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U.S. Soldiers and Airmen of the Joint Task Force 50 (JTF-50), Operation “Ola Hou” have maintained entry control points (ECP) and conducted security operations around the perimeter of the heavily damaged areas of Lahaina, Maui to ensure the safety and welfare of the community.
The Soldiers and Airmen of the JTF-50 have worked diligently to protect the integrity of Lahaina and the personal property of the community.
“We’re here to assist the Maui Police Department in any way that we can,” said Hawaii Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Peter Mathre, a security forces law enforcement officer and a security force officer assigned to JTF-50. “We’ve set up a perimeter, conducted escort duties for authorized personnel and we want to ensure that all the Lahaina residents’ property is protected.”
The residents of Lahaina, Maui, were forced to quickly evacuate their homes and leave their possessions behind due to the rapidly spreading wildfire that destroyed the historic town.
“By controlling the entrance point, we can ensure that the proper personnel are going in and out and help the community as well, by making sure that the recovery personnel are able to work without hassle or obstruction,” said Hawaii Army National Guard Spc. Kawika Low, a cannon crewmember assigned to JTF-50. “We do have a lot of engagement with the community and we try to show support for the workers and the residents.”
The impact of their responsibility in controlling access to Lahaina is a difficult task, but essential to the JTF-50 response efforts.
“We want to show our support to the Maui residents and for them to know that they are not forgotten,” said Mathre. “We want to make sure that they do receive the help and assistance that they need, during this time of tragedy.”
The security of the residences of Lahaina is an important aspect to the roles of the JTF-50.
“What we are doing is extremely important, to keep peoples’ property and possessions safe from looters and keeping the area secure and safe for the community to come back to,” said Low.
For members of the Hawaii National Guard, being able to serve within their own communities hits close to home.
“I am from Oahu, but I do have family here that were affected by the fire,” said Low. “It definitely gave me a purpose to be up here and want to help.”
The commitment to provide assistance is a perspective shared by numerous Soldiers and Airmen within the JTF-50’s security forces.
“It is humbling, I want to help out the community in any way that I can,” said Mathre. “The residents of Lahaina and those impacted by the wildfires have been through so much, and I want to be here and help out in whatever way that I can to help them get through this time of crisis.”
To be able to serve in uniform, within their own communities, is why service members of the Hawaii National Guard choose to serve.
“Serving in uniform with the Hawaii Army National Guard gives me the opportunity to support my home and community and play a role in the response to this tragedy that has impacted so many people in the islands,” said Low. “I feel like this is a great opportunity to come and support Hawaii, by being in the Hawaii National Guard, it’s a great feeling to be able to help and support the people at home within the community and I’m honored to be here.”
The sentiment of “serving with honor” is a feeling shared by many Soldiers and Airmen within the Hawaii National Guard.
“As a Hawaii Guardsman, I am here to serve the community, this is the reason that I enlisted, to serve the people and help them in any way that we can through this horrible tragedy that occurred here in Lahaina,” said Mathre. “I’m proud to be able to serve the people of Hawaii.”
The importance and impact of their role and responsibility in controlling access to Lahaina is paramount to securing the future for some Lahaina residents.
“We want to make sure that the Lahaina residents receive all the support that they can, and provide any assistance to them, ” said Mathre. “Through the next phase we want to help the residents get back to their property, so that they can get back to their homes and they can get a sense of closure.”
The residents of Maui and specifically Lahaina have endured loss and destruction due to the wildfires but remain strong in their perseverance and fortitude.
“The Maui community, especially in Lahaina, is very strong,” said Low. “We have a lot of support from the community and from our civil partners, and I greatly appreciate all the support we’ve received from the community.”
Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Joint Task Force 50 (JTF50), Operation “Ola Hou” delivered water dispensing LVT-2 Water Buffalo’s to the residents of Kula, Maui, Aug. 26, 2023.
Ever since wildfires raged across Maui county on Aug. 8, 2023, many communities have been affected by the direct impact of the fires, loss of power and loss of usable water.
“I was in Washington State when the fires happened, so I felt pretty helpless,” said Amber Yamamura, a resident of Kula, Maui and a volunteer. “Now that I’m home, I’m trying to do whatever I can for our ʻohana’ here.”
For the community of Kula, clean water has been a struggle to obtain.
“We are at the Kula distribution site up in north Kula,” said Hawaii Army National Guard Capt. Christian Walker, Task Force Maui operations officer in charge. “We’re here for distribution support, specifically water distribution support for the Kula community.”
