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
I hear and see firetrucks A LOT going through Wailuku town, and I subsequently read about them constantly putting out small, seemingly man-made fires on the property. This is concerning to me as a Wailuku community member because this may be a potential for disaster to neighboring Happy Valley. I received an email from Michele McLean stating that fines will be imposed if the owner doesn't address the concerns of fire prevention on his property. Although, this is a step in the right direction, seizing his property via eminent domain seems to be the ultimate solution to stop the illegal burning and dumping on his property because this has gone on far too often and far too long.
If seizing his property is too exteme, can officials approve the set up of surveillance to gather evidence of illegal activities on his property?
My point is fines and slaps on the wrist may not be enough to deter complete apathy of the landowner to illegal activities on his property. Something more drastic needs to be done.
From: deron <dernzoid@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 8:02:16 AM (UTC-10:00) Hawaii
To: DRIP Committee <DRIP.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: (DRIP-2(10))
Dear DRIP Committee Chair Tamara Paltin,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the alarming frequency and dangers of fires occurring at Pi'ihana Farms in Wailuku. The ongoing fires pose a significant threat to our community's safety, as well as to our firefighters who are repeatedly dispatched to this area to put out small fires.
It has become increasingly evident that these incidents are not just isolated accidents, especially given the consistency and pattern of their occurrence. As a community member, I am troubled by the possibility that some of these fires may be deliberately set. The regularity with which our firefighters are sent to handle small brush fires and automobile fires begs the question: why is this happening so often, and what measures are being taken to prevent it?
The property in question seems quite large, and isn't it the owner’s responsibility to implement adequate fire prevention measures? Given the recent uptick in fire incidents, it raises the issue of whether the owner is doing enough to ensure the safety of both the agricultural land and the neighboring communities.
As a community, we rely heavily on our firefighters and their resources. When they are stretched thin due to them always responding to fires in this area, it takes away from their ability to serve other parts of the community that may also be at risk.
I urge local authorities to consider imposing fines on the property owner for every instance that our firefighters are dispatched to the site. Such measures could serve as a strong incentive to enforce better fire prevention strategies from the owner and ultimately protect our community from potentially bigger fires to neighboring communities like Happy Valley.
Enough is enough. It is time for action to ensure the safety and well-being of our community and the brave individuals who serve to protect us.
From: Susan Halas <wailukusue@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2024 12:48:47 PM
To: dripcommitte@mauicounty.us <dripcommitte@mauicounty.us>
Cc: Alice L. Lee <Alice.Lee@mauicounty.us>; Tamara A. Paltin <Tamara.Paltin@mauicounty.us>; Yukilei Sugimura <Yukilei.Sugimura@mauicounty.us>; Tasha A. Kama <Tasha.Kama@mauicounty.us>; Thomas M. Cook <Thomas.Cook@mauicounty.us>; Shane M. Sinenci <Shane.Sinenci@mauicounty.us>; Nohe M. Uu-Hodgins <Nohe.Uu-Hodgins@mauicounty.us>; Gabe Johnson <Gabe.Johnson@mauicounty.us>; Keani N. Rawlins <Keani.Rawlins@mauicounty.us>; Mayors Office <mayors.office@mauicounty.gov>
Subject: DRIP TESTIMONY 8/21/24 Frequent fire Piihana, Wailuku FIRE PREVENTION (DRIP-2(10))
Dear Ch. Paltin and members of the DRIP Committee
I am writing to ask that your committee take urgent and immediate action related to 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗨𝗞𝗨 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗜'𝗜𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 (𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘆 & 𝗗𝗛𝗛𝗟 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀)
All during July and August the fire engines have roarded out past Happy Valley to the area known as Piihana Farms owned mainly by Vernon Lindsey. There have been frequent fires in that area. On at least two occasions in the last two weeks my house in the heart of Wailuku has filled with smoke and the smell of burning rubber from fires originating from Piihana Farms.
