Gov. Green returning early from out-of-state travel to address wildfires on Hawai‘i Island and Maui

Governor Josh Green, who had been traveling out of state since July 30, will be returning to the islands early to address the wildfire emergency impacting people living in Maui and Hawai‘i Counties.

Green has been in contact with the leadership team including Acting Governor Sylvia Luke, getting regular updates on Hurricane Dora which passed Hawai‘i to the south, and on the fires as they began. He has also been in contact with the White House as the governor prepares for what will inevitably be a request for emergency federal assistance.

“We have suffered a terrible disaster in the form of a wildfire that has spread widely as a result of hurricane-force winds in the region and underlying drought conditions,” Green said. “Maui and the Big Island both experienced significant fires. Much of Lāhainā on Maui has been destroyed and hundreds of local families have been displaced.”

The governor said the White House has been incredibly supportive and he expects to submit a request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration in the next 36 to 48 hours, once he knows how vast the damage is.

“Heroic efforts by first responders have prevented many casualties from occurring, but some loss of life is expected,” Green said. “Our entire emergency response team, including the Hawai‘i National Guard has mobilized and is being supported by FEMA. We have named Adjutant General Ken Hara as our state incident commander. He was my partner in Hawai‘i’s successful COVID response.”

Green was scheduled to return to Hawai‘i from personal travel on Aug. 15, but will be back in the state tonight to address the crisis.