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No offence taken. I didn't write the article, just posted it.
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Maui Hawaii Wildfires, 97 dead, Aug 2023
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Hawaii Fire Death Toll Rises to 80 as Experts Estimate $1.3 Billion Damage to Residential Property
The death toll on the island of Maui, Hawaii, has reached 80, Maui county reported in a Friday night update, as firefighters continue to fight blazes in several areas on the island including near Kihei and Lahaina
The death toll on Maui, Hawaii, continues to rise with preliminary estimates of damages of the fire set at over $1 billion, as firefighters in the state continue to battle wildfires.
Maui County reported that the number of fatalities in Lahaina rose to 80 as of 9 p.m. local time on Friday, up from 67 deaths reported earlier that day. Firefighters are continuing to fight blazes and extinguish flare-ups in Lahaina, upcountry Maui and near Pulehu and Kihei, the county said in its latest press release.
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Since it's a federally recognized Historic district/landmark, I would think that rebuilding will be subject to scrutiny. There's quite a bit of law and policy around this.
On the other hand, since repairs and maintenance were ongoing in the Front Street area, it's hard to know which historical version must be preserved and, of course, even historic districts have to meet local code (or be closed to occupancy).
It's my understanding that any plans for rebuilding the designated structures on Front Street have to be vetted by authorities in the Department of the Interior (who also can provide funding for reconstruction).
I am guessing that as they start to build in the historic area, they'll find artifacts of earlier eras. It has both land and water areas designated (so the wharves/harbor itself are historic). The Pioneer Hotel is specifically protected. The date at which it became protected is 1962 - so I would assume it needs to be restored in line with how it looked in 1962.
Fortunately, the style of Front Street is still very much alive and popular in new builds around the islands. The National Park Service oversees some of this and they are serious about it. So are local Hawaiian groups. When they built the flood channel protection around Kahoma Creek (which ended up helping to protect the area around Safeway from fire), they found 15 sets of ancient human remains. I think the finds started with finding simply tools from a later era, but of course, that brought the entire creek area under archaeological protection - because federal law on that is also very clear. Lahaina is additionally under Hawai'i's only state recognition program for historic and archaeological sites:
"Historic Preservation: 1968 Report". State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks (Book Review) - ProQuest
Explore millions of resources from scholarly journals, books, newspapers, videos and more, on the ProQuest Platform.
www.proquest.com
The State of Hawai'i is serious about historic preservation and reports on all its historic sites annually. So, there are many layers of protection and, well, I can't imagine that they won't find at least artifacts as they dig out existing foundations and haul everything away.
It's this initial phase that truly boggles my mind. The University of Hawai'i is the entity legally responsible for archaeological research and preservation, so they'll be involved as well.
Many times, reconstruction of older buildings does not take place (King K's palace is just the footprint of it, marked and preserved in concrete). It was not a traditional Hawai'ian build, it was the first brick structure to be built on Maui/in the islands, IIRC and King Kamehameha had it built in Western style and it was not rebuilt (area was pretty thoroughly excavated by archaeologists, with some of the artifacts being in the nearby museum, now burned).
One reason there is little likelihood of high rises right in Lahaina Town is that the foundations would go deep and there would obviously be an archaeological record of habitation (and likely, other burials/human remains) found (and then all construction stops). Sticking to the original footprints of the buildings as they existed at the time of the fire, which supports two story construction, is not only historic preservation but possibly the only way forward given the protection of archaeological and human remains in both state and federal law.
The Pioneer Inn (dating from 1901) is still owned by the family who built it, is my understanding, and I would think it would be rebuilt as it was, as closely as it can be. I imagine Baldwin House will be rebuilt as it was, but all the wonderful history and artifacts inside are gone. Still, some of them can be reconstructed from the detailed archaeological study of them (the species of seashells in the Baldwin house museum could result in a new collection replicating the old one).
