Admin I Friday, August 18, 2023
MAUI, Hawaii – Administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Herman Andaya has resigned. He resigned in the heat of the fire incident which ravaged the county killing over 100 people and destroying properties worth billions of dollars.
In resigning, the administrator citing health reasons. “Andaya’s resignation is effective immediately. So far,Mayor Richard Bissen has accepted his resignation.
“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,” Mayor Bissen said.
The Mau fire occurred on an estimated 1,081 acres. Meanwhile, more than 400 Hawaiian Electric employees and contractors are continuing with efforts to rebuild sections of the electric grid and safely restore service in parts of West Maui and Upcountry.
“Crews are working to restore 1,900 customers in West Maui and 60 customers in Upcountry. Crews are installing a second mobile substation to support restoration for the
Launiupoko to Olowalu areas”, the city said.
Meanwhile, FEMA has opened disaster recovery centre in Maui for residents affected by the recent wildfires to apply for federal disaster assistance at a joint Disaster Recovery Center that operates daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the University of Hawaii Maui College, 310 W. Kaahumanu Ave., Kahului.
A total of 950 people have been moved to 414 hotel rooms.
“We have successfully filled an entire hotel. Over 500 people have been housed with Airbnb”, Hawaii governor, Josh Green said.
