TORONTO — Search and rescue efforts continue in Lahaina, as Maui and the state of Hawaii try to come to terms with the damage and human toll wrought by wildfires.
The Lahaina wildfire is still active and the number of deaths on the island has increased to 55, according to Maui County.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen Jr. surveyed the damage in Lahaina yesterday. “The closest thing I think I can compare it to is perhaps a war zone, or maybe a bomb went off,” he told ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’ this morning. “It was cars in the street, doors open, melted to the ground. Most structures no longer exist. And from blocks and blocks of this.”
WESTJET UPDATE & GOVT. TRAVEL ADVISORY
As reported yesterday, airlines including Air Canada and WestJet brought in flexible change policies for passengers flying in and out of Kahului Airport (OGG). WestJet has extended its policy, originally for Aug. 9 – 11, to be in effect through Aug. 31. More details can be found here.
Meanwhile the Canadian government has updated its travel advice for travellers heading to Hawaii. At its U.S. Travel Advice page, the Canadian government is advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel to Maui due to the wildfires. The advisory can be found here.
NEW INFO FROM THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY
In other news, the Hawaii Tourism Authority has updated the info post on its site.
The HTA says that through the tireless efforts of airline, hotel, and ground transportation partners, more than 14,000 people were moved off the island of Maui on Wednesday, to either return home or continue with their vacation elsewhere in Hawaii. “By the end of [Thursday], it is estimated that an additional 14,500 people will be moved off Maui. Mahalo to all of our industry partners for this monumental show of support.”
An emergency assistance centre has been established by the Hawaii Tourism Authority at the Hawaii Convention Center, in partnership with the American Red Cross, to support visitors and residents being evacuated from Maui to Oahu due to the wildfires. Up to 2,000 evacuees can be provided temporary accommodations at the Hawaii Convention Center until they are able to board flights to return home or secure their own hotel lodging.
U.S. President Joe Biden has signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii, resulting in the approval to dedicate more federal resources to help with recovery efforts underway for Maui and Hawaii Island.
On Hawaii Island, Hawaii County officials have lifted all evacuation orders. Mauna Kea Resort is open and operating. “Mahalo to the firefighters and first responders for their tremendous efforts in stopping the fires from spreading and keeping everyone safe on Hawaii Island,” says the HTA.
The HTA adds that anyone wanting to make donations to help communities and families recover on Maui can do so through the Maui Strong Fund established by the Hawaii Community Foundation. The link can be accessed here.
Additional resources and information is available at ready.hawaii.gov.
With file from The Associated Press
