Herman Andaya, administrator of Maui County’s Emergency Management Agency, has resigned following criticism over his handling of the Maui fires.
Key details: Herman Andaya stepped down from his role in the wake of being criticized for not activating the siren warning system during the devastating Maui fires.
* The announcement was made via a Facebook post by the County of Maui.
Mayor’s stance: Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen emphasized the urgency of appointing a new leader, saying he and his team would “be placing someone in this key position as quickly as possible.”
* Bissen also mentioned his anticipation of announcing the new appointee soon.
Andaya’s response: Asked in a press conference about his decision, Andaya did not express regret for choosing not to sound the sirens.
* His rationale was that the sirens are mainly used for tsunami warnings. He expressed concern that if sounded, people might head to the mountainside (“mauka”), and thus possibly move closer to the fire.
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