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Maui, Hawaii is home to over 164,211 people and 115 confirmed deaths while still counting other potential victims. Maui wildfires continue with approximately 400 remaining. The island is set back 100 years in architecture, and infrastructure. The Federal Bureau of Investigation received a list from the local community with 388 names of missing unaccounted-for individuals. The updated list was returned and not available for public access however hopefully many others have returned safely. “We’re releasing this list of names today because we know that it will help with the investigation,” Police Chief John Pelletier said in the release. “We also know that once those names come out, it can and will cause pain for folks whose loved ones are listed. This is not an easy thing to do, but we want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to make this investigation as complete and thorough as possible” (CNN).
As we struggle to identify and locate the lost continues, electrical utility companies are being investigated for the possibility of fault for the wildfires. Not only is the government pressing charges and suing the company, but the fire department is curious as to why they weren't more prepared based on the past incident from 2018. Following a destructive wildfire that broke out in 2018 under similar conditions in the same area, no wildfire management or other preventative methods were taken to mitigate future disasters, Nicholas Krau, the Maui Chapter Chair for the State of Hawaii Organization of Police Officers, told CNN.
The Washington Post reported on the possibility of the utility company tampering with police investigation. The county has begun the legal implications against this company claiming their actions were reckless, careless, negligent, and unlawful. This Hawaiian company is to service 90% of the Maui population. Electric companies were advised to shut off energized power lines. The company did not comply with the request which later resulted in the death of countless victims. “Our primary focus in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy has been to do everything we can to support not just the people of Maui, but also Maui County. We are very disappointed that Maui County chose this litigious path while the investigation is still unfolding,” a spokesperson from Hawaiian Electric told CNN in a statement. “If someone needs help, (the police) are going to rush in and do everything they can to help. But the department and county of Maui have the obligation to properly equip them,” he said to the Washington Post.
While still struggling to locate the lost victims of the Maui wildfires, government officials hope for the safety and well-being of the individuals to be maintained with safe arrivals.
If you would like to help those still struggling in the wake of this tragedy, please consider donating to the Maui Wildfire Relief Fund.
Sources:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/01/us/maui-fires-final-number-missingpeople/index.html:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/01/us/maui-fires-final-number-missing-people/index.html
Bio: My name is Catlynn Carrizales. I am a sophomore at Poudre High School, and currently enrolled in the International Baccalaureate program. I am actively involved in HOSA, Feminist Club, UNIFIED, and No Place For Hate. If you would like to see more of my work you can find it here!