Hawaiʻi Wing Responds to the Catastrophic fires on Maui

August 9, 2023

(Maui, Hawai’i) On August 9 at 9:10 a.m., the Hawaiʻi Wing Civil Air Patrol from Maui Composite Squadron and Lyman Field Composite Squadron conducted two aerial surveys, capturing shocking photos and videos of the extensive damage caused by the Maui brush fires. Additionally, they documented and provided detailed information for damage assessment and search and rescue operations at various locations on the island.

Fueled by strong winds, brush fires broke out in Maui County, displacing residents and visitors. The Hawaii State Governor's office quickly addressed the situation, issued an emergency proclamation, and tasked the Hawaii Wing Civil Air Patrol with the mission.

Captain Darryl Ng, CAP mission pilot,1st Lt. Edward Taomoto, CAP mission observer, and SM Oren Bendayan, CAP Aerial Photographer, took off from Kahului Airport at 9:30 a.m. in a Civil Air Patrol plane, flying over the hot zones of Pulehu/Kihei and Lahaina for four hours, providing critical information to ground team members.

At 12:54 p.m., 1st Lt. John Bassett, CAP mission pilot, and 2nd Lt. Jason Dzurizin, CAP mission observer, piloted a second flight that flew out of Hilo International to provide additional coverage on Maui utilizing the Waldo high-resolution aerial system to expand coverage for a larger area of Kihei threatened by the fires. Data from the system is in process for Officials from the Hawaii Emergency Management and the Maui Emergency Management Agencies to analyze those affected areas.