The wildfires in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii have caused extensive destruction and devastation.[0] The aerial images captured in the aftermath of the fires depict the destruction of buildings and homes in the historic town.[1] Tragically, the death toll has risen to 89, making it the deadliest wildfire in modern US history.[2] This surpasses the 85 lives lost in the Camp Fires in California in 2018.[3] The fires in Hawaii have also become the deadliest natural disaster in the state's history, surpassing a 1960 tsunami that claimed the lives of 60 people.[4]
The impact of these wildfires is staggering. The estimated cost to rebuild the town of Lahaina is projected to be $5.52 billion, according to FEMA officials.[3] Damage assessments reveal that approximately 2,719 structures were exposed to the fires, with 2,207 structures being damaged or destroyed.[5] Of these buildings, 86% were classified as residential.[5] The Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have released damage assessment maps, highlighting the extensive damage caused by the wildfires.[6]
Access to West Maui has been restricted, with police enforcing restrictions through Māʻalaea and Waiheʻe.[5] However, the Honoapiʻilani Highway remains open for vehicles leaving Lahaina.[5] The burned historic Lahaina town area is barricaded, and people are advised to stay away due to the presence of toxic particles from the smoldering areas.[5] Residents are urged to wear masks and gloves for their safety.[5]
In the wake of this disaster, the Maui Food Bank is collecting and distributing food and other essential items to help those affected by the wildfires.[7] They are accepting donations of non-perishable food and hygiene products, as well as monetary donations.[8] The community is coming together to support each other in this time of need.[9]
Jason Momoa, a well-known actor and native Hawaiian, has issued a warning to tourists, urging them not to travel to Maui in the midst of the environmental devastation and displacement of the native population.[10] He emphasizes the importance of allowing the community to heal and restore without the added burden of visitors. Instead, he encourages people to donate to the Hawai'i Community Foundation's Maui Strong fund, allowing their money to support the recovery efforts.[11]
The wildfires in Hawaii have shed light on the issue of unmanaged, nonnative grasslands that have proliferated across the islands. These grasslands, planted by plantations and ranchers unfamiliar with the native ecosystems, have contributed to the increased risk of wildfires.[12] The abandonment of these plantations allowed the non-native grass to spread, resulting in a significant increase in the number of wildfires experienced in Hawaii.
Efforts to contain and extinguish the fires continue, with firefighters working tirelessly to control flare-ups and contain the blazes in Lahaina, Pūlehu/Kīhei, and Upcountry Maui. However, none of the active blazes are fully contained, and firefighters are still working to fully extinguish the fires.
President Biden has declared a disaster declaration for Hawaii, allowing federal aid to supplement the state and local recovery efforts.[13] The federal assistance will help support the ongoing rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas.[9]
The Maui wildfires have left a lasting impact on the community, with lives lost, homes destroyed, and a significant financial burden for the town of Lahaina.[6] The road to recovery will be long and challenging, but with the support of local organizations, the government, and the community, the people of Maui will rebuild and restore their beloved island.
0. “Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez offer $100 million to Maui recovery effort” Fox Business, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/jeff-bezos-lauren-sanchez-offer-100-million-maui-recovery-effort
1. “Death toll from Hawaii fires climbs to 89 as heart-wrenching scenes reveal Maui’s devastation” Fox Weather , 13 Aug. 2023, https://www.foxweather.com/weather-news/death-toll-hawaii-fires-maui-saturday-update
2. “How Colonialism Contributed to the Maui Wildfires – Mother Jones” Mother Jones, 11 Aug. 2023, https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2023/08/how-colonialism-contributed-to-the-maui-wildfires/
3. “Maui inferno death toll rises to 89, making it deadliest wildfire in modern US history, as lawyers claim Hawai” Daily Mail, 13 Aug. 2023, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12401249/FEMA-says-cost-5-5-BILLION-rebuild-burned-Lahaina-wildfire-destroyed-2-200-buildings-including-1-500-homes.html
4. “Hawaii congresswoman says state underestimated lethality of wildfires” The Guardian US, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/12/hawaii-congresswomanstate-underestimated-lethality-wildfires
5. “Maui wildfires update: Confirmed death toll remains at 80 in most recent update from Maui County” Big Island Now, 13 Aug. 2023, https://bigislandnow.com/2023/08/12/new-damage-assessment-map-shows-2207-structures-damaged-or-destroyed-in-lahaina-death-toll-in-maui-wildfires-stands-at-80/
6. “Limited access to West Maui reopens as recovery operations continue; death toll stands at 80” Hawaii News Now, 11 Aug. 2023, https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2023/08/11/maui-reports-12-additional-wildfire-fatalities-bringing-death-toll-67/
7. “LIST: Help Maui Fire Victims: Here's Where You Can Donate” Honolulu Civil Beat, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/08/help-maui-fire-victims-heres-how-you-can-donate
8. “How to Help Maui Wildfire Victims and Where to Donate” Food & Wine, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.foodandwine.com/how-to-help-maui-wildfire-victims-where-to-donate-7642601
9. “What to know about Hawaii's catastrophic wildfires” Axios, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.axios.com/2023/08/10/hawaii-maui-wildfires-2023-what-to-know
10. “Jason Momoa Sternly Warns Tourists to Stay Away From Maui” Hollywood Reporter, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/jason-momoa-maui-lahaina-fire-tourism-1235562266/
11. “Jason Momoa Urges Tourists to Stay Away from Maui” Vulture, 12 Aug. 2023, https://www.vulture.com/2023/08/jason-momoa-maui-wildfires.html
12. “How did the Maui fires start? Human habitation may be partly to blame” USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2023, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/08/09/how-did-the-maui-fires-start-human-habitation-may-be-partly-to-blame/70559241007
13. “Fleetwood Mac musician mourns loss of Maui restaurant” The Hill, 11 Aug. 2023, https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/4149771-fleetwood-mac-musician-mourns-loss-of-maui-restaurant
