Maui fires – update: Biden says he doesn’t want to ‘get in the way’ as Hawaii death toll reaches 101
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
President Joe Biden has said he does not want to “get in the way” of rescue work after the Hawaii wildfires following criticism of his response to the disaster.
Mr Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden “are going to travel to Hawaii as soon as we can”.
“I don’t want to get in the way,” he said, adding that recovery work being carried about by emergency responders and search and rescue teams is “painstaking work” that “takes time.”
Hawaii officials are working to identify the 101 people killed in Maui wildfires. Governor Josh Green confirmed the updated death toll on Tuesday, up from 99 earlier, after the last official update indicated that 25 per cent of the search area had been covered.
The toll is expected to continue to rise for days as hundreds of people remain missing with Mr Green predicting “10 to 20” more bodies found each day.
Meanwhile, as residents of hard-hit Lahaina return home to survey the devastation, officials have issued dire warnings about contamination that could pose health risks for months to come.
Key points
Hawaii fires map: Before and after
Police chief asks people with missing family members to do DNA test
How did the Hawaii wildfires start?
Obama posts heartfelt video on Maui wildfires: ‘We have to step up’
Maui wildfires death toll reaches 106
10:20 , Rachel Sharp
The death toll from the Maui wildfires has now topped 100 with officials announcing that 106 victims had been located as of Monday night.
The grim figure – making the tragedy the deadliest wildfire in the US since 1918 – is expected to rise further as more than 1,000 people remain missing and only 32 percent of the scorched area of Lahaina has been searched.
Despite the high number of victims found, only five have been formally identified.
Robert Dyckman, 74, and Buddy Jantoc, 79, were publicly named on Monday while three others have been identified, but officials are waiting to notify their families before releasing the names.
Family members are urged to come forward with DNA samples to help locate and identify missing relatives.
Watch: Joe Biden says he and Jill Biden will visit Hawaii
10:00 , Ariana Baio
Maui wildfire victim died while trying to shield friend’s golden retriever
09:00 , Ariana Baio
As wildfires ravaged the Maui community of Lahaina, one of the victims died protecting his friend’s golden retriever.
In what officials have dubbed the deadliest US blaze in a century, 68-year-old Franklin Trejos had attempted to shield Sam, the golden retriever, from the deadly flames. The dog belonged to retired fire captain Geoff Bogar and his wife Shannon Weber-Bogar, Trejos’ friends of nearly 35 years.
Mr Bogar told the Associated Press that he and Trejos had decided to stay behind in an effort to save Mr Bogar’s house as the fires grew on 7 August. Although Mr Bogar says that they both eventually decided to flee the following afternoon, only the retired captain made it back.
Authorities discovered Trejos’ bones in the backseat of his car lying on top of the remains of Mr Bogar’s three-year-old golden retriever. He reportedly died trying to protect the young dog.
Olivia Hebert reports:
Maui wildfire victim died while trying to shield friend’s golden retriever
Are downed power lines possible cause of deadly Maui wildfires?
08:30 , Stuti Mishra
Videos showing downed power lines apparently sparking some of the early blazes in Maui have become key evidence in search for cause.
Read more:
Are downed power lines possible cause of deadly Maui wildfires?
Biden slammed for offering ‘insulting’ $700 payments to Maui wildfire victims
08:00 , Stuti Mishra
President Joe Biden’s offer of a $700 emergency payment to households impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires has been criticised as an insult to survivors.
Mr Biden, who has faced criticism for his handling of the disaster, announced an economic relief package on Monday that included cash payments and temporary housing assistance for survivors.
It was immediately decried as too small to have a meaningful impact by some commentators.
Bevan Hurley has more:
Biden slammed for offering ‘insulting’ $700 payments to Maui wildfire victims
Two victims of Maui wildfire identified as death toll rises to 106
07:30 , Stuti Mishra
Maui County released the names of two people killed in the wildfires on Tuesday evening, as the death toll rose to 106.
