Maui fire victims' identities to be disclosed

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】The names of some victims who died in the Lahaina fire in Maui will be released, as the death toll reaches 99 and is expected to rise. About 1,300 people are still unaccounted for, and it is estimated that 10 to 20 remains will be found each day until search efforts cease. The fire has destroyed over 2,700 structures, causing an estimated $7 billion in economic loss.

FutureCar Staff Aug 15, 2023 10:43 AM PT

Maui fire victims' identities to be disclosed

After a devastating fire in Lahaina, Hawaii, authorities are beginning to release the names of the victims who lost their lives. This fire has become the deadliest wildfire in a century, with the death toll currently at 99 and expected to rise. So far, only 25% of the burn area has been searched, but efforts are underway with the help of over 90 workers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and 20 cadaver dogs.

Unfortunately, there are still around 1,300 people who are unaccounted for. Governor Josh Green estimates that crews will find the remains of 10 to 20 individuals each day until the search efforts conclude, which could take up to 10 days. The governor revealed that the first 80 victims were found in their cars or in the surrounding water.

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier shared that only three of the victims have been identified through fingerprints. Mayor Richard Bisssen Jr. has urged families to submit DNA swabs to assist with the identification process. The Lahaina fire, which started while firefighters were focused on another fire, has resulted in the destruction of over 2,700 structures, primarily Lahaina residences. The estimated damage is around $5.6 billion, with an economic loss of $7 billion.

There are concerns that real estate developers may try to take advantage of the situation by offering low-ball deals and cash offers to the affected homeowners. Governor Green has asked the attorney general to explore the possibility of implementing a temporary moratorium on buying or selling damaged properties. Additionally, around 2,000 people are still without power in Western Maui. Hawaiian Electric, the provider for 95% of the state, is facing criticism for not shutting off power preemptively during the dangerous winds caused by Hurricane Dora.

Hawaiian Electric CEO Shelee Kimura defended the company's decision, stating that they are still gathering information and that the practice of shutting off power is controversial and not universally accepted. However, the company is already facing two class-action lawsuits from Maui residents who claim that power was not cut off early enough after severe weather notices were issued. The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it is believed that hurricane-force winds played a significant role in spreading the flames rapidly. Governor Green has ordered an investigation into the fire and the state's preparedness to handle such disasters.