LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Shayne Kahahane lives across the street from where the August 2023 fire sparked. But it is far from the first time he and family members evacuated their homes. “I’m speaking for my sister that was lost in the fire, my cousin who was lost in the fire, and a lot of friends and family, people that I know, the survivors, the pain that they felt, same like my nieces, so I’m speaking on their behalf. And I have every right to,” said Kahahane.
Kahahane spoke to FOX5 days before the year mark since 102 people died. He talked about previous fires that spread quickly in West Maui years before 2023, including a fire in 2018 that tore through 21 homes and caused $4 Million in damages. An after-action report for that fire cited a lack of fire prevention efforts. “Everybody who knew about 2018, of all the fires since 2018, we just accepted and we kind of left it in the people that are in those positions in office, thinking they’re going to take care of us,” said Kahahane.
“We should have let them know that this wasn’t the first fire, and this wouldn’t be the last fire,” he added. Many of the same fire prevention efforts are outlined in a report released Friday about the 2023 fire. The report cited narrow and dirt roads blocked by gates that prevented people from getting out. “They can’t tell me that the roads are fine, we need more water, we need more access to water, more roads so we can find safety. I don’t care if they say the roads we have now are sufficient because it’s not,” said Kahahane.
“Tell the 102 people that died how safe Lahaina is, really tell that to my face,” he said. Kahahane is hopeful that action taking now will make a lasting impact. He said there weren’t enough people speaking up during previous fires, but this time is different. “I look at my nieces and nephews and the younger generation, and they are the ones really stepping up, it’ll be their future,” he said. He remains hopeful that Lahaina is rebuilt with future generations in mind. “I close my eyes and I vision what Lahaiana, the Lahaiana I see, or I want. And it’s not for me, it’s for my grandkids and my great grandkids and the future,” said Kahahane.
Copyright 2024 KVVU. All rights reserved.