The county said in a statement that Lahaina residents Robert Dyckman, 74, and Buddy Jantoc, 79, were among the dead, the first people so named.
A further three victims have been identified, the county wrote, and their names will be released once the county has identified and informed their next of kin.
Officials say the toll now stands at 106, rising from 101 earlier, according to the Associated Press.
In Photos: Maui Humane Society treats injured animals in wake of wildfires
07:00 , Ariana Baio
Hawaii national guard activates hundreds of troops for rescue efforts
06:30 , Stuti Mishra
The Hawaii National Guard has activated about 258 Army National Guard and Air National Guard personnel to help respond to the fires.
Guard members will offer support to the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and local law enforcement agencies and help with command and control efforts, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh said on Tuesday.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is helping with debris removal and temporary power. The Corps has deployed 27 personnel — active duty and civilians — and 41 contractor personnel.
The US Coast Guard has shifted its focus to minimising maritime environmental impacts but is still ready to help individuals in the water.
Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu and the Coast Guard National Strike Force have established a safety zone extending one nautical mile seaward from the shoreline.
The have also deployed pollution response teams and equipment, including a 100-foot boom at the mouth of Blaina Harbour to contain any potentially hazardous contaminants and material. There are about 140 Coast Guard members aiding the response effort.
Ms Singh said she doesn't know how many active-duty troops have responded, but said that active-duty forces will be part of the ongoing effort.
Maui wildfires death toll reaches 101, says governor
06:00 , Stuti Mishra
The blaze that burned through the town of Lahaina on Maui last week has killed at least 101 people, up from 99, Hawaii’s governor said on Tuesday.
“We are heartsick that we’ve had such loss,” governor Josh Green said during a news conference.
Biden says he will visit Hawaii ‘soon’ amid backlash over response
05:30 , Stuti Mishra
President Joe Biden said he is working with the government to find a time to visit Hawaii after the devastating wildfires – following blowback over his previous comments about the disaster.
"My wife Jill and I are going to travel to Hawaii as soon as we can," Biden said Tuesday in Milwaukee at a White House event held to highlight his economic agenda.
"I don't want to get in the way," the president said, adding that recovery work being carried about by emergency responders and search and rescue teams is "painstaking work" that "takes time."
Read more:
Biden says he will visit Hawaii ‘soon’ amid backlash over response
Rich investors exposed for trying to get Lahaina wildfire victims to sell land amid disaster
05:00 , Ariana Baio
The fires in Maui, Hawaii haven’t been contained yet, but already residents of Lahaina are worried investors will try to capitalise on the disaster for land development.
The wildfires that ravaged Maui last week left a scar on towns like Lahaina, where 80 per cent of the structures in town have been damaged or destroyed.
Hawaii governor Josh Green estimated that the state has lost an estimated $5.6 billion and it could cost that just to rebuild Maui.
But while thousands of people living on the islands are trying to recover and find shelter, investors see an opportunity.
Ariana Baio reports:
Rich investors exposed for trying to get Lahaina wildfire victims to sell land
Biden administration goes into defence mode
04:00 , Ariana Baio
The Biden administration doubled down in their defence of President Joe Biden regarding his response to the Hawaii wildfires.
While aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton began a press gaggle by giving remarks about Mr Biden’s efforts to send aid and assist those in Hawaii affected by the wildfires.
Ms Dalton listed all the federal resources the Biden administration has given to Hawaii including more than 500 federal personnel which includes FEMA personnel to assist in search and recovery efforts.
“I would also just like to add because I know many of you have asked that we’re currently having active conversations about when a visit to Hawaii might be possible,” Ms Dalton said.
Oprah helps out Maui shelter by purchasing essential items
03:00 , Ariana Baio
Oprah Winfrey was thanked by a Maui shelter for those affected by wildfires after instructing a news camera crew to wait outside while she visited.
The entertainment mogul and former talk show host, 69, has been providing aid for those in need after wildfires severely impacted areas in Hawaii last week.