The unprecedented wildfires that spread throughout Maui affected multiple infrastructures within the communities.
“We are assisting the Kula community by giving out potable water due to the natural disaster that just happened,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Lomboy, an Army water treatment non-commissioned officer assigned to the 29th Brigade Support Battalion.
Prior to the wildfires that impacted the community, water has been in short supply due to drought conditions across west Maui.
“The wildfires that happened here in Maui caused the water to become undrinkable,” said Lomboy. “We’ve brought potable water for the community to use to wash, drink and feed their pets.”
The essential use of water is critical for the environment, survivability and daily life.
“Our mission is important because we need to support the residents of not only Lahaina, but also areas affected by the wildfires like Kula,” said Walker. “Those communities that have also been affected by the wildfires throughout Maui County.”
Through the tragedy of the Maui wildfires, the strength of the communities has emerged.
“The island has pulled together, and not just our island, but all the outer islands in Maui County like Molokai and Lanai,” said Yamamura. “Everyone has come together to help, and it’s been great to see.”
Extending a heartfelt hand to the affected communities of Maui is deeply personal for the compassionate Soldiers and Airmen of JTF-50.
“I appreciate us being here to support the communities affected by the wildfires,” said Walker. “It’s great to see us supporting both Lahaina, Kula and greater Kahului for all of our distribution support, our site security and assisting with the overall help with search and rescue in mind.”
The utmost priority at JTF-50 is safeguarding the well-being, security, and hope of survivors and their communities.
“Not surprisingly, the Maui community is very strong,” said Lomboy. “ I’m really happy to see the amount of volunteers coming together with the community to support this type of mission.”
On August 8, 2023, devastating wildfires struck throughout Maui, Hawaii leading to one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history, resulting in the destruction of the historic town of Lahaina and more than 100 fatalities.
The wildfires would test the perseverance and fortitude of one Maui family of first responders, who dedicated their lives to public service.
“I was on Moloka’i where I’m stationed as a sergeant in patrol when I first heard about the fires,” said Maui Police Department Sgt. Bethany Cravalho, who is also a Hawaii Army National Guard Soldier. “I contacted all my family; my cousins are firefighters and one of them is stationed in Lahaina so I was worried about him and his safety of course.”
Many of Cravalho’s family members are first responders in both the fire department and police departments on Maui. Her grandpa, Joseph Cravalho, was the first Maui born and raised Maui Police Chief. Cravalho is the third generation Maui Police Officer in her family and she credits her upbringing for her family’s dedication to serve.
“It’s really more of a Hawaii thing, to want to give back and to take care of each other,” said Cravalho.
While off duty, Cravalho’s cousin, Timothy Herrick, a fire captain with the Lahaina Fire Station, heard of the rapid spread of the wildfires spreading through Lahaina over the radio. He gathered his firefighting gear and headed to the main fire station where he was met with other firefighters racing to help with the fire response.
“As soon as I heard what was going on, I grabbed the gear that I had and went to our main station,” said Herrick.
Once Herrick arrived at the main fire station, he noticed all of the firefighting vehicles were already dispatched to fight the wildfires. He sprung into action searching for another vehicle and was able to utilize an old lifeguard truck that was at the station. Herrick, along with a number of his fellow firefighters, drove to Lahaina to help battle the wildfires. On their way, they noticed hundreds of structures were already on fire and still burning rapidly.
“There were explosions going off, people were freaked out and rightfully so,” said Herrick. “It was like a war zone.”
Due to the strong winds linked to Hurricane Dora, the wildfire rapidly spread through the historic town of Lahaina, engulfing everything in its path. Many areas were inaccessible to vehicles due to the downed power lines which made it very difficult for rescuers to reach and evacuate people to safety.
“There were lines down, poles and hot stuff and glass and you had to traverse all of that,” said Herrick. “It (the fire) was just generating so much heat that the houses were just catching, it was just progressing,”
As daylight turned to dusk and the sky succumbed to the darkness, the wildfire progressed and so did the first responders’ rescue mission.
“We went from building to building, and knocked on every door to try and wake people up,” said Herrick. “No one’s thinking it’s gonna get this big, so people had that false sense of security like, oh, the fire department, they got it.”
At around midnight, Herrick worked his way towards Front Street, where he saw the U.S. Coast Guard rescuing people from the water.
