2023-37 ATTORNEY GENERAL REVIEW OF STATE AND COUNTY RESPONSE TO MAUI WILDFIRES

News Release from Hawaii Attorney General, Aug 17, 2023

HONOLULU – Following up on an earlier statement regarding review of the Maui wildfires, Attorney General Anne Lopez announces she will be engaging a third-party private organization with experience in emergency management and processes to assess the performance of State and County agencies in preparing and responding to the Maui wildfires.

“This will be an impartial, independent review,” said Attorney General Lopez. Having a third-party conduct the review will ensure accountability and transparency and reassure the people of Hawaii that all of the facts will be uncovered. The information collected will be used to assess the performance in emergency preparedness as we are constantly looking for ways to improve. We intend to look at this critical incident to facilitate any necessary corrective action and to advance future emergency preparedness.”

The Governor asked the Attorney General to conduct a comprehensive review of critical decision-making, policies, and the actions taken, so that he and leaders can focus on the recovery efforts of this unprecedented disaster. The review will most likely be a months-long effort. Attorney General Lopez added, “We will be taking the necessary time to follow the facts wherever they lead.”

“An independent review will ensure that all aspects of the incident, including any potential shortcomings in preparation, response, and communication, are thoroughly examined,” said State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole. “By entrusting this process to an unbiased entity, we can collectively ensure that lessons are learned, best practices are identified, and that our communities are better equipped to face similar challenges in the future.”

KFI: Hawaii Senators Want Independent Investigator to Review Wildfires | KFI AM 640 (iheart.com)

HTH: Green has said it is not a criminal investigation.

SA: The review is not an official criminal or civil investigation, Gov. Josh Green clarified Wednesday

CLUE: The decision not to conduct a criminal investigation is a key element of the strategy to protect HECO from the fate that befell PG&E after the Camp Fire.

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ATTORNEY GENERAL LOPEZ ANNOUNCES THE INITIATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF DECISION-MAKING CONCERNING HAWAIʻI WILDFIRES

News Release from Office of Attorney General, August 11, 2023

HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez has announced that the Department of the Attorney General will be conducting a comprehensive review of critical decision-making and standing policies leading up to, during, and after the wildfires on Maui and Hawaiʻi islands this week.

“The Department of the Attorney General shares the grief felt by all in Hawaiʻi, and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragedy,” says Attorney General Lopez.

“My Department is committed to understanding the decisions that were made before and during the wildfires and to sharing with the public the results of this review. As we continue to support all aspects of the ongoing relief effort, now is the time to begin this process of understanding.”

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Big Q: What do you think of the attorney general looking into decision-making involving the Lahaina wildfire? | Honolulu Star-Advertiser (staradvertiser.com)