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Ward calls for the release of ATF’s Cause and Origin Report for the Lahaina wildfire

By Staff | Jul 29, 2024

FILE - A man views the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Aug. 19, 2023. A University of Hawaii study examining the health effects of last year's deadly wildfires on Maui found that up to 74% of participants may have difficulty breathing and otherwise have poor respiratory health, and almost half showed signs of compromised lung function. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

The Maui News

KAHULUI–Representative Gene Ward (R-18 Hawaii Kai – Kalama Valley) expressed his strong dismay at the stalled release of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) report regarding the cause and origin of the Lahaina wildfires, according to a Friday press release.

“We are approaching the one-year anniversary of this tragedy. How are we supposed to fully act on lessons learned or ensure accountability without this report?” said Representative Gene Ward. “Most recently, the county said the report has not been released due to formatting. We deserve answers. Every day this information is delayed is a disservice to the people of Hawaii, especially those whose lives were turned upside down by this disaster.”

It was reported that the report was done as recently as June 28, but it was up to the Maui Fire Department (MFD) to release it. Then last week, county officials said the report actually was not finished and was still with the ATF for further formatting.

“Regardless of how any legal settlement ends up, the people have a right to see that report – no matter how bad it might be,” said Ward, who has served in the Legislature for more than two decades. “Let’s get all the facts on the table, learn from them and move forward. Enough with the delays. This doesn’t pass the smell test.”

In response to multiple queries about the timeline and process for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigation into the cause and origin report for the Lahaina wildfire, Maui Fire Chief Brad Ventura and ATF spokesman Jason Chudy offered the following statements on July 10

“County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety (MFD) met with ATF the last week of June to review details of the ATF report on cause and origin, which is more than 400 pages,” Chief Ventura said on July 10. “An article published June 28 alleged that the ATF investigation was completed and that MFD was holding the report for an unknown amount of time. We would like to clarify that this statement is inaccurate, and that ATF is still in the process of completing its report. Once ATF formats its report, the finalized report will be sent to MFD and we will add it as an appendix to the MFD cause and origin report.

“My recent comments in a June 28 Civil Beat article were comprised with information that I had at that time,” ATF spokesman Jason Chudy said on July 10. “After a weeklong review with the County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety, there was additional formatting required by ATF to complete our report. ATF is diligently working to finalize our report, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we finish this comprehensive, significant and impartial investigation.”