October 14, 2024

This Week in Amateur Radio

North America's Premiere Amateur Radio News Magazine

FCC Pledges Support to Hawaii Following Wildfire Devastation

The Federal Communications Commission its pledging its support to Hawaii following the Maui wildfires, which destroyed countless homes and killed more than 100 people.

On Friday, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel issued the following statement, providing a public update on the agency’s efforts to support local disaster and recovery efforts:

“The agency has staff on the ground in Maui assessing the impact on communications services and infrastructure to help local, state and federal authorities to identify how to best support restoration and emergency response.

“We have been issuing daily public communications status reports that track the restoration progress, with 17 out of 21 cell sites now restored, the Maui 911 call center now functional, and broadcasters continuing to operate and share important community updates and news. Also, over 10,000 cable and wireline subscribers have had service restored, but more work remains.”

Rosenworcel’s statement comes as the chief of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, Herman Andaya, abruptly resigned on Thursday following deep criticism. According to the New York Times, Maui emergency officials did not use a system of 80 outdoor alert sirens to warn residents and tourists, and many people said that they did not receive WEA alerts to their cellphones telling them to evacuate.

Read more – Radio World: