Gov. Josh Green (D-HI) confirmed Friday that the number of people unaccounted for in Maui is much lower than initially anticipated.
Green took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to announce that the number of verified missing persons was 66. Already, the Maui Police Department was investigating 41 cases of missing people. This is significantly lower than the earlier estimate.
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Friday marked one month since the wildfires began on the island. There are still over 7,000 people living in hotels or AirBnBs as a result of their homes being destroyed. Green promised a long-term solution after an extension that will provide housing for the next 18 months. In the meantime, over 15,000 FEMA applications have been sent from Maui.
“Thank you all for hanging in there,” Green said in the video. “Again, our hearts are broken for those who are lost, but we’re rebuilding. We’re going to reopen.”
Maui’s death toll remains at 115. According to the Maui Police Department, 40 victims have been identified so far and their families notified. The county is still soliciting the help of locals to confirm the identities of those missing.
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Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) visited the island last week shortly before Congress went into session. His visit was preceded by that of President Joe Biden.
The Lahaina fire is 100% contained, the Kula fire is 95% contained, and the Olinda fire remains at 90% contained. Over 3,000 acres have been burned as a result of the multiple fires, two of which have been completely extinguished.
