Maui’s Emergency Manager Steps Down Amid Ongoing Wildfires

Herman Andaya cited health issues as his reasoning for stepping down but no specific details were revealed to the public.

On Thursday, Maui’s Emergency Management Agency Administrator announced he is resigning.

Herman Andaya’s resignation is effective immediately and comes at a time of chaos as Hawaii is experiencing its deadliest natural disaster in the state’s history.

The announcement came just a day after he defended the silence of the Island’s siren system that failed to alert residents of the wildfires that are continuing to burn across parts of the state and have been ranked the deadliest wildfires in the U.S. in over a century.

The flames first broke out on August 8th and have killed at least 111 people while over 1,000 still remain unaccounted for.

Andaya cited health issues as his reasoning for stepping down but no specific details were revealed to the public.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said they are searching for someone to take on the key position as quick as they can as the crisis is still ongoing.