Woyem News 
Days after the deadliest wildfire in over a century broke out on West Maui, residents expressed frustration with the lack of assistance from the government. The fire devastated the town of Lahaina, leaving hundreds of local residents affected beyond the highway checkpoints. With limited access to power, internet, and supplies, they relied on volunteer networks and community organizations for help. Many residents have been left without gasoline, phone reception, hot food, and drinking water. The death toll continues to rise, and residents have criticized the government’s response as insufficient.
Residents and evacuees have been desperately seeking gasoline to fuel their vehicles and generators. They have also relied on home-cooked meals from sympathetic residents and supplies brought in by private boats and airplanes. They have bemoaned the insufficient aid from government agencies and called for more help. While state, local, and federal officials have been present in West Maui since the fire broke out, residents feel that the response has been lacking. They describe the fire warnings as inadequate and the subsequent response as a failure to meet their urgent needs.
Governor Josh Green and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell toured the destruction and pledged to assist in the rebuilding process. However, residents argue that the official response has been unsatisfactory. The remote location of Maui and the scale of the destruction have posed challenges for the response efforts. Officials promise that more help is on the way but recognize the need for improvement.
The search for victims is still ongoing, and only two out of the 89 known deaths have been identified. Rapid DNA testing is being utilized to identify remains due to the significant damage caused by the fire. As the search continues, residents in West Maui feel disconnected from the government and are relying on word-of-mouth information. Local distribution centers have been set up by the community to provide supplies to those in need.
Although conditions have slightly improved with the arrival of gas trucks and the restoration of power, residents still require hot food, fuel, and up-to-date information. Local residents and groups have stepped up to assist their neighbors, but many feel let down by the government’s response. They question the actions taken and the assistance provided. Mayor Richard T. Bissen Jr. acknowledges the efforts of the community but defends the government’s involvement. However, many residents within the roadblocks separating West Maui from the rest of the island remain unimpressed, organizing their own gas fill-up parties and questioning the government’s absence.
In conclusion, the devastating wildfire in West Maui has left residents frustrated with the lack of government support. They have relied heavily on volunteer networks and community organizations for assistance. While officials have been present since the fire broke out, residents feel that the response has been inadequate. They continue to face challenges in accessing essential supplies and information. The community has come together to support one another, but they question the government’s actions and level of assistance provided.