“Around Front Street, we went down there and the Coast Guard was saying there were 60 to 100 people there,” said Herrick.
Through the chaos of the night, Herrick saw EMS trucks driving in and out of the Lahaina area and Maui Police Department officers everywhere.
From homes within the community of Lahaina to the ocean, the Maui Fire Department, Maui Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and other first responders’ heroic actions saved countless lives.
“We went back for more people and found people inside the water and we ended up picking them up and carrying them out of the water,” said Herrick. “There were people all over the place.”
It wasn’t until 9 pm the next day that Herrick rotated out of duty. He is grateful for the continual support of the community.
“Everyday someone’s bringing in food or supplies or stuff for the guys,” said Herrick.
Cravalho hugged her cousin Herrick when she saw him for the first time after the Lahaina fire. She had flown in from Moloka’i during her day off to come back to Maui to check on her family, coworkers and to volunteer to help the community of Lahaina.
“We are really here to serve and that’s what it is at the end of the day,” said Cravalho.
Herrick has been with the Lahaina Fire Station for over 14 years and a firefighter for over 21 years. Although he will be eligible for retirement soon, he plans to stay fighting fires for the love of the job.
“It’s not always easy because you know some of the people you are going to help, but you sign up to do the job to help people so it’s doing what we want to do,” said Herrick.
Search and Extraction Element and Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Search & Rescue search through debris after the Aug. 8 Maui wildfire. – Hawai‘i National Guard photo1-487th Field Artillery soldiers help keep the public safe from entering areas that had been burned in the Aug. 8, 2023 Maui wildfire. – Hawai‘i National Guard photoThe Detachment 1, G 3-126th, Aviation Regiment personnel played a critical role in extinguishing wildfires on Maui, O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. – Hawai‘i National Guard photo(Pictures from the 2024 Annual Report)
Notably, the HING was instrumental in providing critical response and recovery support to Maui County following the catastrophic wildfires that devastated Maui. The August 2023 wildfires represented a series of destructive events that swept through Lahaina and Kula, resulting in extensive damage. In response, the HING activated and deployed over 1,100 personnel to support Maui wildfire event, facilitating crucial assistance and support during a time of significant need.
Joint Task Force 50 (JTF-50) Maui Wildfire Support
Total Personnel Support: 1,005
Total Request for Assistance supported: 43
Fatality Search and Recovery Team (FSRT): 50 pax, searched 382 structures and 379 vehicles, recovered 12 full and 33 partial remains
Personnel Decontamination: 612 hours, 949 people decontaminated
Potable Water Distribution: 18,545 gallons distributed
Aerial Firefighting Support: HING Soldiers and Airmen worked alongside the Maui Fire Department and other responding agencies, providing personnel, helicopters, and logistical support to combat the wildfires.
Support to Law Enforcement: HING personnel assisted the Maui Police Department (MPD) in establishing a secure perimeter around Lahaina by setting up security and traffic control checkpoints. This support allowed MPD officers to focus on critical functions, facilitating the beginning of recovery efforts in a controlled and safe environment.
Aerial Support: The 204th Airlift Squadron delivered essential aerial support by airlifting personnel, equipment, and supplies to bolster firefighting and relief operations.
Support to Emergency Operations Centers: HING personnel augmented the Maui County Emergency Operations Center by providing crucial functions such as situational awareness, public affairs and communications support, and resource allocation.
Points of Distribution: HING troops ensured public safety and order in affected areas by implementing security and crowd control measures. They also distributed essential supplies, including food and water, to displaced residents and assisted first responders.
Community Outreach and Engagement: HING personnel actively engaged with the local communities, offering information, reassurance, and support to affected residents. Their efforts helped alleviate concerns and foster a sense of community resilience.
Throughout the response and recovery efforts, HING collaborated closely with county, state, and federal agencies to support the people of Maui and mitigate the impacts of the devastating wildfires. This unified approach ensured an effective response to the disaster.
In response to the Maui Wildfires, the C4 Cyber Directorate developed and oversaw HING’s communication support plan and information technology requirements.
