By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
WASHINGTON — One year after Maui’s devastating wildfires, White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell and U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell will join local officials to commemorate the anniversary and support the community.
“In the face of immense loss, the Maui community has shown tremendous resolve and resilience that has inspired the nation. Maui has taught us all what it means to come together to rebuild and heal as a community,” FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said in a statement. “On this road to recovery, we’ve witnessed true compassion — neighbors helping neighbors and a groundswell of support from not only across the island but across the state and the nation. FEMA will continue to be here for as long as it takes to recover, rebuild and create the more resilient Maui that this community needs and deserves.”
FEMA has provided over $489 million in Public Assistance funding to rebuild Maui’s infrastructure, including drinking water and wastewater systems in West Maui, speeding up the recovery process.
“Often, as individuals and as communities, we learn and change after tragedy,” U.S. Fire Administrator Dr. Lori Moore-Merrell said. “As firefighters and public servants, we vow ‘Never Again’ to help us personally recover and to prepare for the next emergency. Over the past year, the U.S. Fire Administration has been and remains closely connected with the Maui County Fire Department to help firefighters find personal resilience and prepare for the inevitable future events. Together we have deployed innovative technology to detect fires early while working to educate the community to become fire-adapted so they know how to reduce fire risks where they live.”
FEMA is collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to find long-term housing solutions for Maui, exploring all options and innovative approaches to meet survivors’ needs.
