Testimony of Saman Dias
Maui County Council Meeting
Date: Aug 21st 2024
Aloha Chair Nohelani U‘u-Hodgins, Vice-Chair Tamara Paltin, and Council Members,
My name is Saman Dias, and I am here today to address the critical issues of fire prevention and enforcement in our community, particularly in light of the devastating Lahaina fire. I want to bring to your attention several key points that I believe are vital for the safety and well-being of our community.
1. Lack of Execution and Enforcement: It is abundantly clear that there is a significant gap in the execution and enforcement of existing fire prevention plans and laws. While laws and regulations may be in place, their implementation is lacking, leading to dire consequences. This gap in enforcement has had tragic results, as evidenced by the Lahaina fire.
2. Understaffing and Resource Constraints: Both the County and State have repeatedly cited a lack of staff as a reason for their inability to enforce existing plans and regulations. This is unacceptable. Enforcement is key to ensuring the safety of our community, and we cannot allow staffing shortages to be used as an excuse for inaction, especially when the stakes are so high.
3. Accountability of Landowners: Recent developments, including the $4.04 billion settlement of wildfire cases, underscore the responsibility of landowners in maintaining their properties to prevent fire hazards. The Kamehameha Schools, among others, have been held accountable for not maintaining overgrown, dead foliage, which contributed to the fire risks. This case highlights the critical importance of enforcing regulations that require landowners to manage their properties effectively.
4. My Efforts to Address These Concerns: In May 2022, I initiated correspondence with various County and State departments, including the Fire Prevention Bureau, the Mayor’s Office, and the Office of Climate Change, Resiliency, and Sustainability. Below is a summary of the key communications:
• May 14, 2022: I contacted Deputy Fire Chief Gavin Fujioka to express concerns about fire prevention and suggested proactive measures.
• May 17, 2022 (9:39 AM): Fire Captain Ryan Otsubo from the Fire Prevention Bureau responded, mentioning the lack of resources and introducing the Code Case and Community Risk Reduction Programs.
• May 17, 2022 (10:37 AM): I requested proactive measures, such as press releases and PSAs, to engage the community in fire prevention. This email was sent to Ryan Otsubo and the Mayor’s Office.
• May 17, 2022 (10:49 AM): I followed up with Lance DeSilva, Brian Perry (Director of Communications, Mayor’s Office), Hannah Shipman (Office of Climate Change, Resiliency, and Sustainability), and Ryan Otsubo, reiterating the need for proactive fire prevention and requesting specific actions.
• May 17, 2022 (12:31 PM): I offered assistance in drafting communication materials and emphasized the importance of community engagement. This email was sent to Ryan Otsubo.
• May 17, 2022 (1:23 PM): I followed up with Hannah Shipman at the Office of Climate Change, emphasizing the need for high-level action on fire prevention.
• May 17, 2022 (1:42 PM): Fire Captain Ryan Otsubo reiterated the limitations due to staffing and resources.
• May 17, 2022 (2:39 PM): I confirmed with Hannah Shipman that the responsibility was now with the Mayor’s Office and Fire Department, expressing frustration with the lack of action.
• May 18, 2022 (11:30 AM): I reached out to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) to suggest collaboration on wildfire education.
Despite my proactive efforts, these requests were largely ignored, and the failure to act has had devastating consequences. This lack of response is a failure of leadership and accountability that cannot be tolerated.
5. Recent Improvements and the Need for Continued Action: I have noticed that, in the aftermath of the Lahaina fire, there have been efforts to cut and maintain overgrown dead grass along Highway 30. While this is a positive step, I am concerned about whether these efforts will be sustained. Who will enforce these measures moving forward? Consistent enforcement is crucial to preventing future tragedies. Additionally, I have witnessed FEMA distributing the exact materials I previously recommended to Maui community members at locations such as Home Depot. While it is encouraging to see these efforts, it is disheartening to reflect on the fact that my earlier requests for such actions were ignored. It is vital that these types of preventive measures become standard practice, rather than reactive responses after a tragedy.
6. The Role of Trails in Fire Prevention and Evacuation: I want to emphasize the importance of building and maintaining trails, such as the West Maui Greenway (WMG), as fire barriers and evacuation routes. The WMG project should be given priority for its potential to save lives in emergency situations. I urge the Council to consider prioritizing WMG and similar projects as part of a comprehensive fire prevention strategy.
7. My Commitment to Action: I stand before you not as someone who simply points out problems, but as someone who has actively sought solutions. I made recommendations, offered my assistance, and provided resources to help our community. I urge you to take these concerns seriously and to take action to ensure that our community is better protected in the future.
Conclusion: The tragedy in Lahaina has shown us the devastating consequences of inaction. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes. I ask you to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated for enforcement, that landowners are held accountable, and that projects like the West Maui Greenway are prioritized as part of our fire prevention and emergency response strategies.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.
Mahalo,
Saman Dias
Chair Maui Bicycling League
808-209-2542 / maui@hbl.org
This seems to be the only option to submit written testimony. I am in favor of the county exploring eminent domain of the 79-acre parcel that includes Pi'i'hana Farms, which has become a menace to public health and safety, due to the numerous fires, problems with dumped trash, and drug use. I believe the property is still encumbered by a 1990 requirement for 600 affordable housing homes. If this parcel is still tied to Kehalani Planned Development (separate owner) a bifurcation could be granted for enough funds to condemn the Lindsey property. Lindsey cannot use his property for any other use, and has tried to skirt the law by quit claiming 7 lots of the original 79 acres, helped by David Goode former Director of Public Works. If the County acquired the 79 acres, it could make good on a 30 year old promise to deliver those homes to the people of Maui.
