and firetrucks in Lahaina town before, and during the fire.. 3:30-8pm Tuesday..just devastating. The emergency sirens could’ve saved more lives. Also note many were trapped in gridlock as 2 roads out of Lahaina were blocked by cops.. leaving only 1 way out of town.
You are way ahead of any other reporting I have seen. Thank you for already addressing the real issues here of the inept, unprepared, and possibly criminal emergency response.
Unlike the California fires, it seems like the Maui victims won’t be able to find deep pockets like PG&E for the California wildfires. How will the State of Hawaii and County of Maui compensate for what already clearly seems negligence and probably worse. Also wonder how insurance companies that are already going broke from mass claims be able to compensate?
Also interesting to note is the increased revenue the counties have been collecting on short term rental property taxes (at least in Kauai). Where has this money been spent – certainly not on emergency services.
Devastating, and I will continue to look to Beat of Hawaii for the most accurate source of information in this crisis.
Now is not really a time for finger pointing, but it does appear that emergency services have been under funded for too long.
In the current situation it’s hard to think about rebuilding but the time will come, and idea to think about when rebuilding begins is that there is/was much talk of eco tourism. Maybe ask tourists to volunteer a little time to help replant native plants in the barren farm lands. It would take time but in the long run would make a great difference.
You bring up an excellent point about the power lines and brush. In the 9 years we’ve been in Kihei, it seems like we’ve seen a drastic increase in wildfires. I had reached out to the (former) mayor’s office to ask what steps the County could take for better fire prevention. No response. I think you are absolutely correct about the contribution of the power lines and brush. I know underground power lines are more expensive, but you can’t put a price of a life. Seems worthy of investigating in light of this tragedy. I hope our elected officials take action and focus on fire prevention and warnings for the communities. Thank you for the insight and information. Our hearts are just broken.
Looks like some people dropped the ball. Really think it comes down to ignorance, inexperience, and a false sense of security. It is just too bad and heartbreaking that it also came with so much loss because of it. I am sure that all who were in charge are crushed. My 💔 breaks for Maui.
Being a Northern California native with extreme wildfires, it appears that the powers of Hawaii and Maui have been derelict as was NorCal in their preparedness. This devastating event was certainly mishandled. This is just so sad.
We were at the Westin Maui at the time of the fire. The fire started off Lahainaluna Road many hours after the electricity went out at 5:00 am. The county response to the fire was tragic. They were not prepared for a multiple structure fire, and they failed to provide an adequate evacuation notice/order. All cellphone coverage went down early in the day, so there was no way for any of us to get updates about how the fire was growing and spreading uncontrollably. Emergency crews should have manually notified people in person like they do in California, but that did not happen. We could tell by the huge smoke plume flowing offshore from Lahaina that the fire was getting much worse. We could see the fire and glow from the fire quickly spreading towards Kaanapali through the night. All the roads were closed, and there was no way out. The county emergency response failed everyone and resulted in many unnecessary deaths.
Heavy information.
It is unfortunate that lives have to be lost and pure devastation of an entire town for Hawaii to act on age old problems. Hopefully act… citizens of the islands must not let elected officials forget how this tragedy was allowed to happen.
I hope every Hawaii resident reads the quote from firefighter Bob Lee, “you don’t want to be caught downwind from that”.
We’re the firefighters thinking of themselves or
Those they are sworn to protect?
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii.
We were at the Costco in Kahuli when our world was shattered. It was like listening to Orson Wells, “War of the Worlds” We thought a bad joke, but smoke and ash said otherwise.
No cell service, no landline, no power for days sitting in car. Thankfully we just bought a case of water and food, bought gas.
We were allowed to go back and are staying with ohana in Wailuku.
They’re saying def curfew.
People are helping people. First responders incredible!!! All heroes.
I can’t believe we lost everything. Could be worse. Still have car and Wailuku side ohana. Thankful.
Family and friends in Lahaina not accounted for.
Pooches not either.
We’re all shell shocked.
This was a natural disaster, unmitigated by complacency.
There will be plenty time for placing blame.
Right now, be kind.
Stay safe and blessed.
Please people!! Help each other by staying off the roads.
Please get word out to stay away from west Maui.
Aloha
We were thinking about you over there and are devastated to now hear of your loss. The number of people we know there who are suffering keeps growing.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers as is the entire island. Thank you for taking the time to let us know what is going on. We look forward to hearing from you again as you can.
