‘Independent’ Review into Wildfires in Hawaii Declared by Attorney General
Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has announced that an independent review will be conducted into the responses of the state and county to the wildfires in western Maui. The review was requested by Governor Josh Green and aims to ensure accountability and transparency. The review will be conducted by a private organization with expertise in emergency management. One focus of the review is likely to be the decision not to sound the island’s network of sirens to warn residents about the fires. The death toll currently stands at 111, with damage estimated to be over $5.5 billion. An investigation into the cause of the fire is also ongoing. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden are planning to visit the affected area.