Race Underway To Glue Down The Lahaina Fire’s Toxic Ash Before Rains Wash It Into The Ocean

Photo: There’s growing concern over the potential for rain to wash pollutants from the Lahaina fire into the ocean. (Kevin Fujii/Civil Beat/2023)

Residents are also trying to safeguard Upcountry homes from the increased chance of dangerous mudslides

With showers forecast over parts of Hawaii early next week, officials and environmentalists are scrambling to protect nearshore waters off Lahaina from becoming polluted with fire-related runoff.

The remnants of post-Tropical Storm Fernanda are expected to bring moist air and possible showers to windward and mountainous portions of Hawaii, including Maui, according to the National Weather Service.

“We’re watching it closely,” said meteorologist Kevin Kodama. “It’s going to be a pretty big change early next week, particularly Monday night.”

Most rainfall should pass south of the Big Island, but showers could lash windward and mauka areas of Hawaii island and Maui, he said.

Efforts are underway to protect the ocean and marine life off Lahaina, as well as homes in Upcountry that are at increased risk of mudslides after fires in Kula.

As part of the ongoing recovery process, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is poised to deploy a glue-like substance designed to […]

Full article: www.civilbeat.org