The landscapes of Maui in Hawaii have been marred by raging wildfires that have claimed the lives of 115 people. Over 1,000 individuals remain unaccounted for. It’s the deadliest wildfire in US history in over a century.
Herman Andaya Resigns
Former head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Herman Andaya, found himself at the center of a storm of controversy as he resigned from his position amidst the ongoing crisis. Andaya’s decision not to activate outdoor alert sirens during the wildfires has sparked outrage across the island.
Andaya claims that “had we sounded the siren that night, we were afraid that people would have gone mauka (to the mountainside).”
The outdoor sirens are typically used for tsunamis, and residents are to seek higher ground in such situations. Thus, there was a risk that “they would have gone into the fire.”
The recent developments shed light on the need for comprehensive disaster response plans.
Opportunists Profit From Victims’ Suffering
While the fires continue to smolder, a different kind of opportunistic threat has emerged on the horizon – land grabbers. The historic lands of Hawaii have long been a target for real estate development speculators. In the aftermath of the fires, they are seizing the moment to exploit the vulnerability of the grieving residents. As families grapple with their losses and attempt to rebuild their lives, these opportunists are descending upon the island, seeking to purchase land. All this happens during a time when compassion and sensitivity should prevail.
Governor Josh Green has sternly warned against the capitalization of the people of Maui’s suffering. Green has pledged to stop this capitalization in its tracks and issued a stern warning to hungry land grabbers. “People right now are traumatized. Please don’t approach them with an offer to buy land. Please don’t approach their families to tell them that they are going to be better off if they make a deal. Because we are not going to allow it, and then between myself and I’m sure the mayor, we’re not going to allow people to get permits… Don’t make the mistake of testing us in that space, please.”
The convergence of the Maui wildfires, the resignation of Herman Andaya, and the emergence of land grabbers paints a complex portrait of a community grappling with both natural disaster and human frailty. As the island mourns its losses and strives to heal, we should not forget our compassion, resilience, and ethical conduct in the face of adversity.
Sources:
“Fears of Predatory Land Grabs Mount in the Ashes of Maui, Opening Old Wounds” by Catherine Thorbecke (CNN)
“Hawaii governor vows to block land grabs as fire-ravaged Maui rebuilds” by Bobby Caina Calvan, Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Christopher Weber (The Independent)
“Maui fires – latest: California woman named as first tourist among victims as Hawaii asks more families for DNA” by Ariana Baio, Louise Boyle, Stuti Mishra (The Independent)
“Maui officials defend decision to not sound outdoor sirens as wildfires approached” by Ariana Baio (The Independent)