Maui Emergency Management Agency’s Chief Herman Andaya resigned Thursday, according to a report from the New York Post.
His resignation comes a day after he defended his decision not to activate the island-wide alarm system during catastrophic wildfires that swept across the Hawaiian island of Maui.
Mayor Richard Bissen announced Andaya’s resignation, which was attributed to “health reasons.”
Chief Andaya’s resignation takes effect immediately, leaving a void atop Maui’s emergency department as island residents continue to deal with devastation from wildfires that claimed the lives of at least 111 individuals.
“Given the gravity of the crisis we are facing, my team and I will be placing someone in this key position as quickly as possible and I look forward to making that announcement soon,” Bissen said in a statement.
Questions arose regarding Andaya’s qualifications for the role, especially after he faced significant criticism for his decision-making during the wildfire crisis.
During a Wednesday media briefing, Andaya was questioned about his decision not to sound the alarms.
“Even if we sounded the siren, we would not have saved those people out there on the mountainside,” Andaya replied, noting blaring sirens are associated with tsunami warnings, prompting islanders to seek higher ground.
However, Hawaii’s official government website does mention wildfires as one of the potential disasters for which the “all-hazard” siren system could be activated.
Defending his professional background, Andaya told the media that he underwent thorough vetting and received extensive training before assuming his role in 2017.
Documents reveal Andaya was in Waikiki at the Alohilani Resort attending the scheduled three-day FEMA disaster preparedness seminar “Pacific Partnership Meeting,” according to a Hawaii News Now report.
A hotel receipt confirms Andaya checked in last Monday, the day before the fire started, the report noted, adding the same receipt lists an August 9 departure date, which is the day after the Lahaina blaze.
Andaya’s LinkedIn profile does not display direct experience in emergency management. He previously held roles in the housing department and as the mayor’s chief of staff.
As the island grapples with the aftermath of the wildfires, rescue teams have covered 45% of the affected area, confirming 111 deaths. Maui County officials expressed fear that numbers will increase.
Almost 1,000 people remain missing or unaccounted for, according to authorities.
Thousands of residents have been displaced, seeking refuge in shelters, hotels and Airbnb units. A significant number of homes and businesses remain without power.
The cause of these wildfires, the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century, is still under investigation.
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