“I’m really pleased to have so many people supporting... bringing what they can and doing what they can,” she explained on Thursday (10 August), after admitting that it was an “overwhelming” time.
“I came earlier just to see what people needed then went shopping because often, you know, you make donations of clothes or whatever and it’s not really what people need.
“So I actually went to Walmart and Costco and got pillows, shampoo, diapers, sheets, pillowcases.”
ICYMI: Obama posts heartfelt video on Maui wildfires: ‘We have to step up’
02:00 , Ariana Baio
Former US president Barack Obama has posted an emotional video to social media in response to the devastating Hawaii wildfires, which have already claimed at least 99 lives.
“Aloha everybody. Like so many people around the world, Michelle and I have been absolutely heartbroken by the devastating images coming out of Maui and Lahaina over the last week,” the Democrat said.
“As someone who grew up in Hawaii, as someone who has taken my family to enjoy the incredible beauty of that island and the hospitality of the people of Lahaina, we now find ourselves mourning the lives that are lost and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families that have lost so much.
He continued: “The thing about it is though, thoughts and prayers in a moment like this are not enough. We have to step up. We have to help those families and we have to help Lahaina rebuild.
“And the good news is that the Hawaii Red Cross and Malama Maui are mobilising to provide direct support to people who are desperately in need.”
Joe Sommerlad reports:
Obama posts heartfelt video on Maui wildfires: ‘We have to step up’
Videos put scrutiny on downed power lines as possible cause of deadly Maui wildfires
01:00 , Ariana Baio
Awakened by howling winds that tore through his Maui neighborhood, Shane Treu went out at dawn and saw a wooden power pole suddenly snap with a flash, its sparking, popping line falling to the dry grass below and quickly igniting a row of flames.
He called 911 and then turned on Facebook video to livestream his attempt to fight the blaze in Lahaina, including wetting down his property with a garden hose.
“I heard ‘buzz, buzz,’” the 49-year-old resort worker recounted to The Associated Press. “It was almost like somebody lit a firework. It just ran straight up the hill to a bigger pile of grass and then, with that high wind, that fire was blazing.”
Treu’s video and others captured the early moments of what would become the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. Now the footage has emerged as key evidence pointing to fallen utility lines as the possible cause. Hawaiian Electric Co. faces criticism for not shutting off the power amid high wind warnings and keeping it on even as dozens of poles began to topple.
A class-action lawsuit has already been filed seeking to hold the company responsible for the deaths of at least 99 people. The suit cites the utility’s own documents showing it was aware that preemptive power shutoffs such as those used in California were an effective strategy to prevent wildfires but never adopted them.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
American Airlines evacuated more than 4200 people
Wednesday 16 August 2023 00:00 , Ariana Baio
A total of 21 flights from the Kahului Airport to Maui, Hawaii has carried more than 4,200 to safety, American Airlines said in an update on Monday.
Airlines like American Airlines have been doing their part to help evacuate visitors from the island and provide relief in the form of necessities to residents of Maui who lost everything in the severe fires.
The people of Maui have been impacted by devastating wildfires, resulting in a significant loss for local communities. Our #AATeam is working nonstop to support relief efforts with increased flying, evacuating more than 4,200 people and providing critical relief items.… pic.twitter.com/K7jlmPI1pt
— americanair (@AmericanAir) August 15, 2023
How the Maui wildfires became fodder for conspiracy theorists
Tuesday 15 August 2023 23:30 , Bevan Hurley
When Joe Biden announced the federal government’s latest aid package to families left homeless by the Maui wildfires on Monday, a seemingly innocuous turn of phrase sent conspiracists into meltdown.
“We’re laser-focused on getting aid to survivors,” the president wrote, apparently unaware of the bogus claims circulating on social media of space lasers being used to deliberately start the wildfires that swept through Maui on 8 August.
As with nearly every traumatic event, from natural disasters to school shootings, fake theories that sprung up immediately online followed a familiar narrative of climate change denial, government cover-up and in some cases antisemitic tropes.