But first, the mourning and the terrible task of finding the still-missing people. I pray and believe that more of the 1000 still listed as missing will be found alive (communication in West Maui is still an issue). Many of the 2000 destroyed buildings will not have been insured to a level that permits of modern rebuilding, is my other fear.
I do think Hawai'i itself will rally to make it possible for the now homeless population of Lahaina to rebuild.
JMO.
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Thank you so much for this 10ofRods.Since it's a federally recognized Historic district/landmark, I would think that rebuilding will be subject to scrutiny. There's quite a bit of law and policy around this.
On the other hand, since repairs and maintenance were ongoing in the Front Street area, it's hard to know which historical version must be preserved and, of course, even historic districts have to meet local code (or be closed to occupancy).
It's my understanding that any plans for rebuilding the designated structures on Front Street have to be vetted by authorities in the Department of the Interior (who also can provide funding for reconstruction).
I am guessing that as they start to build in the historic area, they'll find artifacts of earlier eras. It has both land and water areas designated (so the wharves/harbor itself are historic). The Pioneer Hotel is specifically protected. The date at which it became protected is 1962 - so I would assume it needs to be restored in line with how it looked in 1962.
Fortunately, the style of Front Street is still very much alive and popular in new builds around the islands. The National Park Service oversees some of this and they are serious about it. So are local Hawaiian groups. When they built the flood channel protection around Kahoma Creek (which ended up helping to protect the area around Safeway from fire), they found 15 sets of ancient human remains. I think the finds started with finding simply tools from a later era, but of course, that brought the entire creek area under archaeological protection - because federal law on that is also very clear. Lahaina is additionally under Hawai'i's only state recognition program for historic and archaeological sites:
"Historic Preservation: 1968 Report". State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks (Book Review) - ProQuest
Explore millions of resources from scholarly journals, books, newspapers, videos and more, on the ProQuest Platform.
The State of Hawai'i is serious about historic preservation and reports on all its historic sites annually. So, there are many layers of protection and, well, I can't imagine that they won't find at least artifacts as they dig out existing foundations and haul everything away.
It's this initial phase that truly boggles my mind. The University of Hawai'i is the entity legally responsible for archaeological research and preservation, so they'll be involved as well.
Many times, reconstruction of older buildings does not take place (King K's palace is just the footprint of it, marked and preserved in concrete). It was not a traditional Hawai'ian build, it was the first brick structure to be built on Maui/in the islands, IIRC and King Kamehameha had it built in Western style and it was not rebuilt (area was pretty thoroughly excavated by archaeologists, with some of the artifacts being in the nearby museum, now burned).
One reason there is little likelihood of high rises right in Lahaina Town is that the foundations would go deep and there would obviously be an archaeological record of habitation (and likely, other burials/human remains) found (and then all construction stops). Sticking to the original footprints of the buildings as they existed at the time of the fire, which supports two story construction, is not only historic preservation but possibly the only way forward given the protection of archaeological and human remains in both state and federal law.
The Pioneer Inn (dating from 1901) is still owned by the family who built it, is my understanding, and I would think it would be rebuilt as it was, as closely as it can be. I imagine Baldwin House will be rebuilt as it was, but all the wonderful history and artifacts inside are gone. Still, some of them can be reconstructed from the detailed archaeological study of them (the species of seashells in the Baldwin house museum could result in a new collection replicating the old one).
But first, the mourning and the terrible task of finding the still-missing people. I pray and believe that more of the 1000 still listed as missing will be found alive (communication in West Maui is still an issue). Many of the 2000 destroyed buildings will not have been insured to a level that permits of modern rebuilding, is my other fear.
I do think Hawai'i itself will rally to make it possible for the now homeless population of Lahaina to rebuild.
JMO.
This is reassuring to me that there is, indeed, precedent and law that will assist in recognizing and respecting history.
I also believe that the missing list will shrink as communications are restored and evacuated people are taken off the list.
