A new report on the Maui wildfires cites communications breakdowns

A new report on the Maui wildfires cites communications breakdowns Enlarge this image toggle caption Jae C. Hong/AP Jae C. Hong/AP HONOLULU — As wildfires ripped across Maui last August, the head of the emergency management agency dragged his heels about returning to the island amid the unfolding crisis, while a broad communications breakdown left authorities in the dark and residents without emergency alerts, according to a report released Wednesday. The Maui Emergency Management Agency posted to Facebook Aug. 6 about a "serious fire and damaging wind threat" due to ongoing dry conditions as Hurricane Dora passed. On Aug. 8 at about 6:40 a.m. MPD Central Dispatch contacted Hawaiian Electric to relay a report that a powerline came down and started a fire in the area of Lahainaluna Road and Lahaina Intermediate. Tuesday's report by the fire chiefs association described firefighters who carried victims piggyback over downed power lines to safety and sheltered survivors inside their engines.