Mosquitoes on Maui: Can We Trust Hawai'i’s Government?
Mosquitoes on Maui: Can We Trust Hawai'i’s Government?
Fires on Maui reveal a dangerous lack of regard for the safety of the people
The fires on Maui have revealed a startling incompetence in the State of Hawai‘i’s systems management and government response. Questions still haven’t been answered as to why mitigation measures weren’t taken prior to the tragedy in Lahaina, why emergency sirens failed to warn residents, and why agencies didn’t coordinate timely response and rescue efforts to save more lives. We’re grieving as a community for those who have lost loved ones and are shocked by the devastation of homes and businesses in historic Lahaina town and upcountry.
As speculation about the cause of the fire and about the “smart city” rebuild agenda for Maui continues, we do have to ask ourselves another question. Do we trust our state and federal agencies to prioritize public safety in executing the other major projects they’re responsible for? After over a year of presenting solid, highly concerning documentation about the risks of the experimental mosquito release plan on Maui to a combative, unresponsive board of decision-makers, my answer is a resounding “No.” This dangerous plan poses so many potential significant impacts to our environment, wildlife, and the people of Maui, it is abundantly clear that an Environmental Impact Statement should have been completed. Instead, we’re forced to take our own government to court to seek a ruling to require them to do the right thing.
Along with the possibility that these lab-infected mosquitoes could affect human health, cause the extinction of endangered native birds, and harm our fragile ecosystems, there is one more risk that needs to be brought to the forefront immediately. The proposing agency’s own environmental assessment admits that wildland fires ignited by helicopters, drones, and human activity are a potential impact of the project, especially in dry areas. With a project area covering 64,666 acres of East Maui, an enormous stretch of forest reserve, native species habitat, and publicly accessible space – some in close proximity to neighboring homes and businesses – is at risk.
I’m asking everyone who cares about these islands to look closely at the mitigation measures presented by these agencies (Table 6 below) and decide if you feel comfortable saying that this mosquito release project that covers almost 14% of the entire island is a safe route forward in consideration of what has just happened here. Up to 134 drone flights per week, up to 39 helicopter flights per month, and additional flight hours for monitoring teams on foot, along with vehicles and human activity are planned for likely at least the next 20 years. With millions of dollars in funding coming in to push this forward as the Department of Land and Natural Resources builds out its mosquito lab insectary for mass production and release into perpetuity, do you believe that this experiment has been sufficiently studied with focus on the best interests of these sacred lands and the people of Maui?
The topic of wildland fires has repeatedly been brought to the attention of agency partners over the past several months, and the only response has been an entirely inadequate mention in the final environmental assessment’s public comment section that refers back to the same insufficient mitigation measures (Table 6).
Our government in Hawai‘i and its agencies have shown a reckless disregard for the safety of the people and the ‘āina of these islands. We cannot stand for this any longer. These government officials need to take responsibility for the decisions they make, and they need to stop being driven by their funding sources and start answering to the public that they serve. Please stand with us to hold these agencies accountable and demand that they do the necessary studies and document comprehensive mitigation measures to protect our island home. Hawai‘i Unites has filed a case in environmental court seeking a ruling to require these studies and risk mitigations. We’re also in the process of a hearing on our temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction to stop these mosquito releases in East Maui.
Please help by donating today to move our legal case forward. Share this story with your network and help us get global attention on this dangerous project being unleashed on the islands.
The Maui community is hurting, and there are several organizations and individuals stepping up to bring much needed supplies and relief. Hungry Heroes Hawaii is one group that I can directly vouch for. They’re doing amazing work bringing hundreds of fresh meals to displaced residents daily on Maui through all volunteer efforts and support. Please consider making a donation to their campaign to help establish kitchens in Lahaina and continue to feed those in need island-wide.
Mahalo,
Tina Lia
Founder
Hawai‘i Unites
HawaiiUnites.org
