Wildfire updates (new link for Aug.10): https://tinyurl.com/4ratx8aj
List: closed/cancelled/postponed: https://tinyurl.com/4b28993k
School closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/f6jh372w
Power outage updates: https://tinyurl.com/yn8pkhzx
Road closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/487vhcsn
Lahaina Front Street photo journey: West Maui wildfire aftermath: https://tinyurl.com/4ratx8aj
Maui fire crews continue to battle three large wildfires–one in Lahaina, one in Pūlehu that has traveled down to Kīhei; and one in Kula, which has burned more than 1,000 acres since it was first reported early Tuesday morning. As of today:
- There are 53 deaths
- 270 structures impacted/destroyed
- 3 active fires:
- Lahaina 80% contained,
- Pūlehu/Kīhei 70% contained; and
- Kula – no containment information
- Mass visitor/resident evacuations out of West Maui continue
- Still no power in West Maui – approximately 12,400 customers remain offline
- 1350 people at five shelters
- 1,400 people stayed overnight at Kahului Airport
- 14,000 departed Maui on Wednesday; Another 14,500 expected to leave today
Below are updates, which are posted as they become available.
53 fatalities confirmed amid active Lahaina fire
Update: 1:12 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023
As firefighting efforts continue, 17 additional fatalities have been confirmed today amid the active Lahaina fire. This brings the death toll to 53 people.
Thirty-six fatalities were confirmed as of Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2023. Another 17 were confirmed midday today, Aug. 10, 2023.
The status of all three fires remains unchanged from the last update at 10:30 a.m. this morning.
Hawaiian Electric assisting West Maui emergency
Update: 2:27 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023
Hawaiian Electric is currently coordinating and assisting with State and County emergency response efforts in West Maui.
As part of this response effort, the company is currently focusing on:
- Ensuring safety and supporting the State and County emergency response, which includes crews assisting with first clearing and maintaining access to impacted areas in West Maui today
- Starting critical damage assessments to begin restoration efforts once areas are safe and accessible
- Asking West Maui customers without power to prepare for extended outages that could last several weeks in some areas.
Approximately 12,400 customers in West Maui remain without power as access continues to be limited to many impacted areas due to safety and emergency response concerns. Damage assessments and restoration efforts will advance as areas become safe and accessible.
In Upcountry, crews are also making progress and are working to restore a remaining small pocket of Upcountry customers at this time. Additional crews and resources from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Island and Lāna‘i have been deployed to assist with massive response efforts, and the company’s Incident Management Team continues to coordinate closely with Hawai‘i’s Emergency Management Agency and other emergency response organizations. Full report HERE.
Coast Guard continues response to West Maui wildfire, search and rescue continues
Update: 1:11 p.m., Aug. 10, 2023
The US Coast Guard, along with federal, state, and local partners continue to respond to Lahaina where a wildfire destroyed hundreds of businesses and homes.
A total of 17 lives were saved from the water and 40 survivors were located ashore by Coast Guard Station Maui boat crews. The Coast Guard has no reports of missing persons in the water, however Coast Guard aircrews and surface assets continue search and rescue operations.
“Today, our assets remain actively engaged in the search and rescue response and our responders are operating and searching as though there may still be survivors in need of assistance,” said Capt. Aja L. Kirksey, Sector Commander of Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.
US Coast Guard aircrews are also supporting overflight assessments of the impacted area and are transporting additional personnel with specialized training and equipment to assist in the response efforts. Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke flew aboard a Coast Guard C-130 to assess the fire damage and observe response efforts firsthand. Full report HERE.
Maui Visitors Relocated Off-Island
Through efforts of airline, hotel, and ground transportation partners, more than 14,000 people were moved off the island of Maui on Wednesday, Aug. 9, to return home or continue with their vacation elsewhere in Hawai‘i. By the end of Thursday, it is estimated that an additional 14,500 people will be moved off Maui. More tourism industry updates HERE.
Family Assistance Center open today and Friday for those seeking information about loved ones who are unaccounted for in wildfires
Update: 11:53 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
A Family Assistance Center is open at Kahului Community Center for family members who are looking for information about loved ones who are unaccounted for and may be affected by the wildfires on Maui. The center at 275 Uhu St. is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and Friday. Hours after Friday have not been set. The Maui Emergency Management Agency will pass out forms to be filled out to help in the process of locating unaccounted for family members. People trying to locate loved ones who may be impacted by the fires also can call the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767.
Lahaina fire reported 80% contained, progress reported in firefighting effort
10:54 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
A wildfire that caused widespread damage in Lahaina town was 80% contained this morning. Fire crews continue to battle active fires in Pūlehu/Kīhei and Upcountry/Kula as well.
