Hawaii declares state of emergency over hurricane-driven wildfires

by Lauren Sforza - 08/09/23 7:36 AM ET

Smoke blows across the slope of Haleakala volcano on Maui, Hawaii, as a fire burns in Maui’s upcountry region on Tuesday, Aug. 8. 2023. Several Hawaii communities were forced to evacuate from wildfires that destroyed at least two homes as of Tuesday as a dry season mixed with strong wind gusts made for dangerous fire conditions. (Matthew Thayer/The Maui News via AP)

Hawaii declared a state of emergency Tuesday over hurricane-driven wildfires that have burned down buildings and forced evacuations in recent days.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke (D) — serving as acting governor — issued the emergency proclamation due to the effects of Hurricane Dora, which is “churning far south of the islands.” The wildfires are burning in Maui and Hawaii counties, according to the press release.

“We are closely following the wildfires caused by the strong winds of Hurricane Dora,” Luke said. “The safety of our residents is paramount, and this emergency proclamation will activate the Hawaii National Guard to support emergency responders in the impacted communities.”

Luke told CNN early Wednesday that 911, cell service and landlines were down.

She is serving as acting governor while Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) travels out of state and is slated to return Aug. 15. Green said Luke has his “full support,” adding his “thoughts are with the residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Dora.”

The emergency proclamation will allow the government to activate the National Guard and release emergency funds to address the impacts of Hurricane Dora. The Honolulu National Weather Service issued high wind and fire weather alerts as the storm developed south of the islands, noting wind gusts could get up to 60 mph.

“Breezy easterly trade winds will strengthen and become strong and potentially damaging this evening, and will continue through Tuesday,” the weather service posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Dry air from the east will limit rainfall through Wednesday. Hurricane Dora will continue moving westward far south of the Hawaiian Islands.”

Maui firefighters are continuing to battle wildfires in two locations, but the high winds forced the grounding of the fire crews’ helicopters on Tuesday. In addition, Hawaiian Electric reported that about 13,000 customers were without power on Tuesday.

The Associated Press contributed.

–Updated at 11:25 a.m.

Tags Hawaii Hurricane Dora Josh Green Josh Green Sylvia Luke wildfires