The head of Maui's emergency agency has sought to fend off criticism for not sounding sirens that would have alerted people to deadly fires that tore through the island.
At least 110 people were killed when the town of Lahaina was hit by the fires, with residents saying they were not aware of the risk until they saw the flames.
Hawaii created outdoor alert systems after a deadly tsunami in 1946. Herman Andaya, head of Maui's Emergency Management Agency, said the agency was fearful that residents would flee towards the flames if the sirens were sounded the night they began.
“The sirens are used primarily for tsunamis. The public is trained to seek higher ground in the event that the siren is sounded.”
Without sirens, residents had to rely on mobile devices and television coverage. But communication channels were limited due to knocked-out power lines and mobile networks.
Mr Andaya also questioned whether people could have heard the sirens, particularly those who lived on higher ground.
When asked if he regretted not activating the sirens, Mr Andaya said, “I do not”.
Hawaii Governor Josh Green defended the decision. He has also ordered the state's attorney general to launch a review of the emergency response.
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Hawaii Governor Josh Green, centre, speaks to reporters during a tour of wildfire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii. AP -
A church service at King's Cathedral in Kahului on the island of Maui, Hawaii. AP -
Volunteers load supplies on to a boat bound for West Maui at the Kihei boat landing. AP -
A tree, uprooted by high winds, rests on the ground as a Maui County firefighter extinguishes a fire. AFP -
Donated clothes pile up in Lahaina. AP -
An American Red Cross worker stands at the entrance of the War Memorial Stadium, which is being used as a shelter for displaced Lahaina inhabitants in Kahului. EPA -
Kamuela Kawaakoa, 34, and his six-year-old son, stand under a tarpaulin with donations for those affected by the wildfire. AFP -
Hawaii stevedores and other volunteers prepare donations in Hawaii. Reuters -
The Ganer family survey the ruins of their home on Malolo Place, western Maui, Hawaii, after a wildfire that killed 67 people. AFP -
Damage to Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, on August 11, 2023, after a wildfire. AP -
Damage to Kula in the Upcountry region of Maui island, Hawaii, after a wildfire. AP -
Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, after the wildfire. AP -
Burnt grasslands in the Upcountry region of Maui island extend almost as far as the eye can see. AP -
A wildfire burns in Kihei, Hawaii. Thousands of residents raced to escape homes on Maui as blazes swept across the island. AP Photo -
Waiola Church and the adjacent Hongwanji Mission are engulfed in Lahaina. AP -
Smoke and flames have become a familiar sight across Maui. AP -
Several communities were forced to evacuate as the dry season and strong winds made for dangerous fire conditions. AP -
Passengers try to rest at Kahului Airport as they leave Maui. AFP -
Flights off the island were delayed and cancelled leaving thousands of passengers were stranded at Kahului Airport. AFP -
This handout videograb courtesy of Richard Olsten shows smoke billowing from destroyed buildings in Maui. AFP -
Smoke rises above Lahaina in this handout photo courtesy of Carter Barto via Facebook. AFP -
Smoke billows as wildfires driven by high winds destroy a large part of Lahaina. Reuters -
Boats docked at Lahaina as smoke streams from wildfires in the Hawaii town in Maui. Reuters -
Smoke obscures the old Lahaina courthouse. Reuters -
A boat burns off the scorched waterfront after wildfires fanned by the winds of a distant hurricane spread. Reuters -
Wildfires are destroying one of the most popular tourist areas in Hawaii. Reuters -
People watch as smoke and flames fill the air from raging wildfires on Front Street in downtown Lahaina. AP -
People wait on the side of the road to return to west Maui after evacuations were ordered. Reuters -
Wildfires are seen across Maalaea Harbour. Reuters -
At least six people have been killed in Maui, the mayor said. Reuters
Avery Dagupion, whose family’s home was destroyed in the fire, told the Associated Press that residents were angry over the lack of warnings. He also said an August 8 announcement from Maui Mayor Richard Bissen – saying the fire had been contained – gave people a false sense of security.
Mr Bissen fought back on criticism during a news conference.
“The people who were trying to put out these fires lived in those homes – 25 of our firefighters lost their homes. You think they were doing a halfway job?” he said.
Maui County on Wednesday night released more names of the 111 confirmed victims: Melva Benjamin, 71; Virginia Dofa, 90; and Alfredo Galinato, 79 – all residents of Lahaina.
The death toll is still expected to rise as workers continue search efforts. More than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for, Mr Green said.
Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency were scheduled to provide an update on federal recovery efforts on Thursday afternoon.
Agencies contributed to this report
