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Hawaii Fires/ Maui Emergency Chief Resigns After Criticism

2023-08-18 07:51:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Hawaii Fires/ Maui Emergency Chief Resigns After Criticism

Maui's emergency management chief has resigned a day after defending his agency's failure to activate its alarm system after last week's wildfires.

Herman Andaya, who had no prior experience in emergency management, excused himself for health reasons.

Hawaii Islanders have told the BBC that a stronger emergency response could have saved more lives.

At least 111 people have been declared dead. Hundreds are still missing.

Maui's sophisticated system, which includes 80 sirens around the island, is tested on the first day of each month, its 60-second tone a normal part of life in Lahaina. But on the day of the fire, they were not heard.

On Wednesday, the head of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Mr. Andaya insisted she did not regret that decision.

But in Lahaina on Thursday, none of the residents who spoke to the BBC accepted that explanation, saying the siren would have given a crucial warning of impending danger.

On the day of the fire, many Lahaina residents were at home without power due to strong winds from nearby Hurricane Dora./ CNA





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