Testimony of Saman Dias
Maui County Council Meeting
Date: Aug 21st 2024
Aloha Chair Nohelani U‘u-Hodgins, Vice-Chair Tamara Paltin, and Council Members,
My name is Saman Dias, and I am here today to address the critical issues of fire prevention and enforcement in our community, particularly in light of the devastating Lahaina fire. I want to bring to your attention several key points that I believe are vital for the safety and well-being of our community.
1. Lack of Execution and Enforcement: It is abundantly clear that there is a significant gap in the execution and enforcement of existing fire prevention plans and laws. While laws and regulations may be in place, their implementation is lacking, leading to dire consequences. This gap in enforcement has had tragic results, as evidenced by the Lahaina fire.
2. Understaffing and Resource Constraints: Both the County and State have repeatedly cited a lack of staff as a reason for their inability to enforce existing plans and regulations. This is unacceptable. Enforcement is key to ensuring the safety of our community, and we cannot allow staffing shortages to be used as an excuse for inaction, especially when the stakes are so high.
3. Accountability of Landowners: Recent developments, including the $4.04 billion settlement of wildfire cases, underscore the responsibility of landowners in maintaining their properties to prevent fire hazards. The Kamehameha Schools, among others, have been held accountable for not maintaining overgrown, dead foliage, which contributed to the fire risks. This case highlights the critical importance of enforcing regulations that require landowners to manage their properties effectively.
4. My Efforts to Address These Concerns: In May 2022, I initiated correspondence with various County and State departments, including the Fire Prevention Bureau, the Mayor’s Office, and the Office of Climate Change, Resiliency, and Sustainability. Below is a summary of the key communications:
• May 14, 2022: I contacted Deputy Fire Chief Gavin Fujioka to express concerns about fire prevention and suggested proactive measures.
• May 17, 2022 (9:39 AM): Fire Captain Ryan Otsubo from the Fire Prevention Bureau responded, mentioning the lack of resources and introducing the Code Case and Community Risk Reduction Programs.
• May 17, 2022 (10:37 AM): I requested proactive measures, such as press releases and PSAs, to engage the community in fire prevention. This email was sent to Ryan Otsubo and the Mayor’s Office.
• May 17, 2022 (10:49 AM): I followed up with Lance DeSilva, Brian Perry (Director of Communications, Mayor’s Office), Hannah Shipman (Office of Climate Change, Resiliency, and Sustainability), and Ryan Otsubo, reiterating the need for proactive fire prevention and requesting specific actions.
• May 17, 2022 (12:31 PM): I offered assistance in drafting communication materials and emphasized the importance of community engagement. This email was sent to Ryan Otsubo.
• May 17, 2022 (1:23 PM): I followed up with Hannah Shipman at the Office of Climate Change, emphasizing the need for high-level action on fire prevention.
• May 17, 2022 (1:42 PM): Fire Captain Ryan Otsubo reiterated the limitations due to staffing and resources.
• May 17, 2022 (2:39 PM): I confirmed with Hannah Shipman that the responsibility was now with the Mayor’s Office and Fire Department, expressing frustration with the lack of action.
• May 18, 2022 (11:30 AM): I reached out to the Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization (HWMO) to suggest collaboration on wildfire education.
Despite my proactive efforts, these requests were largely ignored, and the failure to act has had devastating consequences. This lack of response is a failure of leadership and accountability that cannot be tolerated.
5. Recent Improvements and the Need for Continued Action: I have noticed that, in the aftermath of the Lahaina fire, there have been efforts to cut and maintain overgrown dead grass along Highway 30. While this is a positive step, I am concerned about whether these efforts will be sustained. Who will enforce these measures moving forward? Consistent enforcement is crucial to preventing future tragedies. Additionally, I have witnessed FEMA distributing the exact materials I previously recommended to Maui community members at locations such as Home Depot. While it is encouraging to see these efforts, it is disheartening to reflect on the fact that my earlier requests for such actions were ignored. It is vital that these types of preventive measures become standard practice, rather than reactive responses after a tragedy.
6. The Role of Trails in Fire Prevention and Evacuation: I want to emphasize the importance of building and maintaining trails, such as the West Maui Greenway (WMG), as fire barriers and evacuation routes. The WMG project should be given priority for its potential to save lives in emergency situations. I urge the Council to consider prioritizing WMG and similar projects as part of a comprehensive fire prevention strategy.
7. My Commitment to Action: I stand before you not as someone who simply points out problems, but as someone who has actively sought solutions. I made recommendations, offered my assistance, and provided resources to help our community. I urge you to take these concerns seriously and to take action to ensure that our community is better protected in the future.
Conclusion: The tragedy in Lahaina has shown us the devastating consequences of inaction. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes. I ask you to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated for enforcement, that landowners are held accountable, and that projects like the West Maui Greenway are prioritized as part of our fire prevention and emergency response strategies.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical issue.
Mahalo,
Saman Dias
Chair Maui Bicycling League
808-209-2542 / maui@hbl.org
This seems to be the only option to submit written testimony. I am in favor of the county exploring eminent domain of the 79-acre parcel that includes Pi'i'hana Farms, which has become a menace to public health and safety, due to the numerous fires, problems with dumped trash, and drug use. I believe the property is still encumbered by a 1990 requirement for 600 affordable housing homes. If this parcel is still tied to Kehalani Planned Development (separate owner) a bifurcation could be granted for enough funds to condemn the Lindsey property. Lindsey cannot use his property for any other use, and has tried to skirt the law by quit claiming 7 lots of the original 79 acres, helped by David Goode former Director of Public Works. If the County acquired the 79 acres, it could make good on a 30 year old promise to deliver those homes to the people of Maui.