Maui Wildfire Update: List of 388 People Unaccounted for Released, $13.2 Million in Aid Provided

A recent Maui wildfire update shows that recovery efforts are persisting on the island as the aftermath of the devastating event continues to unfold, particularly affecting the Historic Lahaina Town in West Maui.

The destructive fires have left a trail of devastation spanning approximately 3.5 square miles, Maui Now reports.

Multiple sources ignited these wildfires on August 8, exacerbated by strong winds and arid conditions as a hurricane passed well south of the islands.

This wildfire has been the deadliest in the nation over the past century.

As part of the ongoing response, county officials have recently disclosed a list containing the names of 388 individuals who have been reported as missing or unaccounted for in the wake of the Lahaina wildfire disaster on August 8.

An additional FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is set to fully open at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center at 91 Pukalani St to further aid the recovery efforts.

To date, over 10,000 registrations for FEMA assistance have been submitted, providing nearly $13.2 million in federal housing and individual aid.

Maui Wildfire Update: 46 Fatalities Publicly Identified

The wildfires have tragically earned the distinction of being the deadliest in U.S. history, and officials are bracing for the possibility that the death toll could still climb higher, BBC noted.

The authorities in Maui have publicly identified 46 individuals who lost their lives in the fire.

The latest names, disclosed on Thursday, include a family of four whose remains were discovered in a burned vehicle near their residence.

The family members have been identified as 7-year-old Tony Takafua, his mother, Salote Tone (39), and his grandparents, Faaoso Tone (70) and Maluifonua Tone (73). Tony was the first confirmed child victim of the devastating wildfire.

Earlier in the week, it was reported that over 1,000 people remained unaccounted for. However, as of Thursday, Chief Pelletier has shared that 1,732 individuals previously thought to be missing have been located safely.

Authorities were able to refine the list of missing persons by cross-referencing it with the names of individuals sheltering in designated areas.

Chief Pelletier conveyed, "We also know that once those names come out, it can and will cause pain for folks whose loved ones are listed. This is not an easy thing to do, but we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to make this investigation as complete and thorough as possible."

Maui County Sues Hawaiian Electric Company

Maui County has taken legal action by filing a lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric Co., alleging that the company's failure to shut off power despite repeated warnings of potential fire hazards played a role in sparking the destructive wildfires that ravaged Lahaina.

The lawsuit, filed in the state's Second Circuit Court, seeks damages and "just compensation" from Hawaiian Electric and three associated companies, claiming negligence, according to NBC News.

This legal action adds to the challenges for Hawaiian Electric, which is already facing at least 11 other lawsuits about the wildfires.

Some of these lawsuits come from Lahaina residents, while others involve investors who accuse the utility of fraud in a federal lawsuit.

These investors claim that the company did not disclose that its wildfire prevention and safety measures were substandard.

Hawaiian Electric responded to the lawsuit by expressing disappointment in the county's decision to pursue legal action while investigations are ongoing, per the recent Maui wildfire update.

The company stated that its focus has been on supporting the people of Maui and Maui County in the aftermath of the fires.

The Environmental Protection Agency also revealed that it does not have a specific timeline for starting "hazardous waste removal efforts" in Lahaina.

The EPA spokesperson explained that this process will commence once urban search and rescue crews permit access to the area.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Maui releases names of 388 people still missing after deadly wildfire - From ABC 7 Chicago