Herman Andaya, the head of Maui's emergency management agency, resigned on Thursday amidst intense criticism for his decision not to activate warning sirens during a deadly wildfire that engulfed the island. The resignation came after Andaya defended his choice not to sound the powerful warning sirens as the fast-moving flames tore through the Hawaiian town of Lahaina, leaving residents with no warning of the approaching blaze. The wildfire, which has claimed the lives of at least 111 people, is considered the deadliest in the United States in over a century.
The controversy surrounding Andaya's decision grew as survivors recounted their desperate attempts to flee the inferno, with many being trapped in their homes or caught in their cars during their last-minute escape efforts. The lack of warning has raised significant concerns about the effectiveness of the emergency response system on the island.
In a statement released by the Maui County government, it was announced that Mayor Richard Bissen had accepted Andaya's resignation due to health reasons. The Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Administrator's abrupt departure comes at a time when the island is grappling with the aftermath of the devastating wildfire.
Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen expressed the urgency of filling the position left vacant by Andaya's resignation, stating, "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." The search for a new MEMA Administrator is expected to prioritize finding a capable leader who can restore public trust in the emergency management system.
Andaya's decision not to activate the island-wide warning sirens has been a subject of intense debate. The former MEMA Administrator justified his choice by claiming that sounding the sirens could have caused panic and led residents towards the flames instead of seeking higher ground. Sirens on the island are primarily associated with tsunamis, and Andaya argued that other communication channels, such as cell phone alerts and television and radio broadcasts, were sufficient for warning the public about brushfires.
However, records indicate that Andaya had previously downplayed the importance of sirens and described them as a "last resort" in emergency situations. During a meeting in 2020, he acknowledged that many of the island's sirens were not operational, but he emphasized that efforts were being made to fix them and that alternative notification methods were available.
The resignation of Andaya has left many residents questioning the effectiveness and preparedness of Maui's emergency management agency. The devastating consequences of the wildfire have highlighted the need for robust emergency response measures, particularly in a region prone to natural disasters.
As the investigation into the deadly wildfire and the response to it continues, Maui County will be tasked with finding a capable and experienced leader to guide the emergency management agency through future crises. The priority will be to rebuild public confidence and ensure that the island's residents are adequately warned and protected during emergencies.
