Episode 29: Maui’s devastating fires
On this episode of the One O'ahu Podcast, Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Honolulu Fire Chief Kalani Hao join host Brandi Higa to discuss the devastating Lahaina Fire, the recovery efforts, and how we move forward from here.
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Historic devastation
On August 8, 2023, fires broke out on Maui that destroyed Lahaina town. More than 100 lives would be lost, making this the deadliest U.S. fire in over a century.
“We are heartbroken for everyone,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “Our prayers and thoughts have been with everybody on Maui and the people and what they’ve suffered. This devastation is something that I don’t think any of us even could have imagined.”
“We were already reaching out to the Maui Fire Department to see anything that we could provide,” added Honolulu Fire Department Chief Kalani Hao when asked about his response moments after learning about the blaze.
Honolulu’s Fire Chief, a Maui-native, was one of the first ready to mobilize once the flames engulfed historic Lahaina town.
Help from Honolulu
The Honolulu Fire Department, sent 21 firefighters to help with the firefighting response on Maui, a Command Team of seven members, and nine rescue squad personnel.
“We shared with the Maui Mayor and his staff that we are committed, the City and County of Honolulu is committed to be in this fight with our Maui counterparts for as long as they need us,” said Chief Hao.
Chief Hao goes on to explain on this podcast that he is in regular communication with Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura offering his support, both in terms of manpower and emotional support.
Moving forward “Maui Strong”
In the days following the deadly fires, donation drives on O‘ahu popped-up everywhere, an incredible outpouring of generosity and testament to the "Aloha Spirit.”
“Our community that we serve doesn’t stop at our shoreline,” added Chief Hao. “In Hawai‘i, we are all one big family and I think that’s what made it difficult for more people.”
If you want to donate to help those affected by the fires, here are some ways to do so:
