Summary:
- Local resident Kimo Clark, a vital part of search efforts, assists authorities in searching for remains after devastating fires.
- Search teams face dangers due to compromised structures, requiring careful excavation to find human remains.
- Authorities work diligently to identify human remains through DNA and bone evidence.
- Kimo Clark's unpaid efforts focus on helping families find closure and aiding in the rebuilding process for Lahaina.
Authorities on Maui continue the difficult search for human remains. Local residents are stepping up though to help.
KITV Forest Christian Concilio spoke today with a Lahaina man who lost almost everything to the fire, but is still doing what he can to assist in the search. Born and raised in Lahaina, Kimo Clark has been vital in the search efforts, peeling back layers upon layers of buildings. Clark and his company Truth Excavation lost everything but its heavy equipment in the fires. And his crew is now working through building after building to make them safe for search teams, including cadaver dogs sniffing out human remains.
Authorities have completed the primary search for visible bodies and are using the heavy equipment for the most difficult part, the fragile multi-story buildings, basements and garages that could crumble at any moment. So they can't send the dogs in or personnel because the floors are literally falling out of the ceilings, caving in and walls are ready to fall over. Authorities are looking for DNA or evidence of bones to identify people.
For Kimo, it's a labor of love. His company so far hasn't gotten paid for the heavy lifting. But his number one goal is to help families find closure and help Lahaina rebuild.
Kristen Concilio, KITV for Island News.