Death Toll in Lahaina Rises to 114 as Governor Seeks to Console a State Grieving 'Unspeakable' Loss

Summary:

• The death toll in Lahaina has risen to 114 as three additional deaths were reported, bringing the confirmed count to this number.
• Efforts to contain the fires in Lahaina and upcountry areas are ongoing, with significant containment progress reported.
• An unsafe water advisory has been expanded, affecting residents in certain areas who are advised to use bottled water.
• Safety precautions are urged for residents returning to Lahaina properties, due to potential hazards from the fire.
• The road to Lahaina is now open with restricted hours, and the fire impact zone remains off-limits as search and rescue operations continue.
• A new location for the family assistance center has been established, offering resources and services for survivors and families of the missing.
• Efforts to provide shelter and support for survivors are ongoing, with the American Red Cross working to secure accommodations.

Tragic news from more families upcoming as three additional deaths were reported yesterday. This brings the current confirmed count to 114 people killed. Maui Police Department continues the process to notify families of the deceased with 10 people now identified. In efforts to contain the Lahaina fire and two upcountry fires continues. And last check the Lahaina fire is now 90% contained and has burned over 2100 acres.

Fire Containment and Efforts

Both the Alinda and Kula fires are 85% contained. Fire officials say the work is now addressing isolated hot spots popping up in the existing burned areas. There are no active threats due to the fires at this time. An unsafe water advisory has been expanded for the Lahaina system. Officials now say residents from Kaniyau Road to Lael Parkway should use only bottled water for consumption and cooking. The advisory remains in effect for areas of Lahaina and Upper Kula. Head to Maui County dot gov slash water for the latest maps drinking water distribution sites have been set up around the community's impacted.

Safety Precautions and Road Access

Anyone being allowed to return to their Lahaina properties should take proper precautions. Caution is urged in the area due to potentially toxic ash dangerous debris and unstable structures. Personal protective equipment including tight fitting respirator masks should be used while in the area. The road to Lahaina is now open at all hours for West Maui residents employees and first responders. All drivers can access the road but only from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Anywhere parked at the any anywhere parked at the Lahaina bypass can be sited and towed. The fire impact zone remains off limits while search and rescue operations continue. The county's family assistance center moves to its new location starting today. It'll be at the Hyatt Regency in Kana Pali. Resources and services are available to survivors. Family members of those missing are encouraged to come in to provide a DNA sample to potentially help find their loved ones.

Shelter and Support Efforts

More individuals are leaving emergency shelters. Six shelters remain open in operation on the island of Maui. That includes the War Memorial gym in Waikoku and King's Cathedral Church in Kauhlui. But the American Red Cross is working with the state to get survivors up in hotel rooms and other housing. The efforts of the National Guard, our first responders and the entire Maui community have been nothing less than heroic and we thank them for their courage, dedication and sacrifice. We have secured over 2,000 housing units on Maui to shelter those displaced by the fire and we are working with the American Red Cross to provide housing to all the survivors as long as it's necessary. Shelters could be closed in the coming days if all the survivors there are successfully placed in other accommodations.