- The Hawaiian island of Maui is equipped with robust tsunami alert systems to effectively warn residents of emergencies.
- However, during the recent devastating fire that claimed the lives of at least 93 people, no alerts were issued, according to local sources.
- Residents faced the horrifying reality of having to flee without even being able to gather essential items like clothing and money, as shared by a bar owner.
On the first Monday of each month, residents of Maui, Hawaii, anticipate and prepare for a routine test of their emergency alert system. This system, with its piercing sirens, serves as a vital warning mechanism for potential tsunamis, floods, and earthquakes.
Kami Irwin, a Maui resident assisting with fire relief efforts, shared, “It always startles tourists because they think, ‘oh my gosh.’ However, the locals understand that it’s just a test. If the sirens don’t sound on that specific day, it raises concerns.”
During the recent devastating wildfires that scorched the island and decimated an entire city, no sirens were heard, according to insiders and local residents.
“This is where I believe mistakes were made. There was no warning,” expressed Matt Robb, co-owner of The Dirty Monkey, a bar in Lāhainā. He further revealed that 16 out of 26 staff members of the bar lost their homes and belongings. Those without shelter are currently seeking aid from the other co-owner’s residence.
‘Get the hell out now’
While minor fires were a frequent occurrence this month, the situation escalated when the wind intensified on August 8. This strong wind, caused by Hurricane Dora, a Category 4 storm surging approximately 500 miles away, rapidly spread the flames uncontrollably.
Unfortunately, residents remained unaware of the unfolding disaster, except for the sudden power outage.
Instead of closing the bar that evening, co-owner Alen Aivazian, who was visiting family in Minnesota, explained that everyone either went to his house or returned to their own homes due to the lack of information. He stated, “But then, within a few hours, they were awakened by police officers instructing them, ‘get the hell out now.’ They had to flee without any necessities like clothing or money.”
He added, “That’s probably why so many people lost their lives. It happened suddenly and rapidly. Not everyone was familiar with the necessary protocols, so they couldn’t determine which way to run.”
As of Sunday, the death toll has risen to 93, making the Maui fires the deadliest in American history. However, officials caution that the number will likely climb higher, as only 3% of the affected areas have been searched for potential survivors or victims.
FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell informed Insider that the ground in some areas is still too hot for search-and-rescue dogs to navigate, describing the scene on the island as reminiscent of “an apocalyptic movie.”
Insider’s requests for comments from the Maui Police Department and Mayor Richard Bissen’s office have not yet received responses.
Survivors have criticized local leaders for their inadequate response to the deadly fire, citing the absence of emergency warnings, ineffective communication, and insufficient immediate aid. Citizen groups, led by employees from The Dirty Monkey and Maui Brewing Company, have taken matters into their own hands. They are actively fundraising, collaborating with local authorities and aid organizations, and forming security and search-and-rescue patrols.
Matt Robb disclosed, “While there is some police and military presence, people are being robbed at gunpoint during the night. There are incidents of rape and pillaging. Houses are being ransacked. However, during the day, everything appears normal. This raises the question of where the support is. At this point, I don’t believe our government and leaders know how to handle this crisis or what steps to take.”
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