Read more:
Space lasers and boat burnings: Bizarre Maui wildfire conspiracies
Hawaii wildfire survivors slam warning system failures as officials struggle to ID victims
Tuesday 15 August 2023 23:00 , Ariana Baio
Just one week ago the neighbourhoods of Maui were bustling and surrounded by colourful foliage. Now, ash and soot blanket nearly every surface, buildings and homes are destroyed, and nearly 100 people are dead.
Fast-moving wildfires hit unknowing residents in Maui and other parts of Hawaii last week leading to destruction and death.
While some people managed to escape the blazes before they engulfed towns, others had no choice but to flee to the ocean to prevent themselves from being burned.
As of early Monday morning, the death toll is at 99 people, with most of the remains being unidentifiable due to the scorching fires.
Now, as officials work to identify victims and try to find hundreds of other missing people, locals are wondering why emergency alerts were not sounded and what could have been done to lessen the damage.
Ariana Baio reports:
Hawaii fire survivors blast warning system failures and prepare to sue energy firm
Free WiFi powered by Starlink offered to shelters
Tuesday 15 August 2023 22:30 , Ariana Baio
Three companies have donated WiFi powered by Starlink to six emergency shelters around Hawaii and Maui.
Privateer Space, Alpha Inc and Mahi Pono helped fund the free wifi and donated charging vans and trucks for people to charge their phones at Napili Gateway, Honokowai Park and Napili Park in West Maui.
President Joe Biden defends his relief efforts in Hawaii
Tuesday 15 August 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio
President Joe Biden said he is working with the government to find a time to visit Hawaii after the devastating wildfires on Tuesday – a sharp turn from his previous comments about the disaster.
About 20 minutes into Mr Biden’s planned speech about his economic policy in Milwaukee, he pivoted his attention to the impact of the Maui wildfires.
“I got to talk a little bit about Hawaii,” Mr Biden said before sharing his concerns about the victims and reiterating actions he’s taken to send federal assistance to Maui where at least 99 people were killed and thousands of others have been displaced due to the fires.
This past week and over the weekend, Mr Biden faced heavy criticism for his apathetic appearance regarding the fires.
While Hawaii grappled with the wildfires, the President spent time at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware where he was photographed riding his bike and lounging on the beach.But the President chose to give a more concrete statement about the disaster on Tuesday.
He said: “My wife Jill and I are going to travel to Hawaii as soon as we can. That’s what I’ve been talking to the government about, I don’t want to get in the way.”
“I’ve been to too many disaster areas. But I want to go make sure we got everything they need. Want to be sure we don’t disrupt the ongoing recovery efforts.”
Mr Biden spent approximately five minutes touching on all the ways he’s directed leaders in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as well as several branches of the military to provide all recovery assistance to Hawaii.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Hawaii, but not just our prayers – every asset, every asset they need will be there for them. And we will be there in Maui as long as it takes,” Mr Biden added.
How to help victims of Hawaii wildfires
Tuesday 15 August 2023 21:40 , Ariana Baio
Thousands of Hawaii citizens have been displaced following wildfires that devastated the historic town of Lahaina in Maui.
Here is a list of resources to help those impacted by the natural disaster.
Brittany Miller reports:
How to help victims of Hawaii wildfires
Governor of Hawaii cautions those trying to buy land from Hawaiians
Tuesday 15 August 2023 21:15 , Ariana Baio
Amid concerns from native and local Hawaiians that land investors will attempt to buy properties and rebuild condos or hotels on them, Hawaii Governor Josh Green cautioned those trying to take that route.
In a press conference on Monday, Mr Green he reached out to the attorney general to “explore options to do a moratorium on any sales of properties that have damaged or destroyed.”
“Moreover I would caution people that is going to be a very long time before any growth or housing can be built and so you will be pretty poorly informed if you try to steal land from our people and then build here,” Mr Green said.
