Lahaina has been on fire for over a week, generating estimated $6 billion in damage with the fires spreading as far as Maui’s upcountry region and Kihea. The fires have had such an impact on its citizens that President Joe Biden announced that he will be visiting Hawaii on Aug. 21 to meet with the citizens, first responders and government officials.
Multiple theories have been formed in regard to how the fires started. As of now, a definitive reason is not certain. Investigators say the cause for the fires is the Category 4 Hurricane Dora, with winds as high as 156 mph.
Another theory accuses the power utility company Hawaiian Electric as the reason for the fires, resulting in a lawsuit. The people claim that Hawaiian Electric’s equipment was not durable enough to withstand the high winds, which then caused the chain of disasters following.
The consequences of the fires have been devastating. Not only has the wildlife been effected, but over 110 people have died. The fires have destroyed around 2,500 acres through Lahaina, obliterating years of history at the Wo Hing Museum, Cookhouse, Old Lahaina Prison, Waiola Church and Lahaina Harbor.
These fires have set a new record for the U.S’s deadliest wildfires in over a century. Some citizens of Maui were forced to jump into the ocean in order to escape the fires.
A range of resources are available to help:
American Red Cross workers are actively working to minimize the fires. To donate, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Hawai’i Community Foundation has raised $1 million and is accepting donations through its fund’s website, Maui Strong Fund. Any additional information or questions can be directed to Donor Services at donorservices@hcf-hawaii.org or (808) 566-5560.
Places like the Maui Food Bank, provide food to any victims of the fires. Donating even $1 can provide up to four meals to the victims. To donate, visit the food bank’s website.
Maui United Way pledges to provide sufficient resources for the people. Their mission is to bring the community together and create a common path forward through education, income and health. To donate, visit mauiunitedway.org
