Head of Maui Emergency Management Agency Resigns Following Criticism of Wildfire Response
In response to the devastating Lahaina fire that has claimed the lives of at least 111 people, the head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Herman Andaya, has resigned from his position. Maui County officials announced Andaya’s immediate resignation due to “health reasons.” The agency has faced significant criticism for its handling of the wildfire, which is now considered the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen expressed the urgency of replacing Andaya and stated that someone will be appointed to the key position as quickly as possible. The resignation comes as residents reported that they were not properly evacuated and that none of the island’s warning sirens sounded for evacuation when the Maui wildfires broke out on August 8.
When questioned about the activation of the sirens, Andaya defended the decision not to use them, stating that the public is trained to seek higher ground when the sirens are sounded, which would have put them at risk of entering the fire. Instead, the agency relied on the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and the Emergency Alert System (EAS) to notify residents via text alerts, television, and radio notifications. However, with power knocked out in the area, many residents reported not receiving any alerts or notifications.
Critics pointed out that Hawaii’s government website lists “wildfires” as one of the hazards for which the warning siren system can be used. Andaya defended the agency’s protocol, stating that the system has not been used in wildland fire incidents, emphasizing his qualifications and experience in emergency response. However, local news reports revealed that Andaya had no background in disaster response and was hired over 40 other qualified applicants.
The cause of the wildfires is still under investigation, and the Hawaii attorney general’s office has launched an investigation into the local government’s response to the fires. As the search for victims intensifies, federal personnel, along with 41 cadaver dogs flown in from the mainland U.S., are combing the debris area. FEMA, Red Cross, Hawaii National Guard, and U.S. Army reservists are also on the ground providing assistance.
Of the four wildfires that broke out on Maui, three are still burning. Maui County officials announced that two of the fires, previously referred to as a single blaze, were determined to be two fires with distinct origins and will now be reported separately as the Olinda and Kula fires. The fires on the eastern side of the island have destroyed 19 homes, and firefighters are still battling hot spots in difficult-to-reach areas.
The Lahaina fire, which has burned 3.39 square miles, is now 90% contained, with no active threats reported. However, it has damaged or destroyed over 2,200 structures. So far, six victims have been identified, all of whom were Lahaina residents. The investigation and recovery efforts are ongoing as the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating wildfire.