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Efforts to diminish the threat of wildfires in Wailuku are about to accelerate, with the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) announcing a targeted initiative to clear out hazardous materials and vegetation starting November 12. According to a recent county statement, the operation will focus on approximately 52 acres off Wai'ale Road, an area that has suffered from 13 fires this year alone. Residents living near Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School and a nearby church can expect a little more peace of mind after the project is complete, given the increase in emergency service calls which has risen sharply, reflecting a 174% surge from January to October this year as compared to the same period last year and it's worth noting that complaint calls to the police have included theft, suspicious activities, and drug-related offenses. "The safety of our students, staff and families is always our top priority," Pōmaikaʻi Elementary School Principal Timothy Shim told the county's official website, highlighting the school's gratitude towards MEMA's intervention. Backing the county’s initiative, a spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Maui Lani has voiced support for efforts to safeguard their congregation and the wider community. Alongside mitigation efforts, the county and its partners have not turned a blind eye to the welfare of houseless individuals on the land, providing services since July to help these marginalized residents find shelter and other critical support, as reported by Maui County’s news release. Organizations like Family Life Center and Mental Health Kōkua are among the participants lending a hand. In attending to this area also known for its cultural significance, steps are being taken to respect and protect sensitive sites especially those with iwi kūpuna, as cultural monitors and archaeologists are actively engaged in the process of debris removal to minimize disruption to these revered locations. This commitment aligns with a broader intent to preserve the wahi pana and its historical significance amid fire mitigation strategies, a sentiment affirmed by cultural experts involved in the project and communicated in the county update. Further information on MEMA’s wildfire risk reduction efforts, including future updates on the Waiʻale Road project, can be accessed online through Maui County’s official website.
