Authorities Urge Relatives of Missing Hawaii Wildfire Victims to Provide DNA Samples

Missing Relatives Threaten Identification Efforts

Authorities in Hawaii are urging relatives of those missing after the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century to come forward and provide DNA samples. The low number of samples collected so far is hindering efforts to identify any remains discovered in the ashes. Approximately 1,000 to 1,100 names remain on the FBI’s list of people unaccounted for after wildfires destroyed the historic seaside community of Lahaina on Maui. However, only 104 families have provided DNA samples at the family assistance center. This low turnout is a cause for concern and prompted officials to call for more help.

Reassurance Regarding DNA Samples

Maui Prosecuting Attorney Andrew Martin and Julie French, who are leading the identification efforts, want to reassure people that DNA samples will only be used to identify fire victims and will not be entered into any law enforcement databases or used for any other purpose. Immigration status or citizenship will not be questioned. The sole purpose is to help people locate and identify their missing loved ones.

Challenges in Identifying Unaccounted-for Individuals

Two weeks after the devastating wildfire, officials are facing challenges in determining the number of people who remain unaccounted for. Similar difficulties were encountered after the 2018 wildfire in Paradise, California. Authorities in Butte County published a list of missing individuals in the local newspaper, which helped to identify many people who had made it out alive but were mistakenly listed as missing. Hawaii officials are cautious about releasing such a list, as it may mistakenly identify some individuals as deceased. They prioritize compassion and courtesy for the families.

Progress in Search and Identification Efforts

As of Monday, 115 deaths have been confirmed by Maui police. Search teams have completed searching all single-story, residential properties, and are now transitioning to multi-story residential and commercial properties. Police Chief John Pelletier acknowledges the difficulties in creating a solid list of missing individuals. Some names provided are incomplete, and there may be duplicate names. The aim is to verify the list and make it as accurate as possible. Pelletier urges people to provide DNA samples and file police reports with as much information as possible to aid in the identification process.

Stories of Missing Individuals

Several stories have emerged of individuals who were reported missing but were eventually found. Roseanna Samartano, a Lahaina resident, was surprised when she received a call from an FBI agent asking about her whereabouts. A friend had reported her missing because he couldn’t reach her due to power and communication outages in her neighborhood. Clifford Abihai came from California to search for his grandmother, Louise Abihai, who lived in a senior living facility. Despite providing a DNA sample, he still hasn’t received any information about her.

Challenges in Confirming Deceased Individuals

Confirming the deaths of those who are unaccounted for can be challenging. The intense heat from the fire may have cremated some bodies, leaving no bones for DNA testing. However, three-quarters of the remains tested so far have yielded usable results. Comparisons have been made to other tragedies, such as the 9/11 terror attacks, where almost 1,100 victims still have no identified remains. Some family members prefer to remember their loved ones through memories rather than receiving physical remains, as it would reopen old wounds.

Article by Associated Press

Read More of this Story at apnews.com – 2023-08-23 05:46:00

Read More Latest News