Embattled officials in Hawaii are facing criticism for their lack of warnings as a deadly wildfire tore through the town of Lahaina. However, they are standing by their decision not to sound emergency sirens, insisting that it wouldn’t have saved lives.
Last week, the wildfire devastated Lahaina on the island of Maui, resulting in the deaths of at least 110 people. Some residents were not aware of the risk until they saw the flames themselves. The head of Maui’s Emergency Management Agency, Herman Andaya, defended the decision not to sound the sirens, stating that they are primarily used for tsunamis.
Andaya explained, “The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded.” He expressed concern that if the sirens had been activated, people would have gone towards the fire instead of seeking safety.
Criticism has grown following the disaster, with survivors expressing their frustration over the lack of official warnings, especially when mobile phone networks and electricity supply were cut off. Andaya questioned whether anyone indoors with their air conditioning on would have heard the sirens, as the winds were very gusty that day.
When asked if he regretted the decision not to activate the system, Andaya firmly stated, “I do not.”
Governor Josh Green has ordered a probe into the incident to identify any lessons that can be learned. Survivors have also voiced concerns about the slow response from the government, as body recovery efforts are progressing slowly, and they are being prevented from returning to their homes.
Local officials have defended their actions, asserting that outsiders are the ones complaining and that they want to help. Mayor Richard Bissen emphasized that the people affected are the ones who can provide the most accurate insight into the situation as it is their home.
The search operation in the disaster zone is challenging as specially trained dogs navigate the heat and debris while requiring frequent rest. The process is expected to be long and difficult, with the death toll likely to rise.
Efforts to identify the recovered bodies are underway, with forensic pathology experts, including those who worked after the 9/11 attacks, flown to Maui. The presence of numerous tourists has complicated the process, necessitating the establishment of a larger network to collect DNA samples from those with missing relatives.
US President Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, are scheduled to visit Maui on Monday to meet with first responders, survivors, and federal, state, and local officials. Biden has expressed his commitment to providing the necessary aid for Hawaii’s recovery from the disaster. The White House declared a major disaster in Hawaii, enabling the deployment of emergency assistance, although critics argue that the response was not sufficient.
Overall, Hawaiian officials stand by their decision regarding the use of wildfire sirens but are open to the ongoing investigation and the opportunity to learn and improve from this tragic event.