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On Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Honolulu Fire Department (HFD) responded to a wildland fire near the historical Kukaniloko Birth Site in Wahiawa, Hawaii. The incident was reported shortly after 4 p.m., and multiple units of HFD were dispatched to the scene. The Fire’s Impact The fire, which sent clouds of smoke billowing into the sky, prompted some road closures in the area. A portion of Wilikina Drive was closed, and Kamananui Road was shut down from Wilikina Drive to Kamehameha Highway. The Honolulu Police Department assisted with traffic control and road closures. Key Details: Location: Near the historical Kukaniloko Birth Site in Wahiawa. Response Time: HFD responded shortly after 4 p.m. Road Closures: Portions of Wilikina Drive and Kamananui Road. Evacuations: Some homeless individuals were evacuated from the area. Response and Containment The fire department acted swiftly, evacuating some homeless individuals in the area. Fortunately, no homes were threatened, and no area evacuations were enforced. The response was well-coordinated, with multiple units of HFD working together to contain the fire. Table of Response: Action Details Evacuation Homeless individuals were evacuated Road Closures Wilikina Drive and Kamananui Road were closed Homes Threatened No homes were threatened Area Evacuations No area evacuations were enforced Community Impact The fire’s proximity to the historical Kukaniloko Birth Site added a layer of concern for the community. The site is significant in Hawaiian culture and history, and any damage to it would be a loss to the heritage of the area. Safety Measures The quick response by HFD and the Honolulu Police Department ensured that the situation was handled efficiently. The evacuation of homeless individuals and the closure of affected roads were vital safety measures that protected both residents and responders. Ongoing Efforts As of the latest update, the fire is still being battled by HFD. The situation is being closely monitored, and efforts are being made to minimize the impact on the community and the historical site. Reflection The Wahiawa wildland fire serves as a reminder of the ever-present risk of wildfires, especially in areas with historical and cultural significance. The coordinated efforts of the fire department and police, along with the community’s support, demonstrate the resilience and preparedness of Hawaii’s emergency services. The incident also highlights the importance of preserving and protecting historical sites, which are not only valuable cultural landmarks but also part of the identity and heritage of the community. The situation in Wahiawa is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of Hawaii’s emergency responders. Their swift action and commitment to safety have helped to contain a potentially dangerous situation, preserving both lives and a cherished part of Hawaii’s history.

The island of Maui, Hawaii, has been ravaged by wildfires, resulting in a catastrophic loss of life and property. The fires, which began on August 8, 2023, have claimed at least 99 lives, making it the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in over a century. The death toll is expected to rise significantly as only 25% of the burn area has been searched. A Grim Reality The wildfires have been relentless, destroying homes, businesses, and historic landmarks. The Lahaina area in western Maui has been particularly hard-hit, with many victims found dead in the open, in cars, or in the water. The search for victims continues, with cadaver dogs and specialized teams working through the devastated neighborhoods. List of Devastation: Homes Lost: More than 2,200 structures destroyed or damaged. Burn Victims: Nine people admitted to a specialized burn unit. Power Outages: Fires wiped out power and communications for thousands. Lawsuit: Hawaiian Electric facing a lawsuit over power lines. The emotional toll on the survivors and the community is immense. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell stated, “Nothing can prepare you for what I saw during my time here.” Stories of Loss The stories emerging from the fires are heart-wrenching. Carole Hartley, 60, died while trying to escape the Lahaina fire with her partner. Franklin “Frankie” Trejos, 68, also lost his life in a desperate attempt to flee. Containment and Aid As of late Monday: Lahaina Fire: 85% contained Upcountry Maui Fire: 65% contained Pulehu/Kihei Fire: 100% contained but not yet extinguished The South Korean government has pledged $2 million in humanitarian aid, including supplies like water and food. Questions and Concerns The response to the wildfires has raised questions and concerns. There were reports of weak water pressure and dry fire hydrants. The island’s emergency siren warning system did not activate, believed to be “immobilized” by the extreme heat. Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez is set to lead a review of officials’ response. Table of Containment: Fire Name Containment Lahaina Fire 85% Upcountry Maui Fire 65% Pulehu/Kihei Fire 100% Rebuilding and Recovery The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is dedicated to helping the west Maui community rebuild. Roadblocks are preventing some people from returning to assess the damage, and government officials are working to secure temporary housing for displaced people. Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has urged residents not to rush back to damaged areas, citing safety risks. He described the situation as “a tragedy beyond tragedies.” The Maui wildfires have left a scar on the community that will take time to heal. The loss of life, property, and the emotional trauma faced by the survivors is a stark reminder of the power of nature. Efforts to rebuild and recover are underway, but the memories of this tragedy will linger long after the fires are extinguished. The resilience and spirit of the Maui community will be tested, but there is hope that they will rise from the ashes, stronger and more united.