Watch: Joe Biden says he and Jill Biden will visit Hawaii to survey aftermath of wildfires
Tuesday 15 August 2023 20:55 , Ariana Baio
Cadaver dogs continue search for victims
Tuesday 15 August 2023 20:20 , Ariana Baio
Cadaver dogs brought into Maui, Hawaii will continue their search for victims who died in the wildfires this week.
So far, just 25 per cent of the search area has been probed by the cadaver dogs.
Hawaii governor Josh Green said he expects the death toll to increase by 10 to 20 people per day as the search continues.
As of Tuesday morning, the death toll was 99.
Biden slammed for offering ‘insulting’ $700 payments to Maui wildfire victims
Tuesday 15 August 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio
President Joe Biden’s offer of a $700 emergency payment to households impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires has been criticised as an insult to survivors.
Bevan Hurley reports:
Biden slammed for offering ‘insulting’ $700 payments to Maui wildfire victims
President Biden having ‘active conversations’ about visiting Hawaii
Tuesday 15 August 2023 19:40 , Ariana Baio
As President Joe Biden headed to Milwaukee on Tuesday, deputy press secretary Olivia Dalton hosted a gaggle where she addressed some public concerns about Mr Biden’s response to the Hawaii wildfires.
“I know many of you have asked,” Ms Dalton started before adding that the White House was “having active conversations about when a visit to Hawaii might be possible.”
Mr Biden has received criticism for failing to address the wildfires this weekend while relaxing at his home in Delaware.
At least 99 people were killed in Hawaii.
Reporters have hounded Mr Biden with questions regarding whether or not he will visit Hawaii.
Lahaina resident died protecting his golden retriever
Tuesday 15 August 2023 19:10 , Ariana Baio
Franklin Trejos, a 68-year-old resident of Lahaina died in the wildfires last week trying to protect his golden retriever named SAm.
Shannon Weber-Bogar told NBC News that her husband found the remains of Trejos and Sam in a car. Trejos was trying to flee from the extreme blaze when he got caught in the fast-moving fire.
Ms Weber-Bogar said her husband, Geoff Bogar, managed to escape the blaze when he crawled on the ground until a police patrol found him and he was taken to the hospital.
He returned the next day only to find the remains of their friend, Trejos.
Trejos was from Costa Rica and lived with Ms Weber-Bogar and Mr Bogar.
How quickly did the Lahaina wildfire move?
Tuesday 15 August 2023 18:45 , Ariana Baio
The wildfire in the town of Lahaina in Maui, Hawaii moved extremely quickly, trapping people in the town and setting most of the area ablaze.
A new analysis from The New York Times found that from 6.30am HST on Tuesday, 8 August until 5.30 pm residents were given no warning about a potential widespread wildfire and little preparation was done to prevent it from spreading.
A brush fire in Lahaina began around 6.30am but firefighters told residents less than three hours later that it was “100 per cent contained” .
By 4.30pm flare-ups and, allegedly, power lines that caught fire, combined into a massive fire that moved so fast many people were unable to leave the town.
Videos showed residents stuck in traffic on main streets with heavy clouds of smoke and massive winds whipping around them.
By 5.30pm some people jumped into the ocean to prevent themselves from being burned.
Fire containment update
Tuesday 15 August 2023 18:20 , Ariana Baio
As of Monday afternoon, Most of the fires on Maui are more than 60 per cent contained.
The County of Maui posted an update on Facebook saying that the Upcounty/Kula fire was 65 per cent contained, the Lahaina fire is 85 per cent contained and the Pulehu/Kihei fire is 100 per cent contained.
The county clarified that just because a fire is contained does not make it extinguished, it just means firefighters have surroudned the entire perimeter of the blaze.
Donald Trump claims he would have handled Hawaii disaster better
Tuesday 15 August 2023 17:50 , Ariana Baio
Ex-president Donald Trump claimed that the situation in Hawaii, including recovery efforts, would have not been as disastrous under his leadership.
In a video posted to his social media platform, Mr Trump said President Joe Biden and Hawaii Governor Josh Green were handling the wildfire disaster poorly.
