MAUI, HAWAII: The head of Maui's Emergency Management Agency, Chief Herman Andaya, resigned on Thursday, August 17, following intense criticism for his decision not to activate warning sirens as wildfires spread across Hawaii.
Andaya defended his choice, stating that he used other alert methods such as mobile devices, radio, TV, and the resident alert system.
Even though there were suggestions that the warning sirens might have helped rescue many, Andaya countered that these sirens are typically reserved for tsunami alerts.
He noted that Hawaiians are conditioned to move to higher ground when they hear the sirens, which would have directed them into the path of the wildfire.
Further details have come to light, revealing that the official has a track record of minimizing the significance of the island's siren systems.
Who is Herman Andaya?
Herman Andaya was the Maui Emergency Management Agency Administrator. He resigned from his position on August 17, 2023, as announced on Facebook. Andaya boasts an extensive career in public service, marked by impactful roles across various domains.
He has been the administrator at the Maui Emergency Management Agency in the County of Maui since July 2017, according to his LinkedIn.
Andaya orchestrates emergency response strategies, safeguarding the community in challenging situations. His seven-year tenure as Chief of Staff for the Office of the Mayor in the County of Maui underscores his adept management of essential operations.
Andaya served as the Special Assistant to the Chancellor at the University of Hawaii Maui College from November 2007 to January 2011, reflecting his dedication to education.
Andaya actively contributed to addressing housing and human concerns during his tenure as Assistant Administrator and Deputy Director in the County of Maui.
Furthermore, he refined his legal expertise while serving as a Law Clerk in esteemed legal institutions, including the Hawaii State Judiciary.
Holding a JD in Law from the University of Hawaii, Andaya's multifaceted journey underscores his leadership and resolute commitment to public welfare.
Why did Herman Andaya resign?
Herman Andaya resigned citing health reasons, according to a Facebook post by the Maui County.
"Today Mayor Richard Bissen accepted the resignation of Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Administrator Herman Andaya," the post read. "Citing health reasons, Andaya submitted his resignation effective immediately."
"Given the gravity of the crisis we are facing, my team and I will be placing someone in this key position as quickly as possible and I look forward to making that announcement soon," Mayor Richard Bissen said.
Herman Andaya stands by his decision to not activate sirens during Maui wildfires
During a mid-week press conference led by Governor Josh Green, Andaya defended his qualifications and experience for the role, as well as his decision to not activate the sirens.
A reporter highlighted that numerous fire survivors, impacted by the blaze that tragically claimed the lives of at least 111 people, expressed that timely siren activation could have potentially saved their neighbors and loved ones.
"Had we sounded the siren that night, we're afraid that people would have gotten mauka [toward the mountains] and if that was the case, then they would have gone into the fire," Andaya said, per Daily Mail.
He further added, "I should also note that there are no sirens mauka, or on the mountainside, where the fire was spreading down. So even if we sounded the siren, we would not have saved those people out there on the mountainside."
When asked whether he regretted choosing not to sound the sirens, Andaya responded, "I do not."
