Maui’s missing count to decrease below 100.
Hawaii Wildfire Update: Number of Missing Individuals Expected to Drop
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green announced on Thursday that the number of individuals reported missing in the devastating wildfire on Maui is anticipated to decrease significantly. Initially, nearly 400 people were unaccounted for, but according to Mr. Green, that number is expected to drop to less than 100.
“We’re still seeing the number of unaccounted-for individuals drop,” Mr. Green shared in a video update on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We’re going to get a big update tomorrow. Pending that update, we think the number has dropped down into the double digits, so thank God.”
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The wildfire, which engulfed Lahaina on August 8, tragically claimed the lives of at least 115 individuals, making it the deadliest wildfire in the United States in a century.
Initially, over 1,000 people were reported as unaccounted for, but authorities were able to narrow down the list to 388 individuals who were genuinely missing. After publishing these names, more than 200 people came forward with valuable information about the listed individuals.
In his video update on Friday, Mr. Green did not mention the current number of missing individuals. However, his whiteboard displayed an expected estimate of 50 people unaccounted for, with the words “pending 9/1/23.”
Mr. Green also revealed that FEMA has received over 12,000 applications for assistance. The Red Cross has sent 472 officials and numerous volunteers from across the United States to provide aid. Currently, 5,016 people are being housed in hotel rooms, while another 1,100 are staying in Airbnb accommodations until the cleanup of toxic debris and the rebuilding process can begin.
“This will be the process where we get people into Airbnb’s for up to 18 months,” Mr. Green explained. “That’s going to be our plan.”
The devastating wildfire destroyed approximately 1,800 to 1,900 homes along its path of destruction.
Amid the recovery efforts, Mr. Green’s administration will investigate unsolicited offers for property in Lahaina. These offers violate an emergency order signed by the governor on August 19, which aims to prevent the transfer of land in the historic coastal enclave to external buyers.
“We want to keep this land in the hands of local people and give them a chance to decide whether they’d like to rebuild,” Mr. Green emphasized. The concern is that residents may be forced to sell, potentially leading to the loss of Lahaina’s unique cultural heritage and traditions. This trend would further contribute to the ongoing outmigration of Hawaii’s residents to more affordable regions.
Lahaina, a town with a population of 12,000, was home to many individuals working in the hospitality sector, serving hotels and restaurants in the nearby Kaanapali and Lahaina areas.
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