“The sad thing is should have never have happened,” Mr Trump said. “Our government was not prepared and very importantly the aftermath is going very poorly with the governor of the island wanting to do nothing but blame it on global warming and other things that just happen to pop into his head.”
Trump says what happened in Maui never would’ve happened if he was president, and Biden and the Gov of Hawaii won’t help and just want to blame global warming. pic.twitter.com/mULOTWE6dn
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) August 14, 2023
Meanwhile, Mr Biden has coordinated with state and local officials, including Mr Green, to organise federal aid and resources be available to the islands in Hawaii.
Mr Green publicly thanked the President for his quick assistance.
‘Why did they not do the cheap thing, turn the power off?'
Tuesday 15 August 2023 17:20 , Gustaf Kilander
In a 2022 regulatory filing, Hawaiian Electric outlined efforts to reduce the risk of fires. It stated that the firm was “hardening” poles to be able to handle strong winds and that it was removing vegetation, citing Lahaina as a priority area.
Safety measures take time and may be expensive for a company to carry out.
Standford climate and energy policy scholar Michael Wara told The Times that burying power lines costs between $3m and $5m for every mile, with those costs usually added to bills for customers. The rates for electricity in Hawaii are already the highest in the US, the US Energy Information Administration states.
“Why did they not do the cheap thing, turn the power off?” Mr Wara asked.
‘Something on the grid was very unhappy for eight seconds and trying to recover from a shock'
Tuesday 15 August 2023 17:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Lightning strikes have also caused some wildfires in the US West but NASA lightning detectors didn’t see any such activity around Hawaii when the fires began.
Whisker Labs is a private firm that monitors the electrical grid in cities for issues which may lead to a home fire. Its data seems to show major incidents on powerlines close to where the fire is thought to have begun, according to The New York Times.
Late on 7 August and into the early hours of 8 August, the data shows that power lines started to lose voltage, which can occur when branches and other types of vegetation begin to affect wires, lines, poles, or other types of equipment.
The firm said it has nearly 1,000 sensors in Hawaii and around 70 on Maui. While all of the sensors on Maui sensed a fault, the strongest one was near Lahaina.
Its co-founder and chief executive Bob Marshall told The Times that it lasted eight seconds, “which is an eternity in electrical grid time”.
“Something on the grid was very unhappy for eight seconds and trying to recover from a shock,” he added.
‘In Lahaina, the electricity powers the pumps that provide the water'
Tuesday 15 August 2023 16:40 , Gustaf Kilander
The chief executive of Hawaiian Electric, Shelee Kimura, said during a press conference on 14 August that they didn’t have a shutdown programme and that shutting down the power may have led to problems for people using certain kinds of medical equipment.
She noted that turning the power off would have required coordination with the emergency services.
“In Lahaina, the electricity powers the pumps that provide the water and so that was also a critical need during that time,” she said. “There are choices that need to be made and all of those factors play into it.”
On Saturday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Pacific Disaster Center said that more than 2,000 structures had been damaged or destroyed on Maui, with an estimate for rebuilding costs being $5.52bn.
Stock analyst Shahriar Pourreza told The Times that Hawaiian Electric could be liable for more than $4bn. In June, the company had $314m in cash.
‘Was there gross negligence, was there imprudence?'
Tuesday 15 August 2023 16:20 , Gustaf Kilander
Investors in the utility company Hawaiian Electric appear to be concerned as its share price dropped more than a third of its value on Monday 14 August. The company may have to pay large amounts to settle lawsuits from homeowners and businesses, and also invest in fireproofing its current infrastructure.
Stock analyst Shahriar Pourreza told The Times that “the issue becomes whether they did everything they could that was reasonable to prevent this incident”.
“Was there gross negligence, was there imprudence?” he added.
Hawaiian Electric was founded in 1891, and on Maui, it functions under a subsidiary – Maui Electric. The company is minuscule compared to the California companies that have doled out massive settlements following wildfires.
