Maui wildfires update: President Joe Biden and First Lady visit Maui to meet with first responders and survivors

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden will visit Maui today, to observe the impacts of three Maui fires ignited on Aug. 8 and join the state in mourning the devastating loss of life and land that has occurred across the island.

Several homes were burned in the Kula/Upcountry fire and the historic town of Lāhainā was razed to the ground, leaving a path of destruction spanning an estimated 3.5 square miles. While on the ground, the President, First Lady, and Gov. Josh Green will meet with first responders, survivors, and federal state and local officials to discuss next steps in the recovery efforts, which are ongoing.

Today, three of those fires remain active with crews monitoring for flare ups and hotspots. The death toll from the Lāhainā fire, described as the nation’s deadliest in 100 years, remains at 114 with 85% of the disaster area searched. So far, the identities of 11 victims from the Lāhainā fire have been released:

• Conchita Sagudang, 75, of Lāhainā
• Danilo Sagudang, 55, of Lāhainā
• Rodolfo Rocutan, 76, of Lāhainā
• Jonathan Somaoang, 76, of Lāhainā
• Angelita Vasquez, 88, of Lāhainā
• Donna Gomes, 71, of Lāhainā
• Melva Benjamin, 71, of Lāhainā
• Virginia Dofa, 90, of Lāhainā
• Alfredo Galinato, 79, of Lāhainā
• Robert Dyckman, 74, of Lāhainā
• Buddy Jantoc, 79, of Lāhainā

Police say 16 other individuals have been identified, but their family has not been located or notified of their passing.

For those seeking information regarding loved ones or those who are unaccounted for, the Family Assistance Center is located at the Hyatt Regency’s Monarchy Ballroom, 200 Nohea Kai Drive in Kāʻanapali.

For family living on neighbor islands or the continental U.S., the can also provide a DNA sample to assist in identifying the victims in Lāhainā. For more information, call the FBI Honolulu Division at 808-566-4300.

An online, centralized hub to respond to the impacts of the Maui Wildfire Disaster is available at mauinuistrong.info . The County of Maui’s “Maui Nui Strong” site offers information on how to donate, volunteer, offer services, and locate support. It is administered through the County’s Office of Economic Development, and will be utilized to connect people to resources and services.