Raging Maui Wildfires Have Locals Under Evacuation and Leaves Over 1,800 Travelers Stranded
Airlines are frantically helping customers rebook as residents evacuate and flea to the ocean for safety.
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Residents of the historic town of Lahaina on the island of Maui are currently under evacuation due to wildfires that are spreading rapidly due dry conditions and forceful winds from the Hurricane Dora, deemed a Level 4. The Coast Guard has rescued many residents who have fled to the water for safety., and Hawaii’s Lieutenant Governor (who is currently Acting Governor), Sylvia Luke, has declared a state of emergency which will run through at least August 15 due to the fires.
The wildfires have destroyed hundreds of acres in Kula, North Kohala, and South Kohala. There are also other fires burning on the island of Hawaii, also known as the Big Island. Maui’s Kahului Airport is currently sheltering approximately 1,800 travelers from “canceled flights and flight arrivals,” according to a social media post from the Hawaii Department of Transportation. The Hawaii National Guard has been called in to help with evacuation and disaster response, as harrowing images of the streets of the small fishing village of Lahaina, whose name translates in Hawaiian to “Cruel Sun,” burning to the ground.
The charming town has incredible historic significance to the islands. Lahaina was deemed the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom by King Kamehameha in 1802, and for many years was an economic hub for the Hawaiian people because of the pineapple and sugar cane industry there, which has since been replaced by tourism.
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American, Southwest, United, and Hawaiian Airlines are waiving change fees for trips to and from Kahului Airport on the island of Maui. And hotels are currently navigating if and how to issue refunds to travelers, causing further stress. According to airline industry tracker Flight Aware, 17 flights have been cancelled today, with more on the horizon. There are reportedly 1,800 travelers currently stranded due to the current state of emergency.
Thankfully, Weather Service meteorologists have predicted that the 60 mph winds are anticipated to slow down a bit this evening and throughout the week, hopefully providing rescuers and residents some relief in the road to rebuilding.