In response to the Maui wildfire, over 1,000 HIARNG Soldiers were activated to support the state’s response efforts. HIARNG Aviation flew 159 hours moving 30,000 pounds of cargo and 149 water drops equaling 268,200 gallons. Soldiers executed 43 separate requests for assistance to include search and rescue, decontamination, water distribution, and security
Upon returning, MRD sent senior medics to Maui to assist with the wildfire disaster last August. A medical operations officer was sent to the JTF and established key Class VIII resupply and a behavioral health team package from the 25th Infantry Division through the USARPAC Theater Joint Force Land Component Command and continued forging processes with civilian and joint service counterparts. MRD also provided the JTF surgeon, Col. Joseph Kushi, and two Behavioral Health officers Col. Seo James Yang and Lt. Col. John Alamodin. Efforts continued as MRD officers rotated through advisory roles throughout the JTF 50 and the Joint Staff. MRD also coordinated with Maui County to augment their Lahaina clinic in addition to establishing a contract with Diagnostic Laboratory Services, Inc. to secure blood testing for all Soldiers in search of JTF 50 and Boots on the Ground in the Impact Zone.
Responded to the Maui Wildfires of 2023 by activating over 60 service members across three islands. State activated service members assisted and aided communities, performed as liaison officers, and coordinated with federal partners.
Maui Wildfire Response: Soldiers from the 1-487th FA responded to the Maui Wildfire on Aug. 8 2023, supporting Maui County in recovery operations and assisting the Maui Police Department with crowd management during the aftermath of the devastating fires. The unit activated soldiers who assisted agencies in conducting recovery operations and to provide essential aid ensuring the safety and well-being of the local community.
The 29th BSB provided essential support to the state by deploying Soldiers to Maui for critical response efforts during and following the Maui Wildfires.
As one of the major force providers for CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, 227th BEB personnel deployed to Maui during the Maui WildFires in August to December 2023 stepping into a situation that was rapidly evolving. Their initial efforts focused was to restore order, establishing command posts, coordinating evacuations, and ensuring steady supply chain for essential resources. Simultaneously, they worked to build trust amongst the community, and stabilize the situation, operating with precision and discipline to reassure the community. As fires subsided, the HING shifted their mission to conduct recovery operations which the 227th BEB took part of.
117th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (117th MPAD)
117th MPAD JTF-50 Maui Wildfire Coverage: Staff Sgt. Matthew Foster, Sgt. Lianne Hirano, Sgt. Gavin Ching, Spc. Sean Walker and Spc. Tonia Ciancanelli provided PA coverage in support of JTF-50 in Lahaina, Maui on Aug 24, 2023.
230th Engineer Company, Engineer Vertical Construction Company (230th ENG, EVCC)
230th ENG, EVCC Soldiers (HING CERFP Members): Assisted local, state and federal search and rescue teams during the Maui Wildfire mission from August to September 2023.
Wildfire Support: Det 1 Co. G, 189th AVN conducted NGCS missions in support of other firefighting agencies during wildfire suppression missions on Oahu, Maui, and Kauai from November 2023 to July 2024
Company B, 2nd Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment (Co. B 2-211th AVN)
Maui and Mililani Mauka Wildfire Support: CH47F Air and ground crews assisted during water bucket operations in support of Maui Wildfire and Mililani Mauka Fire missions from Aug. 9 to Nov. 7, 2023. During both missions, flight crews flew over 50 flight hours and dispensed over 200,000 gallons of water.
The personnel played a critical role in extinguishing three wildfires that spread across Maui Island, one on O‘ahu at Mililani Mauka, and two on Kaua‘i during the summers. Aircrews flew dozens of hours providing aerial water drops, while other unit soldiers worked tirelessly to support.
In the wake of the deadliest wildfire in recent U.S. history, 41 defenders from the 154th Security Forces Squadron teamed with over 900 federal and civilian law enforcement agencies to secure Lahaina, Maui. Together, they safeguarded more than 3,000 structures, protected 9.3 square miles, and ensured the safety of over 9,000 residents, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to public service and their ability to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.
The 154th Medical Group provided 41 medical personnel in support of the Maui Wildfire with search and rescue/recovery operation teams at the hot zone, medical logistics and planning, force health protection and medical monitoring of military personnel, and civilian care at Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center. A total of 101 casualties were recovered (36 by CERFP).
In August 2023, members from 154th Civil Engineer Squadron (154th CES) provided Emergency Operations Center Liaisons and staff supporting the State and Maui County in response to the wildfire. . .
In August 2023, members of the 154th Force Support Squadron (154th FSS) Fatality Search and Recovery Team provided direct support to County of Maui in response to the wildfire. The 11-person team worked closely with State, County, and Federal responders across 9 square miles to clear 382 structures and 379 vehicles over a span of 600 hours. Additionally, the team developed and implemented a process to quickly and safely sanitize first responders and critical infrastructure providers.
