The haunting aftermath of the West Maui wildfire leaves not just a scar on the land but also raises pressing questions about preparedness and foresight. Through our work at OnderLaw, we’ve seen firsthand the importance of proactive safety measures, and this incident underscores a significant concern: the challenge of funding in mitigating potential disasters.
A Wake-Up Call:
Government reports had previously signaled West Maui’s high vulnerability to wildfires, with its foothills draped in dry, highly flammable invasive grasses. Recommendations had been made to bolster evacuation plans, manage vegetation near towns, and establish defensible zones around homes. However, fire experts point out that there was a glaring gap in translating these suggestions into actions. The root cause? Insufficient funds.
Takeaway: While recognizing the risk is crucial, it is equally important to ensure adequate funding and resources are allocated to mitigate these risks effectively.
Learning from Other States:
Other regions, like California, have grappled with similar wildfire threats. By mandating vegetation management policies and enforcing them through periodic inspections, they’ve been able to reduce risks significantly. Yet, West Maui’s landscape, filled with invasive grasses from abandoned sugarcane fields, remains largely unchecked.
Takeaway: The challenge isn’t in understanding the problem but in the execution of the solution. Finding sustainable funding avenues to manage vegetation continuously and prevent wildfire risks is essential.
Community Protection Plans – Where Are They?
Almost a decade ago, a community protection plan highlighted the extreme wildfire risk in Western Maui. This plan emphasized the management of invasive grasses, creating defensible spaces, and collaborating with private landowners to create fire breaks. Yet, many of these recommendations have been left on the shelf, primarily due to funding challenges.
Takeaway: A plan without action is merely a wish. Funding is the backbone of any successful wildfire prevention strategy. For regions like West Maui, continuous funding channels, both governmental and private, need to be explored and implemented.
Building Homes That Resist Wildfires:
Most houses in wildfires are ignited by embers, not direct flames. As West Maui rebuilds, there’s a chance to construct homes with materials designed to resist these embers. Certain states in the U.S., such as California, have introduced building codes that mandate the use of fire-resistant materials in high-risk zones.
Takeaway: Adopt mandatory wildfire building codes, ensuring that every new structure built is prepared for a potential wildfire. Furthermore, provide homeowners with resources and inspections to retrofit their homes, increasing their defenses against embers.
Evacuation Alert System – A New Approach:
The first warning sign of danger shouldn’t be the sight of flames on the horizon. It was alarming to learn that many in Lahaina had to rely on visual cues, as traditional warning methods failed. While the Wireless Emergency Alert system was used, its reach was limited due to network outages caused by the fire. The tragic events in California’s 2018 Camp Fire should have been enough to signal the vulnerabilities of this system.
Takeaway: Adopt a more comprehensive alert system. Places like Mill Valley, California, have integrated sirens capable of broadcasting voice messages detailing the nature of the emergency, a potential lifesaver. Cities must diversify their warning tools, ensuring they aren’t solely reliant on cell networks.
Looking to the Future:
As Hawaii confronts the aftermath, a comprehensive review of its wildfire policies is vital. But more than that, identifying and ensuring consistent funding avenues is crucial. This will not only aid in clearing vegetation but also help in the regular maintenance required to keep regions like West Maui safe.
The recent tragedy in West Maui, while heartbreaking, offers a crucial opportunity to refocus on safety, proactive measures, and community-driven solutions. As we’ve often seen at OnderLaw, prevention is the strongest defense. Let’s rally together to ensure Hawaii’s beautiful landscapes are matched by an equally robust approach to safety.
If you have been affected by the wildfires in Hawaii, contact our team of expert attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
