Hawai’i Wildfire Update From ARDA
We hope this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well. In light of the devastating fires on Maui and the Big Island, we wanted to reach out and provide you with important updates from our ARDA Team on the ground in Hawai’i. First and foremost, we want to express our deepest concern for those impacted by the situation. Our hearts go out to all those who are directly affected by this unprecedented tragedy.
Updates from ARDA Hawai’i
Our ARDA Hawai’i team is diligently monitoring the situation on Maui and is committed to providing you with timely updates. As of today:
- Gov. Green/Lt Gov. Luke have declared a state of emergency. A copy of the latest emergency proclamation is available here.
- FEMA approved federal assistance and Fire Management Grand funds.
- County, state, and federal agencies are still actively working to contain multiple wildfires across the island of Maui fed by high winds.
- Many of the fires on Maui have not yet been contained – Hurricane Dora continues to impact burning.
- Wildfires have also impacted the Big Island.
- So far, nearly 300 homes and structures have been destroyed.
- The fire in the Lahaina area decimated the historic business district, including hundreds of homes and buildings, and severed electrical transmission and telecommunications transmission equipment.
- FAA has restricted airspace near the fires; the State of Hawai’i is discouraging all nonessential travel to Maui by locals and visitors.
- Thousands of visitors have been evacuated to Oahu or their homes on the mainland.
- Airlines waived fare differences and other fees for travelers headed to the island.
- Many sheltered overnight in hotels or at the airport; others are being transported to Oahu to shelter in hotels or the convention center.
- More than 11,000 Maui Electric customers on the island of Maui are without power; crews are unable to reach some areas for restoration efforts.
- About 30 downed electric poles, which crews are working to restore.
- Parts of Maui continue to be without cell phone or landline communication.
- Wireless providers agreed to deploy temporary mobile cell phone towers – but did not indicate how quickly that could happen.
- Fiber optic lines also continue to be down at this point.
Related: Gordon Gurnik Appointed Chair-Elect of ARDA’s Board of Directors
Stay Connected
For the latest information, we recommend following our official social media channels as well as several local organizations. We understand the importance of keeping you informed and will strive to keep you updated as the situation evolves.
Supporting the Community
In times of crisis, coming together as a community is essential. We encourage those who are able, to consider donating to Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, a reputable organization dedicated to providing support and relief to those affected in Maui. Other organizations that are doing great work in the local community can be found here. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.
ARDA is committed to supporting our members and the community during these challenging times. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.
