All articles tagged with #maui county
Starting January 1, 2026, Maui's Department of Water Supply will adopt a new water demand and meter sizing method based on daily water usage per household, replacing the old fixture-based system, to improve water resource management and planning.
The red flag warning has been canceled for Oahu but remains in effect for the leeward areas of Maui County and Hawaii Island until 6 p.m. today. The warning is issued due to a combination of strong winds, low humidity, and dry fuels that increase the risk of wildfires. Lahaina's four public schools have been closed as a precaution. A wind advisory is also in effect for parts of all islands until 6 p.m. Monday, with strong winds expected to knock down tree branches and make driving difficult. Increasing showers are forecasted for Kauai and Oahu, while Maui County and the Big Island remain dry.
The recent Hawaii wildfire and Hurricane Hilary in California highlighted the limitations of the wireless alert system that relies on cellphones for emergency warnings. Many people who needed the evacuation alert did not receive it, leaving them scrambling for safety. The system's effectiveness depends on the resilience of cell networks and the proficiency of emergency crews across different local agencies. The patchwork nature of the system was evident in other instances, such as Hurricane Idalia in Florida, where some counties sent wireless alerts while others did not. The Wireless Emergency Alerts system, launched in 2012, was designed to provide uniform emergency messages but lacks guidance for agencies on how to formulate alerts. The system can be messy and often relies on busy emergency personnel to send alerts. The article emphasizes the need for more redundancies in the emergency alert system and highlights the importance of not relying solely on wireless alerts to warn people of imminent danger.
Maui County is suing Hawaiian Electric, the utility company, over devastating wildfires that occurred in August. Hawaiian Electric has admitted that its power lines started a morning fire on August 8, but denies any involvement in the afternoon Lahaina Fire.
Hawaiian Electric has admitted that its power lines caused a wildfire in Maui, but has blamed county firefighters for leaving the scene prematurely, leading to a second, more devastating fire. The utility claims that its power lines were de-energized for over six hours before the second blaze started. However, lawyers representing Maui county argue that Hawaiian Electric is ultimately responsible for maintaining its equipment and ensuring that lines are not live when they are downed. The cause of the initial fire is still under investigation, and the utility is facing multiple lawsuits seeking to hold it accountable.
Hawaiian Electric Company has admitted that its power lines caused a wildfire on Maui, but it has blamed county firefighters for leaving the scene prematurely, leading to a second and more devastating blaze. The utility claims that its power lines had been de-energized for over six hours when the second fire started. However, critics argue that if the utility's power lines hadn't caused the initial fire, the subsequent devastation would not have occurred. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and Hawaiian Electric is facing multiple lawsuits seeking to hold it responsible for the tragedy.
The Health Department has issued a warning about an increase in COVID-19 cases in Maui County, coinciding with the ongoing wildfire crisis. Dr. Sarah Kemble, the state epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of taking care of one's health during this time and highlighted the availability of boosters, particularly for those at higher risk. She also advised considering masking in public places and crowded settings. In addition to COVID-19, flu cases are also on the rise. The average positivity rate in Maui County is higher than the statewide average, and hospital admissions for COVID-19 are increasing. The highly mutated omicron variant BA.2.86, known as "Pirola," has been detected in multiple countries but not yet in Hawaii. New COVID boosters targeting the latest omicron variants are expected to be available in the fall.
Maui County officials in Hawaii have released a list of 388 people who are still unaccounted for after the devastating wildfires earlier this month. The list, validated by the FBI, is part of efforts to "un-duplicate" people reported missing. The number of missing had fluctuated throughout the week, but an additional 1,732 people have since been found safe and well. The release of the list aims to aid the investigation, although officials acknowledge it may cause pain for loved ones. Hawaiian Electric is facing lawsuits for allegedly sparking the wildfires, and Maui County has sued the utility for not shutting off power and failing to maintain equipment.
Maui County has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric, claiming that the utility's failure to power down their electrical equipment during a National Weather Service Red Flag Warning caused catastrophic wildfires in Maui. The suit alleges that Hawaiian Electric's downed power lines ignited dry grass and brush, leading to the fires. The county is seeking civil damages for public property affected by the blazes, which have resulted in numerous deaths and extensive property damage. This is not the first lawsuit faced by Hawaiian Electric, as at least two class action lawsuits have already been filed blaming the utility for sparking deadly infernos.
Donald Trump becomes the first former US president to have a mug shot taken after surrendering on charges related to his alleged efforts to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results; Wells Fargo experiences technical issues for the second time this month, with customers reporting problems ranging from transferring funds to declining ATM cards; Officials in Maui County release a list of nearly 400 people who remain unaccounted for following devastating wildfires; Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses are without power in Michigan and Ohio after thunderstorms and a tornado; Mortgage rates reach their highest level since 2001, impacting home affordability.
Maui County officials have released a list of nearly 400 people who remain unaccounted for following the devastating wildfires that hit the island earlier this month. The list, compiled by the FBI, aims to help identify individuals who have been accounted for. The number of unaccounted individuals has dropped from over 1,000. At least 115 people have been confirmed dead, making it the deadliest wildfire disaster in the US in over a century. Search crews, including cadaver dogs, have completed searches of single-story homes and are now focusing on multi-story homes and commercial properties.
Maui County officials have validated a list of 388 individuals who remain unaccounted for after the Lahaina wildfire disaster on August 8. An additional 1,732 individuals who were initially reported as unaccounted for have since been found safe. The validated list has been released to aid in the investigation, but it may cause pain for the loved ones of those listed. The Maui Police Department is urging the public to provide information on anyone who is reported unaccounted for and whose name is on the list, as well as to contact the FBI if they recognize a name and know the person to be safe.
Maui County has released a list of names of individuals who are currently unaccounted for following the devastating Lahaina fire, which destroyed multiple homes and forced evacuations. The list aims to help locate and reunite missing persons with their families, as authorities continue their search and rescue efforts.
Maui County has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Co. and three related companies, alleging negligence for failing to shut off power lines despite warnings of potential fires. The county seeks damages and compensation for the destruction of public property and infrastructure. The lawsuit claims that the powerlines ignited the destructive Lahaina Fire, which destroyed residences, businesses, and historic sites. Hawaiian Electric is also facing other lawsuits related to the fires.
Maui county has filed a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric, alleging negligence in failing to shut off power during high winds and dry conditions, which led to wildfires that killed at least 115 people and caused significant damage. The lawsuit claims that the utility had a duty to maintain and repair power lines and equipment, as well as trim vegetation to prevent contact with overhead lines. The county seeks compensation for public property damage and resources. Similar lawsuits have held other utilities liable for devastating fires, such as PacifiCorp and Pacific Gas and Electric.