MAUI, HAWAII: As the wildfires in Lahaina and surrounding areas are slowly subsiding after blazing since Tuesday, August 8, other problems seem to be rising in the Hawaiian island.
Authorities encountered an angry mob when the arterial line of Lahaina was opened on Friday, August 11, for the first time since the wildfires broke out.
As authorities opened the road, they were met with around 100 people who challenged them and tried to enter the area.
A long line of cars could be seen and the people had to either show proof of residency or proof that they were staying in one of the hotels in that zone to gain access.
Are people in Lahaina rioting?
An officer told the local newspaper, The Honolulu Star Advertiser, people were becoming “emotional” when they are told to vacate the area. The road was finally closed at 6 pm.
The Daily Mail reported that Maui County officials have confirmed disturbances in a few areas and urged people to maintain law and order. They further said that if a person was caught in a closed part of the town, they may be arrested.
Authorities said in a statement, “The road to Lahaina was opened for local residents to provide medication and supplies to their families that remain in homes on the west side and in need of such assistance outside of the fire/biohazard zone.”
They continued, “Many people are parking on the Lahaina Bypass and walking into the areas Makai of the bypass, which is locked down due to hazardous conditions and biohazards”
They further stated, “This zone has been declared by Mayor Bissen as an authorized personnel area only, and those caught within this zone will be escorted out and may be arrested.”
They added, “This area is an active police scene, and we need to preserve the dignity of lives lost and respect their surviving family.”
Authorities also warned, “Unauthorized entry to these areas increases danger to themselves and delays our operations, as MPD and National Guard personnel must stop their searching efforts and escort individuals out.”
“If people continue to disobey the orders, entry to Lahaina will be closed again and open to emergency personnel only,” they added.
What did the Lt Gov of Hawaii say about the potential riot?
On Wednesday 9, Hawaii Lt Gov Sylvia Luke foreshadowed a potential riot in Maui. She said, “As more things get deployed, there are concerns about potential riots. There are concerns about, you know, people not having aloha,” per CNN.
Luke was however hopeful as she said, “This is really time for us to have aloha and patience as we work toward this disaster together. This is really a time for us to really pull together. That’s what Hawaii does best.”
What are the netizens saying about the alleged riot in Lahaina?
People on social media sites appeared to have spoken out about their frustration regarding the evacuation and first aid.
A netizen wrote, "If Authorities would just do their damn job & patrol in Lahaina & guide our people & give them what they need, there wouldn’t be any riots! My heart is so sore for our Lahaina Community."
Another sounded flabbergasted while saying, "Riots are starting in Lahaina cs people are stealing & breaking into peoples houses?!!! Smfh wth."
The third wrote in dismay, "I read that “authorities” had blocked roads during the fire, resulting in evacuees being funneled into town and trapped. I’m curious to hear from said “authorities” about what their role in all of this is."
Someone else wrote, "The road into Lahaina was reopened at noon on Friday, only to close by 5pm as 100 people clashed with police trying to restrict their movements...."
Someone else said, "People saying people getting held up a gunpoint going to lahaina. Where? We went in safely 11 trucks. We wished they had stopped us at gun point."