Most of the homes in the old Wailuku town neighborhood are old, single frame wood construction built before WWII, and it is easy to imagine that they could all burn in a heartbeat.
Earlier this month I wrote to Ch. Lee's office to inquire how this situation was being addressed when action would be taken related to the almost daily suspicious fire in the Pi'ihana area.
I received this written response from Ch. Lee signed by her aide Michele Chouteau McLean,
"Last week, the Fire Prevention Bureau issued three Notices of Warning for several of Mr. (Vernon) Lindsey’s properties and for the large DHHL parcel. Each requires significant remedial action –specific vegetation management and debris removal, creation and maintenance of fire breaks, fire access roads, locked gates (with keys for the Fire Department), and the posting of “no trespassing” and “no parking” signs, along with access and parking enforcement.
"They have until early September to take these actions or they will start being fined $1,000 per day."
Chair Lee has also asked that this matter be discussed in (DRIP) Committee
While I appreciate that steps are being taken, I fear that it may be too little and too late. Lindsey has a long and checkered history with the county and his property conforms to few of the standard health and safety requirements. He also seems expert at cutting corners, flying below the radar and engaging in practices that put the rest of the community at risk. We've already had one multi-billion dollar fire, do we need to drag out feet until we have another one?
I am asking that you take immediate action to correct the violations in that area, hold Lindsey and others in that area accountable and do it IMMEDIATELY before Wailuku joins Lahaina as a pile of ashes.
We have laws and we have law enforcement, waiting until Sept. for action and compliance may well be too late. Even as I write to you the sirens are once again headed out in that direction. This is an urgent serious fire risk, please treat it in an urgent serious manner and take action now.
Thank you.
Susan Halas
Resident Wailuku Town
--
Susan Halas
1939A E. Vineyard St.
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 280-9205 cell
wailukusue@gmail.com
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
I hear and see firetrucks A LOT going through Wailuku town, and I subsequently read about them constantly putting out small, seemingly man-made fires on the property. This is concerning to me as a Wailuku community member because this may be a potential for disaster to neighboring Happy Valley. I received an email from Michele McLean stating that fines will be imposed if the owner doesn't address the concerns of fire prevention on his property. Although, this is a step in the right direction, seizing his property via eminent domain seems to be the ultimate solution to stop the illegal burning and dumping on his property because this has gone on far too often and far too long.
If seizing his property is too exteme, can officials approve the set up of surveillance to gather evidence of illegal activities on his property?
My point is fines and slaps on the wrist may not be enough to deter complete apathy of the landowner to illegal activities on his property. Something more drastic needs to be done.
Mahalo for your concern to address this nuisance.
Deron Furukawa
Deronfurukawa@yahoo.com
From: deron <dernzoid@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 8:02:16 AM (UTC-10:00) Hawaii
To: DRIP Committee <DRIP.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: (DRIP-2(10))
Dear DRIP Committee Chair Tamara Paltin,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the alarming frequency and dangers of fires occurring at Pi'ihana Farms in Wailuku. The ongoing fires pose a significant threat to our community's safety, as well as to our firefighters who are repeatedly dispatched to this area to put out small fires.
It has become increasingly evident that these incidents are not just isolated accidents, especially given the consistency and pattern of their occurrence. As a community member, I am troubled by the possibility that some of these fires may be deliberately set. The regularity with which our firefighters are sent to handle small brush fires and automobile fires begs the question: why is this happening so often, and what measures are being taken to prevent it?
The property in question seems quite large, and isn't it the owner’s responsibility to implement adequate fire prevention measures? Given the recent uptick in fire incidents, it raises the issue of whether the owner is doing enough to ensure the safety of both the agricultural land and the neighboring communities.
As a community, we rely heavily on our firefighters and their resources. When they are stretched thin due to them always responding to fires in this area, it takes away from their ability to serve other parts of the community that may also be at risk.
