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“The sirens are used primarily for tsunamis. The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded. Had we sounded the siren that night, we’re afraid that people would have gone [into the hills]… into the fire.” – Herman Andaya
The top official of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Administrator Herman Andaya, resigned abruptly amid criticism for the island’s response to the deadly wildfires that claimed the lives of at least 111 people. His resignation followed his defense of not using warning sirens when questioned about whether such measures could have saved lives.
“The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded.
“The sirens are used primarily for tsunamis. The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded. Had we sounded the siren that night, we’re afraid that people would have gone [into the hills]… into the fire,” Andaya told reporters on Wednesday.
According to a statement by Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Mr. Andaya’s resignation was attributed to health-related concerns and he is set to be replaced soon.
“Given the gravity of the crisis we are facing, my team and I will be placing someone in this key position as quickly as possible and I look forward to making that announcement soon,” Mr Bissen said.
Mr. Andaya’s resignation occurred the day following his inaugural press conference appearance, which took place over a week after the catastrophic event that resulted in the destruction or impairment of 2,200 structures, causing an estimated $5.5 billion (£4.3 billion) in damages. The situation is further complicated by the fact that hundreds of individuals remain unaccounted for.
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Certain Maui residents believe that lives could have been preserved if emergency sirens had been activated. However, Mr. Andaya’s agency chose not to employ them, contending that they would have lacked efficacy and potentially caused confusion.
The siren system was created after a 1946 tsunami that killed more than 150 on the Big Island, and its website says they may be used to alert for fires.
Hawaii boasts one of the most comprehensive outdoor alert siren systems globally.
Andaya’s choice to refrain from triggering the sirens, along with water scarcities hindering firefighting efforts and congesting escape paths, has left survivors frustrated. They contend that a more robust emergency response could have potentially preserved additional lives.
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez said she would appoint an independent body to conduct “an impartial, independent” review of the government’s response to the wildfires.
The investigation will likely take months, she added.
As of Thursday, August 17, searchers had only covered 45% of the burned land.
