Hawaii

Hawaii governor, first lady give emotional update on Maui fires: ‘Lahaina will rise again’

Published

1 year ago

August 19, 2023

Hawaii governor, first lady give emotional update on Maui fires: ‘Lahaina will rise again’

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green (D) said the historic Lahaina Town will “rise again” while giving an update on the recovery effort in the state after devastating wildfires on Maui left over 100 people dead.

“Lahaina will rise again,” Green said during an emotional address from Honolulu Friday night. “It will be a symbol of our resilience, our values and our sacred bonds of Ohana. When it is rebuilt, it will be a living memorial to the loved ones we have lost.”

The wildfires have killed at least 114 people as search efforts continue for those unaccounted for, Maui County officials said Friday night. The Maui Police Department reported 78 percent of the affected area has been searched for casualties with the assistance of cadaver dogs.

“The numbers of lives we’ve lost has climbed to over 100 and we expect it to increase each day as we continue our search,” Green said, acknowledging the long road ahead for recovery. “This process is agonizing for families waiting for word from their loved ones and heartbreaking for those sifting through the debris.”

Maui County officials said the wildfires burnt through at least 2,168 acres of land in Lahaina and destroyed or damaged thousands of structures, including the historic banyan tree, which is considered a landmark throughout the state. Planted in April 1873, the tree now covers an entire acre on the town’s historic Front Street.

Many of Front Street’s restaurants, stores and other buildings were likely consumed by the fire as well, the Associated Press reported.

“We have lost the native Hawaiian culture that founded it centuries ago,” Green said. “And the values that will enable us to endure this tragedy and flourish again, like the great banyan tree that survived the fire and still stands among the ruins today.”

The governor also highlighted the “massive recovery effort” ahead to clean up and rebuild the affected areas on Lahaina and other parts of Maui.

“We will rebuild Lahaina, it will take years of work and billions of dollars,” Green said. “But we are committed to this effort and together, we will meet this challenge.”

“Lahaina belongs to its people, and we are committed to rebuilding and restoring it the way they want it,” he continued. “The land in Lahaina is reserved for its people as they return and rebuild.”

As of Friday night, officials estimated the fire in Lahaina is 90 percent contained, though there is no threat to the public.

“Tragically, it took less than a single day for us to lose Lahaina in the deadliest fire our country has seen in more than a century,” said Hawaii First Lady Jamie Green.

President Biden and first lady Jill Biden will travel to Maui next week to meet with first responders and tour damage from the wildfires on the island, the White House announced earlier this week. Green said Hawaii is “especially grateful” to the president for his “support and partnership.”

The Pentagon said Friday it has deployed nearly 700 personnel and 140 U.S. Coast Guard responders to help in the island’s response. Green said the Hawaii National Guard is also continuing to assist in the search and rescue efforts.

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Hawaii

With jolly festivities in full swing, how are you celebrating the holidays? Share your photos!

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

With jolly festivities in full swing, how are you celebrating the holidays? Share your photos!

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – With family and friends celebrating the holidays, Hawaii News Now wants to see how you are making the most of the jolly festivities.

From house decorations and shining lights to unwrapping presents and spending time with loved ones, share your photos by submitting them below!

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Hawaii

Plane crash under investigation on Hawaii Island

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

Plane crash under investigation on Hawaii Island

WAIMEA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Federal investigators are looking into what caused a plane to crash on Hawaii Island Monday.

The National Transportation Safety Board confirms it is looking into what caused a Cessna to go down at Parker Ranch in Waimea shortly before noon.

Investigators said preliminary information indicated the plane experienced a loss of engine power.

A witness said two people walked away from the aircraft on their own. No one was hurt.

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Hawaii

Hawaii Bowl announcers Tiffany Greene, Jay Walker get rare moment in spotlight

Published

21 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

Hawaii Bowl announcers Tiffany Greene, Jay Walker get rare moment in spotlight

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring … and the only sports on TV was the Hawaii Bowl on ESPN.

The Christmas Eve game pitting South Florida (6-6) against San Jose State (7-5) didn’t bring the same energy as a major bowl, but when you’re the only live major sporting event on U.S. TV, fans will take notice.

On social media, the matchup generated surprising buzz for a minor bowl game.

People treating the Hawaii bowl tonight like it’s the Super Bowl
— Zlatni Topki (@ZlatniTopki) December 24, 2024

Out in Honolulu, ESPN had play-by-play announcer Tiffany Greene and color analyst Jay Walker on the game, and the pair, who have worked together for years, made the most of their moment in the spotlight.

Greene, who was the first African-American woman to serve as a play-by-play commentator for college football on a major network, had the opportunity to call some big plays, including this kickoff return touchdown by South Florida’s Ta’Ron Keith.

Tiffany Green was VERY amped up about this kick return touchdown and later replay of the big play from USF returner Ta’Ron Keith. pic.twitter.com/FkHDlaYBPK
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2024

And here’s Greene on a big interception early in the game.

USF forces an interception that would later result in points and a 14-0 lead over San Jose State.
Tiffany Greene and Jay Walker on the call of the Hawai’i Bowl on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/eMyo4aHsXn
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 25, 2024

Unfortunately, everything did not go smoothly for Greene and Walker. Of particular concern, Walker’s audio sounded consistently muddy, as if he were doing the broadcast remotely.

Are they actually there? Her co host literally sounds like he’s on a zoom call
— HuskerJim (@jimtheplumber63) December 25, 2024

Others on social media were even less charitable in their comments on the announcers.

This is a horrible announcing crew. This is not a high profile game, but as the only one on Cmas Eve, likely with a decent audience of folks looking for distractions, why this crew & not a better one? Why not put these guys on one of the midday workday games with less eyes/ears?
— Justin Firesheets (@JFiresheets) December 25, 2024

Yet some fans were left wanting to hear more of Greene and Walker in the future.