One Year Later: The Hawai‘i National Guard’s Heroic Efforts in the Aftermath of the Lahaina Wildfire
154th Wing, Hawai‘i Air National Guard | Story by Master Sgt. Mysti Bicoy | Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Search and Rescue Soldiers and Airmen attached to Hawai‘i National Guard CERF-P unit assist Maui County and State officials in the search and recovery efforts of Lahaina, August 10, 2023. Around 50 Guardsmen were mobilized on Aug. 9 after the wildfire struck Maui and assisted in the sweep of the affected area which will need to be completed before access can be restored to the few unaffected properties. (US National Guard media by Master Sgt. Andrew Jackson)(Picture from the 2024 Summer Pūpūkahi)
Aug. 8, 2024, marked the solemn first anniversary of the wildfire that devastated the historic town of Lahaina on Maui, a disaster that forever changed the island. In the wake of this unprecedented tragedy, the Hawai‘i National Guard stepped up, playing a pivotal role in relief efforts.
Among the brave men and women who answered the call were two specialized teams whose contributions were of significant importance. Activated under Joint Task Force 5-0 on Aug. 11, 2023, the Hawai‘i Air National Guard’s Fatality Search and Recovery Team (FSRT) and the Search and Extraction Rescue Operations (SERO) Team from the 154th Wing were thrust into an unimaginable situation. The gravity of their mission recovering and identifying human remains amidst the ashes of Lahaina was both heartbreaking and vital to the healing of the community.
Reflecting on the mission, Maj. Adrian Remington, FSRT commander, underscored the profound responsibility his team bore. “I took on the role of FSRT commander during the initial response phase of the Lahaina wildfire,” Remington recalled. “Our team was charged with one of the most difficult tasks— recovering human remains within the charred footprint of this beloved town. Every step we took was taken with care, knowing the weight of our work on those grieving loved ones.”
The FSRT, one of six specialized elements of the CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package (CERFP), played an essential role in assisting the Maui Police Department. Remington described the difficulty of operating in an environment still smoldering, emphasizing the physical and emotional challenges faced by the team.
“Despite the media coverage, nothing can truly convey the sheer devastation that we witnessed,” said Remington. “Historic Lahaina, a town rich in culture and history, was reduced to ashes. There was little left to recognize, except the overwhelming sense of loss.”
Trained to operate in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive environments, the FSRT’s expertise allowed them to recover, process and honorably transfer remains, offering a measure of closure to families and loved ones.
Tech. Sgt. Song, a medic with the Hawai‘i Air National Guard’s SERO team, also played a pivotal role in these efforts. With more than 16 years of experience as a fire investigator for the Honolulu Fire Department, Song brought critical awareness to the severe health risks present in the post-fire environment. His expertise in assessing hazardous conditions and implementing personal protective measures was essential in safeguarding the team.
“The heat from the fire was so intense that it melted car rims and lithium-ion batteries into pools of metal, releasing toxic fumes,” Song recounted. “The air was thick with the smell of burnt wood, plastic, metal and tragically, human and animal remains. It was a visceral reminder of the life that was lost here.”
Song’s insights proved invaluable as the team navigated a dangerous and contaminated environment. His advocacy for proper personal protective equipment and decontamination protocols ensured that every member of the team remained as safe as possible. Thanks to his efforts, the Honolulu Fire Department generously donated 12 pairs of boots to help protect the team from further harm.
“This disaster was unlike anything we had encountered before,” Song added. “But we were determined to complete our mission with the respect and dignity the people of Lahaina deserved.”
The Hawai‘i FSRT’s deployment for the Lahaina wildfire marked their first real-world mass fatality incident a challenging and emotionally taxing mission. Maj. Remington praised his team for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and compassion throughout the recovery process. Each discovery was treated with the utmost respect, reinforcing the team’s reputation as one of the nation’s top FSRT units.
“Our team exists for moments like this,” said Remington. “Our skills are constantly sharpened so we can respond to community impacting events with precision and care. We were there when Hawai‘i needed us most—and we will always be ready.”
As we marked this anniversary, we recognized the significant efforts of the men and women who responded during Lahaina’s most challenging moments. The Hawai‘i National Guard was instrumental in this mission, assisting with the recovery of remains for 34 of the 102 official recoveries, providing essential support to the community during a period of great difficulty
