2023 Hawaii Wildfires - Healthcare Ready Response
Response
Healthcare Ready is currently ENGAGED regarding reported damage to the Hawaii Wildfires. We are monitoring supply chain needs and community impact with the assistance of our private and public sector partners.
If you have been affected by the Maui Fires, DOH has set up a website and call center to assist you with accessing non-emergency health services to meet your and your family’s needs. Call 833-833-3431 or 808-586-4468 or visit http://health.hawaii.gov/mauiwildfires
General Overview
- On August 10, President Joe Biden approved a federal disaster declaration in Hawaii enabling the state and its residents’ access to federal funding and resources to respond to wildfires that started on August 8.
- As of August 10, thirty-six people have died due to the Lahaina fire in Maui County.
- At the start of the week, Hawaii was already under a red flag situation by the National Weather Service. On Sunday, August 6, the National Weather Service forewarned a severe fire and damaging wind threat between the significant high-pressure systems, low humidity and dry conditions, and the high winds from Hurricane Dora.
- On Tuesday, August 8, Acting Governor Sylvia Luke, acting on behalf of Governor Josh Green, issued an emergency proclamation. It authorizes several actions: including activation of the National Guard as well as the expenditure of state funding for relief.
- On Wednesday, August 9, President Joe Biden issued a statement on the wildfires, and ordered all available assets on the Islands to help with response, including Hawaiian National Guard, US Coast Guard, Navy Third Fleets, the Army, Department of Transportation, Department of Interior, and Department of Agriculture.
Situation Overview
- Hospitals in Maui are seeing a surge in patients as they are treating immediate injuries sustained from burns as well as secondary impacts from smoke inhalation. The constant influx of patients could overwhelm hospitals and medical systems aiding with the standing healthcare infrastructures are absolutely necessary.
- It’ll be important for medical gases, such as oxygen, to be supplied and replenished in the hospitals within the affected areas to ensure patients’ access to health care.
- Additionally, all other treatments necessary to decrease pain levels and treat patients with burns will need to be supplied and replenished within the hospitals on Maui and the Big Island.
- Healthcare access and services may be affected if supply shipments are slowed by modified operating status at ports or airports, or, by the closure of roadways affecting movement of supplies or healthcare workers by ground transportation.
- The wildfires have burned hundreds of acres and forced evacuations in the Kohala Ranch community on the Big Island and in the Lahaina and Kula areas on Maui. At least five schools and 16 roads were also closed on Maui.
- Except for emergency personnel, all inbound traffic to affected areas, specifically Lahaina and West Maui, is prohibited. Some highways and roads are still open for outbound traffic only.
Healthcare Ready is ENGAGED and responding to the Hawaii Wildfires in partnership with AmerisourceBergen Foundation
Healthcare Ready's Role during Hawaii's Wildfire Recovery
Healthcare Ready works to monitor and evaluate the situation around the damage and provide analysis of its implications. We aim to provide information across sectors to supply information to all parties involved or impacted. Healthcare Ready is focusing efforts on highlighting challenges and supporting solutions to these challenges from the damages.
