President Biden has approved disaster relief funding to assist communities in the aftermath of the Maui and Big Island fires.
"The wind-fueled fires have devastated many of our communities and people will be looking to our office for leadership while we address the ongoing emergency and do what we can as a state to rebuild lives," Hawai'i Governor Josh Green said. "We have suffered a terrible disaster in the form of a wildfire that has spread widely as a result of hurricane-force winds in the region and underlying drought conditions.
"Maui and the Big Island both experienced significant fires. Much of Lāhainā on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced."
Governor Josh Green announced disaster relief funding was approved by President Biden Thursday morning in response to the fires that have affected large portions of Maui and the Big Island. The state, eligible county governments, private entities, and nonprofit organizations in Maui County will receive the approved federal funding, and additional provisions for emergency protective measures in Hawai'i County will also be made available.
"The wind-fueled fires have devastated many of our communities and people will be looking to our office for leadership while we address the ongoing emergency and do what we can as a state to rebuild lives," said Governor Green. "We have suffered a terrible disaster in the form of a wildfire that has spread widely as a result of hurricane-force winds in the region and underlying drought conditions. Maui and the Big Island both experienced significant fires."
President Biden declared a major disaster in the State of Hawai'i, thereby directing federal support to assist state and local recovery efforts in the aftermath of the wildfires that broke out on August 8.
Big Island Now reported as of Wednesday, brush fires that emerged in both North and South Kohala have been successfully brought under control. Notably, there have been no instances of injuries reported among residents or firefighting personnel. The Akoni Pule Fire within South Kohala Ranch encompassed an estimated 1,000 acres, while the Mauna Kea Beach Fire covered approximately 500 acres.
Ongoing efforts involve fire crews maintaining patrols and extinguishing remaining hotspots within the affected areas. Deputy Fire Chief Eric Moller of the Hawai'i Fire Department emphasized the persistent risk in the vicinity of these brush fires due to arid conditions, potentially leading to renewed flare-ups. The Lalamilo Fire in Waimea remains under continuous observation. The fire surveillance will persist until substantial rainfall occurs on the island. All evacuation orders have been rescinded, and all roadways have been reopened as of Wednesday afternoon. Meanwhile, Moller explained HFD has 18 firefighters on standby ready to assist in firefighting efforts in Maui if assistance is needed.
A total of 85 firefighters were deployed to manage the Akoni Pule and Mauna Kea Beach Fires, utilizing 28 firefighting vehicles and seven bulldozers to effectively contain the flames. The firefighting efforts on Hawai‘i Island were further bolstered by the involvement of Pōhakuloa Training Area, the Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Volcanoes National Park, and dedicated volunteer firefighters.
Remarkably, the incidents resulted in minimal property damage. Specifically, the blaze in Kohala Ranch led to the impairment of the roofing of a solitary structure. However, no residences situated within the Mauna Kea Beach Resort vicinity suffered any impact from the fire. The Mauna Kea Beach Resort did experience the loss of a utility building.
Unfortunately, the toll of the Maui fire has been devastating. In an update provided by Maui County authorities on August 10, a total of 53 casualties have been reported.
According to the AP, more than 1,000 structures have been destroyed as a result of the Maui wildfire, displacing countless families. Governor Green told the Associated Press the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue, and officials anticipate it will become the state's deadliest natural disaster since 1961 when a tsunami hit the Big Island and killed 61 people. About 11,000 tourists flew out of Maui on Wednesday, with at least 1,500 more expected to leave the island on Thursday.
"These fires are absolutely devastating, and we will not know the full extent of the damage for a while," said Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz. "In the meantime, the highest priority is the safety of the people."