In 2022, its revenue was $3.7bn compared to $21.7bn for California’s Pacific Gas and Electric.
‘There’s got to be some accountability'
Tuesday 15 August 2023 16:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Many US wildfires start when powerlines are blown down, or when branches or other things land on powerlines leading to flashes of electricity, prompting some utility companies to shut power down ahead of strong winds.
The National Weather Service expected winds of 45 miles per hour and gusts of 60 miles per hour to hit Maui on 8 August as Hurricane Dora passed by the island about 700 miles south.
The chief executive of the Frantz Law Group, James Frantz, told The New York Times that “we allege that many of the regulatory laws that require maintenance of equipment were broken”.
The group is one of several firms going up against Hawaiian Electric.
“There’s got to be some accountability,” he said.
Biggest utility company in Hawaii coming under scrutiny
Tuesday 15 August 2023 15:40 , Gustaf Kilander
The biggest utility company in Hawaii is now coming under scrutiny as questions mount if it took enough precautions to prevent a wildfire as the heavy winds began to hit Maui last week.
Attorneys representing Lahaina residents are suing Hawaiian Electric, claiming that its equipment wasn’t strong enough to handle the winds coming in over the island, adding that the company should have shut down the power before the winds struck the area, according to The New York Times.
Wildfire experts who have looked into the fires in California over the last 20 years see problems with Hawaiian Electric.
Officials on the state and local levels have not yet determined a cause for the fire almost a week after they began, but the conditions were similar to other parts of the US where wildfires have been started by electrical equipment, namely old infrastructure, high winds, and dry, easily flammable brush.
How did the Hawaii wildfires start?
Tuesday 15 August 2023 15:20 , Gustaf Kilander and Ariana Baio
At least 99 people are dead and thousands more have been forced to evacuate the island of Maui after deadly wildfires raged throughout Hawaii.
The fires, which are believed to be the deadliest in the US in the last century, erupted on three of Hawaii’s islands forcing visitors to flee and residents to seek emergency shelter.
Photos and videos from Maui show the destruction the fires have caused, with some neighbourhoods including the historic town of Lahaina, nearly burned to ash.
Search and recovery efforts then began as firefighters worked to contain and put out the fires. But the wildfires have sparked a frenzy of questions about how disasters like this can be prevented in the future.
Here’s everything we know about how the Hawaii wildfires started:
How did the Hawaii wildfires start?
VIDEO: High risks and lack of warnings in Maui lead to deadliest U.S. wildfire this century
Tuesday 15 August 2023 15:00 , Gustaf Kilander
Obama posts heartfelt video on Maui wildfires: ‘We have to step up’
Tuesday 15 August 2023 14:40 , Rachel Sharp
Former US president Barack Obama has posted an emotional video to social media in response to the devastating Hawaii wildfires, which have already claimed at least 99 lives.
“Aloha everybody. Like so many people around the world, Michelle and I have been absolutely heartbroken by the devastating images coming out of Maui and Lahaina over the last week,” the Democrat said.
“As someone who grew up in Hawaii, as someone who has taken my family to enjoy the incredible beauty of that island and the hospitality of the people of Lahaina, we now find ourselves mourning the lives that are lost and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families that have lost so much.
The Independent’s Joe Sommerlad has the story:
Obama posts heartfelt video on Maui wildfires: ‘We have to step up’
PICTURED: Aftermath of the Maui fires
Tuesday 15 August 2023 14:20 , Rachel Sharp
Residents of Lahaina worry about investors trying to buy their land after wildfires
Tuesday 15 August 2023 14:00 , Ariana Baio
The fires in Maui, Hawaii haven’t been contained yet, but already residents of Lahaina are worried investors will try to capitalise on the disaster for land development.
The wildfires that ravaged Maui last week left a scar on towns like Lahaina, where 80 per cent of the structures in town have been damaged or destroyed.
Hawaii governor Josh Green estimated that Hawaii has lost an estimated $5.6 billion and it could cost that just to rebuild Maui.