In Lahaina, firefighting crews further secured the perimeter of wildland areas that burned. That effort is continuing today, along with patrolling areas where structures burned. Civil Air Patrol flyovers Wednesday of Lahaina Town showed more than 270 structures were impacted by the fire.
The Pūlehu fire, in an area mauka of Kīhei, was 70% contained this morning, after heavy equipment was used to create firebreaks through the night. Firefighters are continuing to secure the perimeter this morning.
A containment percentage for the fire Upcountry is pending further assessment. Firefighting efforts focused on two main areas of Olinda and Upper Kula. Firefighting crews are continuing efforts to protect structures and extinguish smoldering hot spots. State forestry workers were leading the firefighting effort in the Olinda area. On the Kula side, the fire is most active in gulches that are difficult to access.
Entry into Lahaina remains restricted while the firefighting efforts continue. Lahaina-bound vehicles are being stopped on Honoapiʻilani Highway at Māʻalaea. Honoapiʻilani Highway is only open to outbound traffic leaving West Maui. Motorists can also leave West Maui through Waiheʻe. Only Kahakuloa residents may access the village through Waiheʻe.
Lahaina remains without power. There were an estimated 12,400 West Maui customers without power at last report. State and county crews are working to clear roads and other areas of trees and debris.
Buses were sent to the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and Whalers Village in Kāʻanapali this morning to continue the mass transport of visitors to Kahului Airport.
Emergency evacuation shelters at War Memorial Complex in Wailuku, Maui High School in Kahului and Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani housed about 1,050 people overnight. Another 300 residents and visitors stayed at emergency evacuation shelters opened Wednesday night at Kingʻs Cathedral Maui in Kahului and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Maui Lani. Many of the visitors were taken to Kahului Airport this morning.
Some visitors who took flights from Maui to Honolulu on Wednesday were among 18 people sheltered at the Hawaiʻi Convention Center on Oahu.
Kahului Airport reported that 1,400 people stayed overnight Wednesday while waiting to take flights departing Maui this morning. Airlines have added additional flights for visitors leaving Maui.
People trying to locate loved ones who may be impacted by the fires can call the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767.
Info on reuniting with loved ones
Update: 10:15 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
Individuals wishing to reunite with loved ones who may be impacted by the fires can call the American Red Cross hotline at 1-800-733-2767.
Also, Maui Health is asking families who are looking for loved ones at Maui Memorial Medical Center to call the main hospital line at 808-244-9056 and provide a first and last name to verify whether their family member is being treated at MMMC.
To contact Kula Hospital residents and patients, please call 808-878-1221. If prompted, leave a voice message with your name and contact information and a hospital representative will return the call as soon as possible.
Haleakalā NP’s Summit and Kīpahulu Districts remain closed through morning of Aug. 14
Update: 11:10 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
Haleakalā National Park’s Summit and Kīpahulu Districts remain closed through the morning of August 14, 2023. Visitors should not plan to drive to or visit the park until it has been officially reopened. We ask for patience and the public’s cooperation during this time.
Camping reservations for Hosmer Grove, backcountry tent camping and cabins, and Kīpahulu campground for Aug. 10, 2023 through Aug. 14,2023 are canceled. Sunrise reservations for Aug. 11, 2023 through Aug. 14, 2023 are canceled.
Any changes in the park’s status will be posted at www.nps.gov/hale.
Maui Police ask for patience as fire suppression continues
Update: 10 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
The Maui Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones, their homes, or businesses. We are asking the community for their patience as first responders continue their efforts to suppress the active fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas.
Right now, our priority is to ensure the safety of first responders and expedite our process of evaluating the Lahaina Town area. We have dedicated teams consisting of MPD, Hawaii National Guard, and Maui Search and Rescue personnel currently processing the area.
Due to biohazard and safety concerns, no unauthorized entry into the area is allowed at this time. We appreciate the cooperation of our community at this challenging time so we can collectively mitigate potential safety risks.
Arrangements to allow residents into the area will be announced at a later time.
President Joseph Biden approves Hawaiʻi Disaster Declaration
Update: 7:14 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Hawaiʻi and ordered Federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on August 8, 2023, and continuing.
The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Maui County.
Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. Further details are posted HERE.
Flags lowered in mourning of lives lost in Maui wildfires
Update: 7:08 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
Gov. Josh Green, M.D., has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawai‘i state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawai‘i State Capitol and at all state offices and agencies, as well as at Hawai‘i National Guard facilities in the State of Hawai‘i, effective immediately, in mourning of those lost from the Maui wildfires. The flags will remain lowered until further notice while recovery efforts are underway.
