AP Top NewsFiresGeneral NewsU.S. Federal Bureau of InvestigationU.S. News Authorities in Maui Update Missing Persons List After Wildfire; Over 100 Confirm Safety by Ethan Kim August 26, 2023 written by Ethan Kim August 26, 2023 0 comments Bookmark 55 A day after Maui County officials disclosed a list of 388 individuals missing in the aftermath of the most devastating U.S. wildfire in over a century, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stated on Friday that more than 100 people or their family members have contacted authorities to report their safety. The FBI is currently scrutinizing the information supplied to update and correct the list. Steven Merrill, the FBI’s Special Agent in Charge in Honolulu, commented in a press briefing, “We are appreciative of those who have communicated with us via phone or email. Every name we can remove from the list allows us to focus our resources more effectively on locating those who remain unaccounted for.” Several individuals initially listed as missing informed The Big Big News that they are in good health. However, some expressed confusion or frustration about their inclusion on the list. Tragically, at least two individuals on the list were confirmed to be among the fatalities, although official identification is still pending. The official death toll currently stands at 115. Arturo Gonzalez Hernandez found his name on the list despite having moved away from the severely affected Lahaina area three years prior. He voiced concern over the inaccuracy of the list, citing the emotional toll it could have on those already grappling with the tragedy. Terrí Thomas lost her life while attempting to flee the inferno by car, as reported by her cousin, Tammy Cruz. Thomas’ car was trapped in a traffic snarl-up, and only one friend managed to escape. Thomas’ family is still awaiting official notification of her demise. The 388 names are a subset of a more expansive list, which the FBI said contained up to 1,100 reported missing persons. According to Merrill, the list did include minors, although a specific number was not disclosed. In a similar incident following a 2018 wildfire in Paradise, California, a list of missing persons led to the identification of many who were initially presumed lost but were later found. The list eventually dwindled from 1,300 to just a dozen names. Heidi Mazur, a Lahaina resident, voiced her exasperation about being labeled missing despite her online activity. Meanwhile, MalamaKai Watson, who was not in Lahaina during the fires, said her name remained on the official list even after she had informed the FBI of her safety. As of Thursday afternoon, an additional 1,732 individuals reported missing had been found and confirmed safe. The search for remains among the ruins continues and is expected to last several weeks, said Army Col. David Fielder, deputy commander of the joint task force responding to the wildfires. Darryl Oliveira, the newly appointed interim administrator for Maui’s emergency management agency, expressed his commitment to rebuilding public trust following the resignations and controversies surrounding the disaster response. Earlier this week, officials urged family members of the missing to offer DNA samples to assist in identification, a call that has seen limited response so far. According to Maui Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin, the low turnout may be attributed to a deep-rooted mistrust of the government, a sentiment that has historical origins dating back to the 1893 overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom. Reporting was contributed by Johnson from Seattle; Boone from Boise, Idaho; and Dupuy from New York. Additional contributions came from Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas; Andrew Selsky in Salem, Oregon; and Mark Thiessen in Anchorage, Alaska. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Maui Wildfire Missing Persons Update What is the main subject of the article? The main subject of the article is the update on the list You Might Be Interested In A Minimum of 74 Fatalities, Predominantly Homeless, as Inferno Engulfs Deteriorated South African Building Border Patrol Staff Neglected to Review File of Frail 8-Year-Old Girl Prior to Her Tragic Death Three major Louisiana statewide offices to be decided by voters Saturday Live updates | Israel will have ‘overall security responsibility’ in Gaza after war, Netanyahu says Florida Panthers Fall to Vegas Golden Knights in Stanley Cup Final’s Opening Game Biden wants to show he’s focused on Asia-Pacific, while dealing with Russia-Ukraine and Mideast wars AP Top Newsdeath tolldisaster responseFBIFiresGeneral NewsLahaina CommunityMaui Countymissing personsOfficial StatementsPress Briefingpublic safetyU.S. Federal Bureau of Investigationwildfire Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Ethan Kim Follow Author Ethan Kim is a world news reporter who covers breaking news stories from around the globe. He has reported on everything from natural disasters to international conflicts, and he is dedicated to bringing his readers accurate and timely information. previous post Oregon Man, Previously Charged with Abducting a Woman, Unsuccessfully Attempts Jail Escape, Officials Report next post Seven Tornadoes Documented in Michigan Amid Severe Weather, Leading to Five Fatalities You may also like Bookmark A woman who burned Wyoming’s only full-service abortion... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Argument over Christmas gifts turns deadly as 14-year-old... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Danny Masterson sent to state prison to serve... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Hong Kong man jailed for 6 years after... December 28, 2023 Bookmark AP concludes at least hundreds died in floods... December 28, 2023 Bookmark Live updates | Israeli forces raid a West... December 28, 2023 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