Maui Wildfires

Serene Spirig

August 2023

Aftermath of the Maui wildfires (from opb)

On August 14, 2023, Maui faced the deadliest wildfire. It was caused by Hawaiian energized power lines that were knocked down by strong winds due to Hurricane Dora. The fire started in Lahainaluna Road, east of the historic seaside town of Lahaina, according to Maui officials. The fire caused local communication to go out, destroying thousands of homes, historic buildings, including Lahanla, the most popular destination. It is also the former capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. 106 people have been killed, including seniors and children. More than 1,300 people are missing. Near the shoreline of the Hawaiian island of Maui, people have evacuated their cars. For nine hours people have waited to be rescued, survivors battled with hypothermia and lack of oxygen. The fire destroyed the coastal town of 13,000. For decades Spam has been a staple in Hawaiian cooking, ever since World War II. The companies announced Thursday they would donate 264,000 cans of Spam. Valued more than $1 million, to a relief organization.