"Maui can't handle this. A lot of people just lost their jobs because a lot of businesses burned. A lot of people lost their homes. This is going to be devastating for Maui." Alan Dickar, Front Street Business Owner
There is no safe place to be any more to escape the impacts of global warming. On the island of Maui, a brush fire ignited (the exact cause is yet to be determined), dry, brittle tinder, and powerful winds from Hurricane Dora spread embers across the island. The hurricane passed to the south of the Hawaiian Islands. Lahaina was once the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. The fires are not contained, and the worst disaster since Hurricane Iniki barreled over Kauai in 1992. First responders describe the scene on Maui as apocalyptic.
It was Lahaina that took a devastating hit. Twelve people were rescued by the Coast Guard from the waters off the coast after fleeing the flames forced them to jump into the harbor. It is still night in Hawaii, and the scale of the devastation is yet unknown. In social media posts, survivors have reported there are casualties. The fire has also severely damaged the towns of Kihei and Kula; both are under mandatory evacuations. Wailuku is also reporting fires.
“When we deal with hurricane and disasters following hurricane, we're usually dealing with heavy rain, we’re dealing with flooding,” Luke told CNN. “The fact that we have wildfires in multiple areas as a result of indirectly from a hurricane is unprecedented; it's something that Hawaii residents and the state have not experienced.”
A recent
CNN post warned that many burn victims need immediate evacuation. Maui has lost all communications. The state plans to evacuate west Maui and is attempting to secure hotels and airlines for evacuations to another island, likely in Honolulu, for medical care and abundant hotel space.
Residents say an overwhelmed fire force — fighting flames all day amid powerful winds — could do little as flames ripped through the historic community, destroying dozens of homes and businesses in what onlookers believe is the worst natural disaster in Hawaii’s history since Hurricane Iniki.
Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke confirmed that the Hawaii National Guard had been activated to help respond to the sprawling fire crisis, which also includes other raging wildfires. The flames have forced thousands to their homes, and many aren’t sure what they’ll find when they return.
Officials confirmed to Hawaii News Now that the Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and boat to Front Street Beach and the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor to rescue a number of people from the water.
The winds — fueled by Hurricane Dora as it passes south of the state — have topped 55 mph in many spots, with gusts to 70 to 80 mph. In addition to wildfires, first responders are grappling with downed trees and damaged structures. Also on Maui, thousands remain without power.
And while the Lahaina fire appears by fire to have wrought the most devastation, widespread damage is also being reported in Kihei and Kula, where evacuation orders also remain in place.
Climate change is a threat multiplier and can turn a natural disaster into an apocalypse. Like most islands, Hawaiians have done little to contribute greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and oceans.
Emergency declaration from the Maui County Mayor.
Lahaina and Upcountry Maui Fires Combined Update No. 2, 9:45 p.m.: Firefighter crews continue to battle brush and structure fires in Upcountry and Lahaina areas.
Mayor Bissen issued an emergency proclamation in response to fires.
The American Red Cross has opened Maui High School as an evacuation center.
Wahikuli residents in West Maui were evacuated this evening.
The Coast Guard has been responding to impacted areas where residents are entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions. Individuals were transported by the Coast Guard to safe areas.
A firefighter who was responding to the West Maui fire has experienced smoke inhalation and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center. He is in stable condition.
Hononoapiʻilani Highway remains open outbound only. Motorist should expect heavy traffic.
Water buffalos containing drinking water are located at Kula Fire Station, Kula Community Center, Rice Park and Crater Road – Hydrant 373.
The County requested for National Guard support.
Multiple evacuation orders are in place. Structure damages have occurred, no details on the extent on damages are available.
The American Red Cross is staffing emergency shelters at Kihei Community Center, Lahaina Civic Center and in Pukalani at Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Pet owners utilizing the shelters need to have pets properly restrained.
Hawaiian Electric Co. advises residents to stay at least 30 feet or more away from downed power lines, which may be energized. Downed power lines can be reported to 911 or Hawaiian Electricʻs trouble line at (808) 871-7777. More information is available at Downed Power Line Safety | Hawaiian Electric
Hawaii’s youth-led climate change lawsuit is going to trial next summer
Kaliko is excited to get her day in court.
The 13-year-old is one of 14 Hawaii youth suing the state Department of Transportation over its role in promoting greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet. A circuit court judge ruled Thursday that the trial will start June 24 in Honolulu’s environmental court.
“I can see every day how climate change is affecting everyone’s life and has significantly affected mine as well,” Kaliko said in an interview Monday. She is identified by her first name only in court documents due to her age.
Kaliko was calling from her home in west Maui, where she was holding two ice packs on her head to keep cool in Monday’s sweltering heat as her chickens hid in the shade of a pine tree. The teenager worried how a hotter world will make it harder for her to do the things she loves, like biking, surfing, and gardening.
“I joined this case so nobody would have to experience what I have experienced, and so I can make the world a better place,” she said.
Tribute to Maui from Oahu’s halau, Ke Kai O Kahiki.
Update from the comments. The site is updating as this unfolds. Zero fucking containment. So scary.
really bad. Lt Gov Luke on CNN
“We are already in communication with other hospital systems about relieving the burden — the reality is that we need to fly people out of Maui to give them burn support because Maui hospital cannot do extensive burn treatment,” Luke said. “In addition to dealing with disaster, we're dealing with major transportation issues as well.”
Sounds like communication systems are down too.
“911 is down. Cell service is down. Phone service is down. That's been part of the problem. The Maui County has not been able to communicate with residents on the west side, the Lahaina side,” Luke said.
Four hours ago: