Hawaii Congresswoman: Sirens probably didn’t sound during Maui wildfires.
Absence of Warning Sirens Raises Concerns in Maui Wildfires
A federal lawmaker from Hawaii has expressed concerns that the warning sirens in the Maui area may not have activated ahead of the devastating wildfires, failing to alert people about the incoming threat. Rep. Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii) stated in an interview with CBS News that the sirens, which are a crucial part of Hawaii’s defense system, likely did not go off during this tragic situation.
According to Tokuda, the warning signals on cell phones were also ineffective due to the lack of cell coverage and electricity in some areas. She emphasized that these signals prompt individuals to turn on their televisions, check their phones, or listen to the radio for updates.
“The warning signals that were on cell phones—we had no cell coverage or electricity in some of these areas. And the reality is with those warning signs, it tells all of us to turn on the television or look at our phones or turn on the radio.”
Hawaii is known for having the largest integrated outdoor all-hazard public safety warning system in the world, with approximately 400 sirens strategically positioned across the islands. However, it appears that the system failed to function effectively during the Maui wildfires.
Maui Island, where many of the deaths occurred, has about 80 sirens in place. Records from the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency indicate that these sirens were not triggered when the fires started in Lahaina. Instead, emergency alerts were sent to mobile phones, radio stations, and televisions. However, it remains unclear whether these alerts were sent before the widespread cellular and power outage that affected the area.
In an interview with NBC News, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green acknowledged that much of the warning siren equipment was destroyed by the fire. He emphasized the challenging circumstances faced by firefighters and emergency responders in the remote areas of Maui.
Following the devastating incident, Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has announced a comprehensive review of the decision-making and standing policies surrounding the wildfire response. The aim is to understand the actions taken before and during the wildfires and share the results with the public.
Widespread Damage and Incidents of Robbery
The wildfires in Maui have resulted in 96 confirmed fatalities, with many more individuals still missing. The fire in Lahaina has been 85 percent contained, affecting approximately 2,170 acres, while the wildfires in Kula have been 60 percent contained, impacting 678 acres.
According to the Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Lahaina fire has caused damage or destruction to 2,207 structures, with an estimated cost of $5.52 billion. Around 86 percent of residential buildings in Lahaina were exposed to the fire.
Currently, approximately 4,500 people are living in shelters, and there is a significant need for water and food supplies. Unfortunately, some locals have reported incidents of looting and robberies during the night, criticizing the lack of leadership and support from local and state officials.
“There’s some police presence. There’s some small military presence. But at night, people are being robbed at gunpoint,” said Matt Robb, co-owner of a Lahaina bar called The Dirty Monkey. “Where is the support? I don’t think our government and our leaders, at this point, know how to handle this or what to do.”
Hazardous Region
While authorities are making progress in controlling the fires, concerns remain about the safety of the region due to toxic particles left in the aftermath. FEMA officials are assessing the area for hazards, and residents are being warned not to return too soon.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen emphasized the hazardous nature of the area and the importance of experts evaluating the situation before allowing residents to return.
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