For Immediate Release:
Press Release by:
Alice L. Lee, Chair
Maui County Council
media@mauicounty.us
Prioritizing public safety, search and recovery operations as families enter West Maui
LĀHAINĀ, Hawaiʻi (August 11, 2023)—County officials are now permitting Lāhainā residents and visitors to enter West Maui amid the ongoing emergency search and recovery operations, announced Maui County Council Chair Alice L. Lee today.
Families and visitors will be permitted into Lāhainā through Maʻalaea with identification showing proof of residency or hotel reservations, but they must abide by a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am. Access to some areas of West Maui is limited due to potential hazards such as unstable buildings, fallen poles, electrical wires, smoldering remnants, explosive fuels and voluminous amounts of debris that may threaten the safety of residents eager to assist, said Lee.
“We understand the frustration of everyone who is eager to return home and help community members in need,” she said. “We ask for your patience as federal, state and county inspectors and responders conduct their work while maintaining safety protocols and safe donation distribution methods.”
Lee said the priority is the ongoing search effort for those who have not been located since the fires began. A Family Assistance Center is open at Kahului Community Center for anyone looking for more information about their loved ones who are unaccounted for.
The center is at 275 Uhu St. and is open from 10 am to 8 pm today. The American Red Cross hotline is also assisting in locating loved ones at 1-800-733-2767.
For more updates, please visit mauicounty.gov. For more information on ways to support Maui fires’ victims, please visit mauicounty.us/community/support/.
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