In this article, we will provide an update on the cleanup efforts in Lahaina after the devastating fire that occurred recently. We will take a look at the current state of the affected areas and the progress that has been made so far. This update is based on a new aerial video taken on January 19, 2024.
Visual Evidence of Runoff into the Ocean
One of the main concerns after heavy rainfall in the area was the potential runoff of toxic ash and debris from the fire into the ocean. The video shows that the water near Front Street, which was heavily hit by the fire, appears more brown than usual, indicating some level of runoff. However, the exact amount of fire residue in the runoff is yet to be determined. Scientists have collected samples from the water for testing, but the results will take some time to be known.
Cleanup Efforts Underway
The video provides evidence of the cleanup efforts that have begun in Lahaina. Yellow excavators and trucks can be seen on the right-hand side of the screen, loading the ashen debris. This is the first evidence of the cleanup process starting. It’s important to note that this is just the first week of phase two of the cleanup, so it will take some time to ramp up the project.
Staging of Heavy Equipment
As the video continues, more heavy equipment can be seen being staged in the parking lot below Lahaina Shores. The Army Corps of Engineers has set a goal to clear at least 100 properties over the next 30 days. This shows that progress is being made and the cleanup efforts are moving forward.
Sailboats Run Ground
The video also captures two sailboats that have run aground near Front Street. One is seen in the water to the left of the screen, and another is seen a little farther north. These sailboats have run aground sometime in the last six weeks. It’s unclear how they ended up in this state.
Focus on Specific Neighborhoods
The video mentions a drone flight that starts at the bottom of Lahainaluna Road and travels up into the Lahainaluna neighborhood. This neighborhood is of particular interest to viewers, as many comments in the previous video requested to see it. The video also asks viewers to let the creator know in the comment section if there are any other specific areas in Lahaina they would like to see in the next video.
Milestones and Updates
The video highlights some significant milestones and updates. The Department of Water Supply has amended the unsafe water advisory for a portion of Lahaina, indicating that the water has been tested and deemed safe for unrestricted use, including drinking water. The county provides an interactive map showing areas with safe drinking water. The video also mentions that Kahoma Village and the Baby Beach neighborhood are now deemed to have safe drinking water.
Ongoing Cleanup Criteria
The US Army Corps of Engineers has set two criteria for determining the order in which lots are cleaned up. The first criterion is to clean up properties near houses that are still standing, prioritizing areas where people can safely move back into their homes. The second criterion is to clean up properties closest to the ocean to minimize potential runoff into the ocean.
Progress in Different Areas
The video shows evidence of cleanup in different areas of Lahaina. Five properties are actively undergoing cleanup, with yellow excavators and trucks working on loading debris. Additionally, two properties appear to have completed the cleanup process. However, due to the large area affected by the fire, identifying evidence of cleanup is challenging.
Future Updates
The video concludes with the hope that the next aerial tour will show more progress in the cleanup efforts. Viewers are encouraged to share any missed evidence of cleanup in the comment section.
Conclusion
The aerial video provides an update on the cleanup efforts in Lahaina after the fire. It shows evidence of cleanup in different areas, with yellow excavators and trucks loading debris. The Department of Water Supply has amended the unsafe water advisory, indicating that the water in certain areas is now safe for unrestricted use. The US Army Corps of Engineers has set criteria for prioritizing the cleanup process. Overall, progress is being made, but there is still a long way to go in the recovery process.
Please note that the information in this article is based on the aerial video taken on January 19, 2024, and may be subject to change as the cleanup efforts continue.
