Maui’s emergency chief stepped down amid questions over his agency’s wildfire response. And the island received a massive donation for victims that has special meaning to the community. These stories and more highlight The Rundown for Friday, Aug. 18, 2023.
Maui emergency chief resigns amid wildfire response criticism
The chief responsible for emergency response in Maui has resigned, with the island’s wildfire preparedness in question. More than 1,000 people were still missing as of early Friday. The death toll was up to 111.
Maui’s Emergency Management Chief Herman Andaya resigned citing health reasons a day after rejecting criticism for not activating sirens in the community of Lahaina as the wildfire rushed through. His resignation also came as Hawaii’s attorney general announced an independent review to assess how state and county agencies prepared for and responded to the emergency situation.
The relentless search efforts have been physically and mentally taxing on crews on the ground, who said many of the remains being found are unrecognizable. Rescue teams with cadaver dogs will continue to search for those still missing through the weekend.
Trump requests 2026 trial date for federal 2020 election case
Former President Donald Trump has requested his federal criminal case involving the 2020 election not begin trial until April of 2026. That is significantly later than special counsel Jack Smith proposed start date of Jan. 2, 2024.
Lawyers for former President Trump said the delay is needed given the historic nature of the case and the volume of discovery materials. One Trump lawyer said there are more than 11 million pages for the team to sort through.
Trump’s federal trial over classified documents is slated to begin in May of 2024. The district attorney in Trump’s most recent indictment out of Georgia has requested a March, 2024 start date, the same month his New York trial over hush money payments is expected to begin.
Pentagon considers plea agreement for 9/11 terrorists
More than 20 years since the Sept. 11 terror attacks, the five men accused of orchestrating the attacks are still awaiting trial. Families of victims have expressed outrage after receiving a letter from the Defense Department saying it is negotiating deals with the suspected terrorists that would take the death penalty off the table.
The letter from the Pentagon tells families a plea agreement could end decades of setbacks in prosecution. The agreement would have the five men accept criminal responsibility for their actions and plead guilty.
The Pentagon said no plea agreement has been finalized, and one may never be. The letter sent to families asked them to share their comments and questions over the potential plea deal by Monday, Aug. 21.
According to the Pentagon, the views of the victims’ families will be considered before a final decision is made.
3 dead in New York, Connecticut from flesh-eating bacteria
A rare flesh-eating bacteria has killed three people in the New York area. Officials have begun issuing warnings to prevent any more deaths.
The victims, one from Long Island and two from Connecticut, died from infections related to an illness called vibriosis. The illness stems from bacteria found in seawater or in raw and undercooked seafood.
The death came after three North Carolina residents died from the infection in July of 2023. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s (D-NY) office urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant and take responsible precautions.
To help prevent vibriosis, health officials said people with wounds or cuts should avoid exposing skin to warm seawater in coastal environments or cover the wound with waterproof bandages. Those with compromised immune systems should avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood.
Health officials said it’s important to wear gloves when handling raw shellfish and to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water when finished. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said vibriosis causes an estimated 80,000 illnesses and 100 deaths in the United States each year.
Mortgage rates hit 21-year high at 7.09%
Long-term mortgage rates jumped to over 7% this week, the highest level in 21 years. That’s according to the home loan mortgage company Freddie Mac.
Spikes in mortgage rates are partially a consequence of Federal Reserve rate hikes to fight inflation. This week, the Fed indicated it could continue to raise rates.
Home affordability is at its lowest level in several decades. Home sales are about 20% lower than they were one year ago.
264,000 cans of Spam going to Maui wildfire victims
Hormel Foods announced it will be donating 264,000 cans of Spam to a relief organization supporting victims of the Maui wildfires. In total, the cans are worth $1 million.
There is a connection between Spam and the Hawaiian community, with the product growing in popularity during World War II. Hawaiians consume more than 7 million cans of Spam products every year, more than any other state.
Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit who aids those affected by natural disasters, will deliver the cans to the wildfire victims. The nonprofit said because Spam doesn’t need refrigeration, it’s a perfect item for those in need of help.
