OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR -- NEWS RELEASE -- GOV. GREEN RETURNING HOME FOR WILDFIRE EMERGENCY ON MAUI, BIG ISLAND

Press Release

"The wind-fueled fires have devastated many of our communities and people will be looking to our office for leadership while we address the ongoing emergency and do what we can as a state to rebuild lives."

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

"We have suffered a terrible disaster in the form of a wildfire that has spread widely as a result of hurricane-force winds in the region and underlying drought conditions. Maui and the Big Island both experienced significant fires. Much of Lāhainā on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced

Heroic efforts by first responders have prevented many casualties from occurring, but some loss of life is expected. Our entire emergency response team, including the Hawai"i National Guard has mobilized and is being supported by FEMA. We have named Adjutant General Ken Hara as our state incident commander. He was my partner in Hawai"i's successful COVID response.

The White House has been incredibly supportive and we expect to submit a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration in the next 36 to 48 hours, once we know how vast the damage is.

Our state appreciates the incredible outpouring of concern and prayers from the mainland. We won't forget the aloha you have already begun to share with us."

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