However, very sadly, I believe more victims of the fire will be found in their homes or cars, emphasizing the stunning speed of the fire and it's winds.
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Snipped
Very difficult work to have to find bodies like this. My sincere thanks to the people doing this service.
jmo
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I found this link to a google spreadsheet of charitable organizations related to the Lahaina fire in Maui. It came from a link to Maui News. This may be of help.
docs.google.com
Central Maui WWW - August disaster coordination
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Yes, I think more victims will be found. Cadaver dogs are only so much help, though (with burned out areas). I am guessing that by now, that 1000 person "missing list" is being pared down and many will turn up alive. I keep hoping that today is the day that cell service is re-established (but people also need a place to recharge and there's no electricity yet). They're running the existing water (such as it is) off of generators.
All of those burned out vehicles have to be checked, as well.
Just since I got up this morning, death toll is now 93 (second highest in US history for a wildfire). I am still very worried about the families whose missing people include those who were living rough - in the very hills that burned. There were tent campers up there. Most of them young people. Seasonal workers.
Maui fires live updates: Death toll rises as search for missing goes on
The Maui wildfires death toll rose as residents returned to Lahaina and the search for the missing went on in Hawaii. It is likely the largest natural disaster in the state’s history.
www.nbcnews.com
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Yes, I think more victims will be found. Cadaver dogs are only so much help, though (with burned out areas). I am guessing that by now, that 1000 person "missing list" is being pared down and many will turn up alive. I keep hoping that today is the day that cell service is re-established (but people also need a place to recharge and there's no electricity yet). They're running the existing water (such as it is) off of generators.
All of those burned out vehicles have to be checked, as well.
Just since I got up this morning, death toll is now 93 (second highest in US history for a wildfire). I am still very worried about the families whose missing people include those who were living rough - in the very hills that burned. There were tent campers up there. Most of them young people. Seasonal workers.
Maui fires live updates: Death toll rises as search for missing goes on
The Maui wildfires death toll rose as residents returned to Lahaina and the search for the missing went on in Hawaii. It is likely the largest natural disaster in the state’s history.
And those tent communities would not be listed as destroyed buildings.
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Awesome! I can check that list against the options my previous employer gives us for matching our donations. I got the email I've been waiting for a few minutes ago! They are matching up to $1000 per employee/retiree, or until they reach $100K in donations. Woo hoo! I hope they have animal organizations... they need help as well.I found this link to a google spreadsheet of charitable organizations related to the Lahaina fire in Maui. It came from a link to Maui News. This may be of help.
Central Maui WWW - August disaster coordination
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80 warning sirens were never activated. Senator Hirono responds.
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I was checking on Kula upcountry, another area where I spent a lot of time. 544 structures were burned, but Kula Lodge and the Ali'i Kula Lavender Farm were spared. The Farm has put business aside and has offered the property as a place for respite. It's so beautiful and peaceful there.
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Indeed. Upcountry is a very liveable area of Maui.
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Buying stuff that is already there (like at the Walmart in Kahului; I normally boycott Walmart but it's the best they've got for now) would stimulate the economy.
I heard on NPR that rescuers are finding bodies that were near-total cremation, and may not even be able to use dental records to positively identify them. I have a feeling this is going to be like 9/11, and some people's bodies have simply disappeared.
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I have a stupid (and hopefully not insensitive) question. Can they get DNA from those... 'areas' (near-total cremation as you said) to try to identify who they might be? I'm thinking family would really like closure.
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In the meantime, I heard that some First Responders are carrying "Quick DNA" kits (or a name like that) where they can at least obtain a basic profile. This may also be used to figure out the species (for instance, is that a child or a dog) so they know when or if to proceed further.
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- Worst in a century: According to research from the National Fire Protection Association, the fire in Lahaina is the fifth deadliest in US history and the worst since the 1918 Cloquet fire in Minnesota. But officials warn the death toll is expected to rise further. “None of us really know the size of it yet,” Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said.
