Emergency services chief on Maui resigns. He faced criticism for not activating sirens during fire

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The head of emergency services on Maui has resigned amidst criticism for not activating outdoor alert sirens during a destructive fire. Herman Andaya, the Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, had defended his decision not to deploy the sirens, citing concerns that their activation might lead people towards the fire. He resigned the day after making this statement. The controversy surrounding the decision, coupled with water shortages and blocked escape routes, has drawn heavy criticism following the deadliest wildfire in the US in over a century.

With the death toll at 111, the search for missing individuals expanded beyond Lahaina to other destroyed communities. A significant portion of the Lahaina area had been searched, and the fire was reported to be 90% contained as of Thursday night.

Andaya’s resignation was immediately accepted by Mayor Richard Bissen, who cited health reasons as the cause. The lack of sirens has been highlighted as one of several communication issues that contributed to the chaos during the wildfire crisis.

Hawaii boasts one of the world’s largest systems of outdoor alert sirens, established after a devastating 1946 tsunami. These sirens can also be used for fire alerts. Andaya, who held the position since 2017, had defended his qualifications for the job, stating his experience in various emergency management roles.

An impartial review of the government’s response, intended to facilitate corrective action and enhance future emergency preparedness, will be conducted by an external organization, according to Hawaii’s Attorney General Anne Lopez.

The cause of the wildfires is currently under investigation. Hawaii faces increasing disaster risks, with wildfires being a significant concern, as indicated by FEMA records.

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• Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator Herman Andaya
• Deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in more than a century
• Hawaii’s largest system of outdoor alert sirens
• Impartial review of the government’s response
• Rising wildfire risk in Hawaii