Mahalo BOH for keeping all of us not on island updated. My heart aches for all affected by the horrible devastation; your losses are unimaginable.
Love, always Love.
Donations are very much needed by all…whatever you can afford will help.
Cecily (CA)
I live on the mainland, but born and raised on Oahu, and lived on Kauai and Maui as well. This is all so disturbing. My family on Maui is ok, but I did not know that for 2 days. I have been in tears and upset that the things necessary to sustain Hawaii, like fire breaks are neglected because that does not bring in $$. So many people have lost lives. So many people now have nothing. Hawaii’s people deserve better. My ohana and friends deserve better. Many prayers.
Maybe going back to growing pineapples wouldn’t be such a bad idea? Or something that might help the soil and not burn quite as enthusiastically as dry grass…
Rob and Jeff:
Thanks so much for this cryptic and informative post. Some mainland companies observed Aloha Friday today for the first time to honor those who were affected by the fires. The idea was to both acknowledge and honor Hawaii native beauty as well as wish recovery to all residents. Hindsight is 20/20 in many situations like this and we hope that solution planning is swift and comprehensive. Beware of willy-nilly spending of taxpayers money. I would suggest looking at history for recommendations of urban recovery from huge fires, like Chicago (even though long ago) and San Francisco. The restructuring of Lahaina power grids should have safety first, not just replacing existing poles.
With the extent of damage it might be prudent to go underground with downtown Lahaina.
Hi MJ.
Thanks for your input on this complicated and tragic subject and your other more than 200 comments.
Incredible update. My heart goes out to the people of Maui. As if this tragedy were not bad enough, to think that a combination of complete mismanagement, bad information and the ignorance of local officials to head the warnings of 10 years ago just makes this situation even more devastating. How many lives, homes and jobs were lost because of these mistakes and ignored warnings. The people of Hawaii need to get angry, and not at the tourists. They need to ask their leaders where is all the tax money the Hawaiian government takes from them and the tourists going, because evidently it is not going toward improvements that could keep something like this from happening, or at least help keep the losses to a minimum. God bless all those beautiful souls lost to this horrible tragedy and grant the loved ones left behind the strength to go on.
Hi Sheryl.
Thank you we suggested your input on this very sad situation!
Aloha.
It is easy to be a back seat driver or use hindsight and second guess things.
But. Yes where does all the Tax Based Revenue From Tourism in Hawaii go ?
Please continue to post the organizations of where folks can send donations. I have been searching and I cannot find a legitimate one.
You should include this information on every post for the next year.
Maui United Way will provide funds directly to survivors. United Way helped us after the Tubbs Fire 2017 and we continue to be grateful.
Mauiunitedway.org
Lahaina should be re built mindfully,utilizing its potential for both wind and solar power,restoring old fishponds and endemic plants,; mindfully aware of climate change ,perhaps rebuilt further inland with emphasis on pedestrian mobility -Lahaina rebuild has the potential to be a model for Maui residents,Hawaii residents,and the world
Mahalo for this information update. Their is also comments from a Mrs Davis interviewed by Kitv 4 .. She stated that her neice father is a firefighter and he informed her “they have run out of water and should evacuate asap”. This was around 3pm Tuesday. There were zero first responders and firetrucks in Lahaina town before, and during the fire.. 3:30-8pm Tuesday..just devastating. The emergency sirens could’ve saved more lives. Also note many were trapped in gridlock as 2 roads out of Lahaina were blocked by cops.. leaving only 1 way out of town.
You are way ahead of any other reporting I have seen. Thank you for already addressing the real issues here of the inept, unprepared, and possibly criminal emergency response.
Unlike the California fires, it seems like the Maui victims won’t be able to find deep pockets like PG&E for the California wildfires. How will the State of Hawaii and County of Maui compensate for what already clearly seems negligence and probably worse. Also wonder how insurance companies that are already going broke from mass claims be able to compensate?
Also interesting to note is the increased revenue the counties have been collecting on short term rental property taxes (at least in Kauai). Where has this money been spent – certainly not on emergency services.
Devastating, and I will continue to look to Beat of Hawaii for the most accurate source of information in this crisis.
Hi Laurie.
Thanks. We appreciate your support and encouragement.
Aloha.
It would be great if we didn’t get into finger pointing at this point and just help those who need help and report on the facts.
What an almighty conflagration of human doing and nature’s ways. May Aloha spirit prevail.
Now is not really a time for finger pointing, but it does appear that emergency services have been under funded for too long.