- Containing the flames: Firefighters have made some progress on the three largest wildfires that crews have been combating on Maui. The deadly fire in hard-hit Lahaina is 85% contained, while the Upcountry-Kula fire is 60% contained. The Pulehu-Kihei fire remains 100% contained but is not yet extinguished, according to the Maui County government.
August 14 Maui wildfire news
Catastrophic wildfires have scorched Maui, killing dozens of people and destroying most of the historic town of Lahaina. Follow here for live updates.
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They cleared 3% of the area and there are nearly 100 dead. Bones turn to ash when they are picked up.
- Worst in a century: According to research from the National Fire Protection Association, the fire in Lahaina is the fifth deadliest in US history and the worst since the 1918 Cloquet fire in Minnesota. But officials warn the death toll is expected to rise further. “None of us really know the size of it yet,” Maui Police Chief John Pelletier said.
- Containing the flames: Firefighters have made some progress on the three largest wildfires that crews have been combating on Maui. The deadly fire in hard-hit Lahaina is 85% contained, while the Upcountry-Kula fire is 60% contained. The Pulehu-Kihei fire remains 100% contained but is not yet extinguished, according to the Maui County government.
August 14 Maui wildfire news
Catastrophic wildfires have scorched Maui, killing dozens of people and destroying most of the historic town of Lahaina. Follow here for live updates.www.cnn.com
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Well, it seems that the principle of redundancy has been forgotten. It might be a generational mistake, not the problem of someone in charge in Maui being unfit for the job. I remember how several years ago, we were subscribing to emergency alerts in case of an earthquake... via the cellphones.
The obvious question, what to do if the cellular towers are damaged, becomes a serious issue. The problem of electric outage is known as there are constant outages where i live. However, what to do in case of diffuse power outage, the whole electric grid being out, is an issue.
I hope that the sad story of Lahaina will make people re-evaluate the concept of preparedness and raise this question with there representatives before it happens. Afterwards, someone in charge leaving and being replaced by another one, becomes a poor consolation.
Thank you everyone for posting the sites to help.
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Unbelievable that TV, social media, and phone alerts were sent out when the electrical grid was down, fibre optics was down, power poles were down. Sirens, that do not mean evacuate, were not used even though they were touted as the best in the world alert system. Alert to what? A tidal wave? An alert to a tidal wave does not mean evacuate because some tidal alerts are not big waves?
The sirens were not intended to be used for fire storms. We know that today.
I'm curious. Were the sirens located at the top of poles in the neighbourhood? During an electrical outage and a fire? Temperatures that roasted cars? This seems more like a mismanagement issue than a climate change issue.
BeachSky
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Shows many personal videos/timeline stories.
There was gridlock downtown as panicked people tried to escape and others abandoned their vehicles. Carson watched a couple running barefoot through the street pushing a stroller. She watched person after person run down the side streets until they got to the sea wall and then threw themselves into the Pacific Ocean.
They spent hours in the water and on the rocks, Cochran said, trying to stay away from flying embers and choking smoke. Cars abandoned on Front Street began to explode. Waves of heat and toxic fumes washed over the sea.
At times, they had to move toward the fire when they began to feel dangerously cold. Cochran watched in horror as people held onto debris and floated away from shore.
“People still chose just to drift out,” she said
There was gridlock downtown as panicked people tried to escape and others abandoned their vehicles. Carson watched a couple running barefoot through the street pushing a stroller. She watched person after person run down the side streets until they got to the sea wall and then threw themselves into the Pacific Ocean.
They spent hours in the water and on the rocks, Cochran said, trying to stay away from flying embers and choking smoke. Cars abandoned on Front Street began to explode. Waves of heat and toxic fumes washed over the sea.
At times, they had to move toward the fire when they began to feel dangerously cold. Cochran watched in horror as people held onto debris and floated away from shore.
“People still chose just to drift out,” she said
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