Tonight in Maui, you can add a sense of abandonment to the cascade of emotions sweeping over devastated communities. As survivors and residents learn more about warning sirens that never sounded, evacuations that never came, hydrants that nearly ran dry, and what may have been underestimations of the risk the island faced that day, anger is rising over why more wasn’t done to protect communities from the rampaging fire. The Mounting Frustrations Now, after days of uncertainty about where they will live, so many are just anxious to get home to whatever home looks like. The mounting frustrations are compounded by a steadily climbing number of those lost forever. A number that began this day at 96 but, as we are reminded grimly, each day will and does go higher. The Deadliest Wildfire in Our Nation’s History Reporter: Tonight, the deadliest wildfire in our nation’s history is under investigation, and the questions are mounting. The horror in Lahaina spread through streets, incinerated cars, and forced people to flee into the ocean. “NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! NOT LIKE THIS.” Anger is growing because so many were forced to make life or death decisions with no warning. “NO, WE HAVE TO LEAVE! IT’S TRAGIC. IT PROBABLY ALL COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED OR MOST OF IT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.” The Fire’s Beginning A brush fire near Lahaina was first reported early Tuesday morning, and some evacuations were ordered. But Maui officials thought they had it under control, announcing 100% containment around 9:00 A.M., possibly giving residents a false sense of security. Only hours later, county officials said the fires flared back up, fueled by strong winds, burning the town in an out-of-control blaze that barreled toward the ocean. Emergency Failures Here’s what we do know: Emergency sirens were not activated according to Hawaii emergency officials. And firefighters called to the scene said some of the fire hydrants had low or even no water pressure. “YOU RAN OUT OF WATER WITH THE NATION’S MOST DEADLIEST WILDFIRE?” “YEAH. YEAH. IT WAS VERY DISHEARTENING.” Personal Stories of Loss and Survival Ina Koehler and Johnny Verona are firefighters from Lahaina that were there when the wildfire exploded. “PEOPLE RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES. PEOPLE BEING CARRIED OUT. PEOPLE BEING RESCUED. PEOPLE GETTING STUCK. POWER LINES WERE ALREADY DOWN BEFORE THE FIRE.” They too lost everything. “YOU COULD JUST HEAR SO FAST THAT THIS IS ON FIRE, THIS IS ON FIRE, THIS IS — LIKE HOW IS THIS SPREADING SO FAST?” As the fires burned, the people of Lahaina were surrounded. This video shows people jumping into their condo’s pool to escape the flames. “WE JUST KEPT HUDDLING IN DIFFERENT CORNERS, GETTING AWAY FROM FLYING DEBRIS, GETTING AWAY FROM FLAMES.” “THE FACT THAT WE WEREN’T INCINERATED IS A MIRACLE.” Recovery and the Future The gut-wrenching search through the charred remains of Lahaina has only just begun. More than 1,000 residents are still unaccounted for as recovery crews with cadaver dogs go block by block, home by home. “IT IS EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. THERE ARE STRUCTURES THAT ARE PERSONALLY STANDING THAT ENGINEERS HAVE TO CLEAR FIRST TO MAKE SURE IT’S SAFE FOR THE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAMS TO GO IN.” And as if the tragedy of the wildfire wasn’t enough, Hawaii is now monitoring Hurricane Fernanda, heading toward the chain of islands. The chief of police in Maui is worried about it, but according to weather experts, it is forecast to weaken by the time it comes near Hawaii and is not expected to have strong winds. A Community in Mourning The people of Lahaina are left to process all they’ve lost. “YOU JUST HAVE TO LOOK TO THE LORD. YOU JUST TRUST IN THE END HE HAS A PURPOSE FOR US.” Talfa Samisani lost four family members to the fires. “WE WERE ALL TOGETHER. WE WERE ALL TOGETHER.” The community, devastated and frustrated, is left to rebuild and heal, grappling with the reality of a tragedy that many believe could have been avoided. “IT’S TRAGIC. IT PROBABLY ALL COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED OR MOST OF IT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.”