Tracy Bennett, the Maui film commissioner, provided a firsthand account of the devastating situation caused by a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii. The fire rapidly consumed the town, leading to dozens of lives lost and many people still missing. Tracy has initiated a GoFundMe campaign and is partnering with organizations like the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Maui Humane Society to provide assistance to those affected. He emphasized the need for accurate communication and resources for the impacted community, and expressed his pride in the support pouring in from both Hawaii and across the country. He also mentioned the importance of donating to the right organizations, such as the Hawaii Community Foundation, Maui Humane Society, Maui Red Cross, and Maui United Way. Tracy noted that tourists have been asked to leave Maui to accommodate residents who have lost their homes and that the situation may be similar to 9/11 in terms of the difficulty in accounting for missing individuals due to the speed and intensity of the fire.
1. Tracy Bennett, the Maui film commissioner, shared his experiences during the recent disaster.
2. He and his family were evacuated from their home on Maui due to hurricane-force winds and high wind warnings.
3. He received emergency alerts from Maui County about the worsening situation.
4. The fire was so strong and the wind was so intense that it caused a disaster.
5. Archie Calepa, a local waterman and surfer, went out on his jet ski to pull bodies out of the harbor.
6. Many people were in the water due to the intense heat and smoke, leading to drowning and burning incidents.
7. The fire wiped out Lahaina town in just 17 minutes.
8. There were reports of people jumping into the water to escape the fire.
9. The wind was incredibly strong and the heat caused everything to burn and melt.
10. The only thing that survived was cement.
11. There are reports of a large number of missing people, with estimates ranging from one to two thousand.
12. Bennett started a GoFundMe to raise funds for the affected people.
13. He is partnering with the Hawaii Community Foundation and the Maui Humane Society to distribute necessary supplies and goods to those affected.
14. He has reached out to the entertainment community and HBO for assistance.
15. There are plans to hold a benefit concert to raise funds for the affected people.
16. Bennett is proud to live in Hawaii and is committed to doing everything he can to help those affected by the disaster.
17. The communication has been difficult due to the lack of basic services on the west side of Maui.
18. There are still people on the west side of Maui who have lost everything, including their homes and belongings.
19. The biggest need right now is communication and ensuring that enough food and water are being distributed to those affected.
20. The cleanup efforts will likely begin once the air toxicity levels decrease.
21. Donations should be made to the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Maui Humane Society, the Maui Red Cross, and the Maui United Way.
22. The White Community Foundation is on the ground, helping people that need it the most.
23. The situation on Maui is not conducive to tourism right now, with many homes and people lost.
24. The final death toll is expected to be high, with estimates suggesting a number similar to the 9/11 disaster.
25. Maui is currently in the process of grieving and cleaning up, with the hope to move forward when the time is right.