Wildfires forced thousands of Hawaiians to evacuate their homes on Maui Wednesday, with some jumping into the shark-infested Pacific Ocean to escape the flames. First responders swarmed the historic community of Lahaina, parts of which date back to the 1700s. The U.S. Coast Guard even rescued some waterlogged survivors. Ultimately, the royal capital’s landmark courthouse and other historic buildings, filled with priceless artifacts from pre-European Hawaiian culture, were engulfed in flames.
By Thursday morning, the death toll on the famous island retreat stood at 36. First responders expect that number to rise. Emergency personnel have already evacuated more than 11,000 tourists.
Dry conditions and high winds fanned by nearby Hurricane Dora whipped brush fires into multiple conflagrations in less than 24 hours.
In a statement, President Joe Biden ordered “all available federal assets” to assist the relief effort. After a short flight from Oahu, elements of the U.S. Army’s 25th Infantry Division reached the island. Soldiers have begun providing fire suppression support.
The Daily Wire has more on the emergency response:
“The U.S. Army 25th Combat Aviation Brigade deployed two UH-60 Blackhawks and one CH-47 Chinook to Hawaii Island to conduct firefighting operations,” said the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. “Additionally, U.S. Navy Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 37 sent MH-60R Seahawk helicopters to assist the U.S. Coast Guard in search and rescue operations.”
Thousands of tourists have either already left or are in the process of leaving the island amid continued evacuation efforts.
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Having been past guest to Maui IF possible later:
Sample Napili Kai Beach Hotel & Maui Moon diner
Cheesburger in Paradise on Front St
Last saw Maui in 2006
Sample Ritz Carlton next door for breakfast hour
FYI
Another Democrat-managed community in flames. I wonder who else will notice the pattern. Utter mismanagement.
It’s leftist arson no different that the leftist arson in Australia, Canada, US, Spain, Greece,Portugal, France, Germany…list goes on.
But like other leftist Governments Hawaii says “Dry conditions and high winds fanned by nearby Hurricane Dora whipped brush fires into multiple conflagrations in less than 24 hours.