But while thousands of people living on the islands are trying to recover and find shelter, investors see an opportunity.
Ariana Baio reports:
Residents of Lahaina worry about investors trying to buy their land after wildfires
Moody’s economists estimate $1bn insured losses from fires
Tuesday 15 August 2023 13:20 , Rachel Sharp
Moody’s Investors Service’s insurance team has estimated around $1bn in insured losses from fires.
“As of 11 August, several wildfires had caused a tragic loss of life and destroyed most of the Lahaina community in western Maui, Hawaii,” the economists said in the report.
“The Pacific Disaster Center and FEMA estimated that 2207 structures were damaged or destroyed in the Lahaina fire and 2719 structures exposed.
“Given the damage assessment and Lahaina’s relatively high $1.5 million average single-family home value, we estimate insured losses will be at least $1 billion and primarily affect P&C insurers with significant homeowners and commercial property market share in Lahaina. It will take weeks or months to determine the magnitude of the insured damages.”
How to help victims of Hawaii wildfires
Tuesday 15 August 2023 13:00 , Ariana Baio
Thousands of Hawaii citizens have been displaced following wildfires that devastated the historic town of Lahaina in Maui.
Here is a list of resources to help those impacted by the natural disaster:
How to help victims of Hawaii wildfires
Former NBA coach opens homes to Maui residents
Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:40 , Rachel Sharp
Former Golden State Warriors coach Don Nelson has announced that he is opening his homes to people impacted by the wildfires in Maui.
Mr Nelson moved full-time to West Maui more than a decade ago and has since invested in several short-term rental homes on the Hawaiian island.
“We’re doing the best we can, but we only have space for about 24 people,” Nelson told the San Francisco Chronicle on Monday.
“There are thousands of people homeless right now. It’s overwhelming.”
Only quarter of fire area has been searched for victims so far
Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:20 , Rachel Sharp
Only a quarter of the area has been searched so far for victims of the Lahaina fire.
In the latest update from officials, the Maui Police Department said that the death toll had climbed to 99 victims.
So far, only three have been formally identified.
The death toll is likely to climb higher still as only about 25 percent of the area has so far been searched.
Maui residents had just minutes to flee from wildfires. Now they’re desperately searching for pets left behind
Tuesday 15 August 2023 12:00 , Megan Sheets
When wildfires swept through Lahaina without warning last Tuesday, residents were forced to grab what they could and flee.
At least 99 residents have been killed, more than 2,000 buildings were destroyed, and an estimated 1,000 people remain unaccounted for.
Hundreds of families who escaped the inferno have begun the desperate task of searching for pets that were left behind in the chaos.
Facebook groups have been inundated with photos of cats, dogs, rabbits, horses and exotic birds, and many remain missing nearly one week on from the deadliest wildfire in the United States in more than a century.
“I am absolutely heartbroken,” one pet owner wrote on the Lost & Found Animals of Maui Fires group along with photos of her cats Lily Jupiter, Puma and Tiger.
Bevan Hurley reports:
Maui residents desperately search for pets left behind as wildfires swept in
Victims’ identities will start being released today
Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:40 , Rachel Sharp
One week after the fires first began ravaging the island, officials announced a new grim death toll of 99 victims.
The governor warned that the number of fatalities may continue to increase by 10 to 20 people per day as officials continue to search for survivors and victims.
Officials announced that they will begin releasing the names of victims on Tuesday.
“Their names will be released after their families are notified,” Maui county said.
WATCH: Barack Obama’s message to people of Hawaii after deadly wildfires
Tuesday 15 August 2023 11:20 , Rachel Sharp
Maui resident says ‘Lahaina is not for sale’ to land investors
Tuesday 15 August 2023 10:00 , Ariana Baio
"Lahaina is not for sale." Maui resident Tiare Lawrence talks to @KatyTurNBC about real estate investors reaching out to residents after the destructive fires on Maui. pic.twitter.com/vDXEJIb8J1
— Katy Tur Reports (@KatyOnMSNBC) August 14, 2023