Residents and visitors in West Maui impacted by brush fire to be transported to Kahului Airport or Central Maui shelter
Update: 3:51 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
A mass bus evacuation for residents and visitors in West Maui will resume at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10. Bus boarding will be staged at Whalers Village entryway fronting Kāʻanapali Parkway. Visitors will be taken directly to the Kahului Airport. Residents will be taken to a Central Maui shelter. Three Roberts Hawaiʻi Motor coaches, each with a capacity of 49 people will be available. Additional buses from partner agencies will be added in based on demand.
Two additional shelters opened in Central Maui
Update: 1:31 a.m., Aug. 10, 2023
The County of Maui opened two additional emergency evacuation shelters—at King’s Cathedral Maui at 777 Maui Veteran’s Highway in Kahului and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 1300 Maui Lani Parkway in Kahului. The additional shelter sites were opened in order to accommodate full occupancy at existing shelters locations.
Evacuees are reminded that emergency shelters do not provide bedding, toiletries and personal care items. Pet owners utilizing the shelter will need to have pets properly restrained.
Death toll rises with 36 fatalities in Lahaina
Update: 10 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023
As firefighting efforts continue, 36 fatalities have been discovered amid the active Lahaina fire. The 36 total includes the six deaths reported earlier on Wednesday.
Three active fires on Maui remain unchanged:“
Update: 10 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023
The Maui Fire Department reported no significant changes for the Lahaina, Upcountry and Pūlehu/Kīhei fires on Wednesday evening. There are no containment numbers at this time. MFD expects to conduct an assessment at first light Thursday.
Firefighters have dealing with multiple flareups. Additional firefighter personnel from Honolulu have been requested.
Thirty US Army service members arrived tonight and are conducting search and recovery efforts on Thursday morning.
Three shelters are currently open: Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, War Memorial gymnasium in Wailuku and Maui High School gymnasium in Kahului. American Red Cross said that 942 people are at the three shelters as of 10 p.m.
On Tuesday night, there were about 2,100 in Maui shelters.
Entry into Lahaina remains restricted as firefighting efforts continue. Motorists already in West Maui may exit the area via Māʻalaea and Waiheʻe. Only Kahakuloa residents may enter Kahakuloa via Waiheʻe.
Images of widespread damage in Lahaina Town was captured today by US Civil Air Patrol.
11,000 travelers, 400 airline personnel leave Maui in mass visitor evacuation:
Update: 10 p.m., Aug. 9, 2023
On Wednesday, the evacuation of West Maui visitors continued, with more than 11,000 travelers and 400 airline personnel leaving Maui, said Ed Sniffen, director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation.
“We are trying to get the travelers who need to leave, off the island,” he said at a news conference Wednesday night.
A mass evacuation for visitors at Sheraton Maui Resort in Kāʻanapali ended late Wednesday. County transportation officials said bus evacuations for visitors will resume Thursday at a Lahaina location and time to be announced.
To get more visitors off the island, the transpacific flights — Alaska, Delta, United and American — have increased capacity by bringing in larger planes to get more seats.
“Southwest has dropped its fares and Hawaiian Airlines is operating until 2 a.m. [Thursday] to get as many people off Maui as possible,” Sniffen said. “Even with that, we still had some empty seats on the flights because today the [Honoapiʻilani] Highway was shutdown for most of the day and for good reason.
“Poles were down, and thereʻs wires jumping across the highway in different areas. And we had the backroad opened up. Now we have Honoapiʻilani Highway and the Lahaina Bypass open going east to make sure we get everybody to the airport.”
Maui County ran nine buses on Wednesday to get 450 to 460 people out to Kahului Airport to ensure people flew on the flights Hawaiian Airlines had added.
Sniffen said 600 people would be staying at the airport Wednesday night, and be “accommodated,” to get them ready for the early Thursday morning flights.
Maui County will be running more buses on Thursday. The buses pickup people in West Maui and bring them to the airport. Sniffen said there will be an additional capacity of 2,000 seats for the 1,500 or so passengers that want to leave the island Thursday.
The Hawaiʻi National Guard helicopter crews flew 13 hours on Wednesday, making 58 drops with 150,000 gallons of water for fire suppression. The crews will make more water drops on Thursday as needed, said Major General Kenneth S. Hara with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Defense.
*Cammy Clark and Wendy Osher contributed to this update.
Wildfire updates (new link for Aug.10): https://tinyurl.com/4ratx8aj
List: closed/cancelled/postponed: https://tinyurl.com/4b28993k
School closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/f6jh372w
Power outage updates: https://tinyurl.com/yn8pkhzx
Road closure updates: https://tinyurl.com/487vhcsn
Lahaina Front Street photo journey: West Maui wildfire aftermath: https://tinyurl.com/4ratx8aj
Original source: https://mauinow.com/2023/08/10/maui-wildfire-updates-death-toll-rises-to-36/