Maui Fires: U.S. Coast Guard Shifts Focus to Environmental Impacts

U.S. Coast Guard crews working in the response to the Maui fires have shifted their focus to minimizing maritime environmental impacts from the fire.

The Coast Guard has deployed pollution response teams and equipment, including a 100-foot boom at the Lahaina Harbor, to contain hazardous materials and remains ready to respond to any new reports of individuals in the water.

“While the Coast Guard is always postured for search and rescue operations, we are also focused on minimizing maritime environmental impacts as a result of the Maui fires,” said Cmdr. Kyra Dykeman, the deputy incident commander for the Coast Guard Maui fire response. “We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the community we serve.”

The Coast Guard has established a safety zone that extends one nautical mile from shore starting at Wahikuli Wayside Park and ending at Launiupoko Beach Park.

The Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team Honolulu is enforcing a safety zone to protect people, vessels, and the marine environment while potential hazards in the waterway are evaluated.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard divers and NOAA are using Side-Scan Sonar and a Submersible Remote Operated Vehicle to map the Lahaina Channel and coastline off Lahaina to detect hazards that would make the channel unsafe for passage.

The Coast Guard National Strike Force (NSF) arrived on Maui last Friday to assist in environmental response operations. The NSF provides trained personnel and specialized equipment to respond to oil and hazardous substance pollution incidents and protect public health and the environment.

Boat crews with the Coast Guard initially rescued a total of 17 people from the water and 40 survivors were located ashore in the aftermath of the fires early last week.

Meanwhile, both Matson and Pasha Group are prioritizing emergency response equipment and supplies. The companies are also provide additional barge service as needed and maintaining their regular schedules.