I urge local authorities to consider imposing fines on the property owner for every instance that our firefighters are dispatched to the site. Such measures could serve as a strong incentive to enforce better fire prevention strategies from the owner and ultimately protect our community from potentially bigger fires to neighboring communities like Happy Valley.
Enough is enough. It is time for action to ensure the safety and well-being of our community and the brave individuals who serve to protect us.
Sincerely,
Deron Furukawa
Wailuku
August 21, 2024
From: Susan Halas <wailukusue@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, August 19, 2024 12:48:47 PM
To: dripcommitte@mauicounty.us <dripcommitte@mauicounty.us>
Cc: Alice L. Lee <Alice.Lee@mauicounty.us>; Tamara A. Paltin <Tamara.Paltin@mauicounty.us>; Yukilei Sugimura <Yukilei.Sugimura@mauicounty.us>; Tasha A. Kama <Tasha.Kama@mauicounty.us>; Thomas M. Cook <Thomas.Cook@mauicounty.us>; Shane M. Sinenci <Shane.Sinenci@mauicounty.us>; Nohe M. Uu-Hodgins <Nohe.Uu-Hodgins@mauicounty.us>; Gabe Johnson <Gabe.Johnson@mauicounty.us>; Keani N. Rawlins <Keani.Rawlins@mauicounty.us>; Mayors Office <mayors.office@mauicounty.gov>
Subject: DRIP TESTIMONY 8/21/24 Frequent fire Piihana, Wailuku FIRE PREVENTION (DRIP-2(10))
Dear Ch. Paltin and members of the DRIP Committee
I am writing to ask that your committee take urgent and immediate action related to 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗨𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗪𝗔𝗜𝗟𝗨𝗞𝗨 𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗜'𝗜𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗔 𝗩𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 (𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘆 & 𝗗𝗛𝗛𝗟 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀)
All during July and August the fire engines have roarded out past Happy Valley to the area known as Piihana Farms owned mainly by Vernon Lindsey. There have been frequent fires in that area. On at least two occasions in the last two weeks my house in the heart of Wailuku has filled with smoke and the smell of burning rubber from fires originating from Piihana Farms.
Most of the homes in the old Wailuku town neighborhood are old, single frame wood construction built before WWII, and it is easy to imagine that they could all burn in a heartbeat.
Earlier this month I wrote to Ch. Lee's office to inquire how this situation was being addressed when action would be taken related to the almost daily suspicious fire in the Pi'ihana area.
I received this written response from Ch. Lee signed by her aide Michele Chouteau McLean,
"Last week, the Fire Prevention Bureau issued three Notices of Warning for several of Mr. (Vernon) Lindsey’s properties and for the large DHHL parcel. Each requires significant remedial action –specific vegetation management and debris removal, creation and maintenance of fire breaks, fire access roads, locked gates (with keys for the Fire Department), and the posting of “no trespassing” and “no parking” signs, along with access and parking enforcement.
"They have until early September to take these actions or they will start being fined $1,000 per day."
Chair Lee has also asked that this matter be discussed in (DRIP) Committee
While I appreciate that steps are being taken, I fear that it may be too little and too late. Lindsey has a long and checkered history with the county and his property conforms to few of the standard health and safety requirements. He also seems expert at cutting corners, flying below the radar and engaging in practices that put the rest of the community at risk. We've already had one multi-billion dollar fire, do we need to drag out feet until we have another one?
I am asking that you take immediate action to correct the violations in that area, hold Lindsey and others in that area accountable and do it IMMEDIATELY before Wailuku joins Lahaina as a pile of ashes.
We have laws and we have law enforcement, waiting until Sept. for action and compliance may well be too late. Even as I write to you the sirens are once again headed out in that direction. This is an urgent serious fire risk, please treat it in an urgent serious manner and take action now.
Thank you.
Susan Halas
Resident Wailuku Town
--
Susan Halas
1939A E. Vineyard St.
Wailuku, HI 96793
(808) 280-9205 cell
wailukusue@gmail.com