Questions arise over Maui official’s ties to Obama Foundation following water delay.
A Hawaii Official’s Controversial Decision Raises Questions After Maui Wildfire
A Hawaii official accused of withholding water from firefighters during a critical point in the Maui wildfire has come under scrutiny. M. Kaleo Manuel, previously recognized as a “leader” by the Obama Foundation in 2019, is currently being investigated for his actions. According to local ABC News affiliate KITV, Manuel has been reassigned pending the outcome of the investigation.
The controversy arose when the West Maui Land Company requested the release of water around 1 p.m. on August 8 during the deadly wildfire. However, Manuel declined the request, stating that he needed to consult with local farmers first. It wasn’t until 6 p.m. that evening that he finally authorized the release, as reported by the Star Advertiser.
The consequences of this delay were devastating. The wildfire claimed the lives of at least 111 people, making it the deadliest in the United States in over a century. Additionally, over 2,200 buildings, 86 percent of which were residential, were destroyed or damaged.
Lahaina Maui residents are questioning the government’s failure to issue fire alarms, delayed water supply during fires, and the power company’s long-standing disregard for fire warnings.
Despite fires scorching over 100,000 acres on Maui from 2016 to 2020:
•Maui’s Emergency… pic.twitter.com/UPprWLhWJh
— KanekoaTheGreat (@KanekoaTheGreat) August 18, 2023
The West Maui Land Company expressed their frustration in a letter to Manuel, stating that his commission’s refusal to grant permission to divert streams resulted in significant loss. They emphasized their helplessness in the face of the devastation and the potential impact that immediate approval could have had on firefighting efforts.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources, in a statement, urged the public to reserve judgment on Manuel’s decision until all the facts are known. The DLNR website highlights Manuel’s recognition as one of the inaugural Obama Leaders representing the Asia-Pacific region with the Obama Foundation.
In a livestream from November 2022, Manuel spoke about the sacred significance of water to native Hawaiians and the need to reconnect with that traditional value. He emphasized the importance of water as a unifying force and the necessity for equitable conversations about its usage.
Here is M. Kaleo Manuel, the Hawaii water official who refused to release water resources and let landowners fight the Maui fire, explaining his “philosophy” about water:
“Native Hawaiians treated water as one of the earthly manifestations of a god…We’ve become used to looking… pic.twitter.com/hjsWqdVtxf
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 17, 2023
Former President Barack Obama, who has ties to Hawaii, posted a video encouraging people to donate to relief organizations assisting with the wildfire response.
It will take all of us coming together and doing what we can to help those in need in Maui and Lāhainā right now. I hope you’ll join me in donating to the Hawai’i Red Cross today: https://t.co/CPtVJ8fGSq pic.twitter.com/yvIDCG15MP
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 15, 2023
Obama emphasized the need for collective action and support for the affected families and the rebuilding efforts in Lahaina.
The controversy surrounding Manuel’s decision and his ties to the Obama Foundation have sparked questions and discussions about the incident. As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial to consider all the facts before passing judgment on the official’s actions.
Source: The Western Journal
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