In the current situation it’s hard to think about rebuilding but the time will come, and idea to think about when rebuilding begins is that there is/was much talk of eco tourism. Maybe ask tourists to volunteer a little time to help replant native plants in the barren farm lands. It would take time but in the long run would make a great difference.
You bring up an excellent point about the power lines and brush. In the 9 years we’ve been in Kihei, it seems like we’ve seen a drastic increase in wildfires. I had reached out to the (former) mayor’s office to ask what steps the County could take for better fire prevention. No response. I think you are absolutely correct about the contribution of the power lines and brush. I know underground power lines are more expensive, but you can’t put a price of a life. Seems worthy of investigating in light of this tragedy. I hope our elected officials take action and focus on fire prevention and warnings for the communities. Thank you for the insight and information. Our hearts are just broken.
Looks like some people dropped the ball. Really think it comes down to ignorance, inexperience, and a false sense of security. It is just too bad and heartbreaking that it also came with so much loss because of it. I am sure that all who were in charge are crushed. My 💔 breaks for Maui.
Being a Northern California native with extreme wildfires, it appears that the powers of Hawaii and Maui have been derelict as was NorCal in their preparedness. This devastating event was certainly mishandled. This is just so sad.
We were at the Westin Maui at the time of the fire. The fire started off Lahainaluna Road many hours after the electricity went out at 5:00 am. The county response to the fire was tragic. They were not prepared for a multiple structure fire, and they failed to provide an adequate evacuation notice/order. All cellphone coverage went down early in the day, so there was no way for any of us to get updates about how the fire was growing and spreading uncontrollably. Emergency crews should have manually notified people in person like they do in California, but that did not happen. We could tell by the huge smoke plume flowing offshore from Lahaina that the fire was getting much worse. We could see the fire and glow from the fire quickly spreading towards Kaanapali through the night. All the roads were closed, and there was no way out. The county emergency response failed everyone and resulted in many unnecessary deaths.
Are misplaced residents reaching out to other islands for place to stay? I’m sure many Oahu residents would help if asked. Myself included.
Thank you for your extensive details and sights. Such a horrible disaster in such a beautiful place.
Heavy information.
It is unfortunate that lives have to be lost and pure devastation of an entire town for Hawaii to act on age old problems. Hopefully act… citizens of the islands must not let elected officials forget how this tragedy was allowed to happen.
I hope every Hawaii resident reads the quote from firefighter Bob Lee, “you don’t want to be caught downwind from that”.
We’re the firefighters thinking of themselves or
Those they are sworn to protect?
Mahalo Beat of Hawaii.
We were at the Costco in Kahuli when our world was shattered. It was like listening to Orson Wells, “War of the Worlds” We thought a bad joke, but smoke and ash said otherwise.
No cell service, no landline, no power for days sitting in car. Thankfully we just bought a case of water and food, bought gas.
We were allowed to go back and are staying with ohana in Wailuku.
They’re saying def curfew.
People are helping people. First responders incredible!!! All heroes.
I can’t believe we lost everything. Could be worse. Still have car and Wailuku side ohana. Thankful.
Family and friends in Lahaina not accounted for.
Pooches not either.
We’re all shell shocked.
This was a natural disaster, unmitigated by complacency.
There will be plenty time for placing blame.
Right now, be kind.
Stay safe and blessed.
Please people!! Help each other by staying off the roads.
Please get word out to stay away from west Maui.
Aloha
Hi Pam.
We were thinking about you over there and are devastated to now hear of your loss. The number of people we know there who are suffering keeps growing.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers as is the entire island. Thank you for taking the time to let us know what is going on. We look forward to hearing from you again as you can.
Aloha.
Rob and Jeff
Mahalo BOH for keeping all of us not on island updated. My heart aches for all affected by the horrible devastation; your losses are unimaginable.
Love, always Love.
Donations are very much needed by all…whatever you can afford will help.
Cecily (CA)
I live on the mainland, but born and raised on Oahu, and lived on Kauai and Maui as well. This is all so disturbing. My family on Maui is ok, but I did not know that for 2 days. I have been in tears and upset that the things necessary to sustain Hawaii, like fire breaks are neglected because that does not bring in $$. So many people have lost lives. So many people now have nothing. Hawaii’s people deserve better. My ohana and friends deserve better. Many prayers.
Maybe going back to growing pineapples wouldn’t be such a bad idea? Or something that might help the soil and not burn quite as enthusiastically as dry grass…