66 people missing after Maui wildfires, says governor.

Hawaii Governor Provides Update on Recovery Efforts After Historic Wildfire

In the aftermath of ​the devastating wildfire that‌ swept through the historic town of Lahaina, Hawaii Governor Josh Green shared some ‍promising news. The number of missing individuals has⁤ dropped to 66, while the confirmed death‌ toll remains at 115. Governor Green also announced that residents will soon be able to visit their properties under the supervision of authorities.

Furthermore, significant financial aid, amounting to‌ tens of millions of dollars, will ⁤be provided to affected families and businesses as they work towards recovery. Starting⁤ from October 8, travel restrictions will be lifted, allowing‍ West Maui to reopen to visitors. Governor Green emphasized the importance of supporting Maui’s economy⁤ to facilitate a faster healing process for the community.

Support and‌ Assistance ⁣Pour In

Donations ‌from around the world have​ poured in to organizations such ‍as the American Red Cross, the Hawaii Community Foundation, and the Maui⁤ United Way. Governor ‌Green has ⁢also authorized $100 million from the federal Temporary ⁤Assistance for Needy Families program to amplify the impact of these generous contributions.

Additionally, the government has allocated $25 million to help businesses survive, providing grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000.

The Devastation and Recovery Efforts

The wildfire, which began on August 8, quickly engulfed the hills ‌above Lahaina, spreading‌ rapidly and destroying over 2,000 structures, including⁢ homes, apartments, art galleries, and restaurants. The estimated damage caused by the blaze ⁢amounts to a staggering $5.5 billion.

While the​ number of missing individuals has significantly ‍decreased from the previous week’s count of 385, Governor Green expects some ⁤overlap between the‍ missing​ list and the remains that have⁤ already been recovered.⁣ Therefore, he does ⁤not anticipate a considerable rise in the death toll.

Supervised visits for residents to return and view their ‌properties will be scheduled in⁢ the coming weeks. However, caution must be exercised due to‌ the toxic ash ‍left behind by the ‌fire.

Seeking Answers and Accountability

Hawaii Attorney General​ Anne Lopez has vowed to use her ​subpoena powers, if necessary,⁤ to ensure cooperation from state and county⁤ employees as her office ​investigates the wildfire. The goal is to establish⁣ safeguards for the ⁣future and prevent a similar tragedy from occurring again.

Governor Green‍ also⁣ mentioned⁤ that some state employees have been asked to testify at congressional⁢ hearings in Washington, D.C., regarding the wildfire. ‍Their participation is crucial in⁢ uncovering the⁢ truth ⁣and preventing future disasters.

As the recovery efforts‌ continue, Governor Green and Maui County officials are committed to‍ addressing any criticisms and learning from‌ this tragedy to better prepare for⁤ the future.

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