The death toll of the Maui wildfires has risen to 96 as of Monday, but officials expect that number to increase.
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00:00The death toll from the Maui wildfires has reached 96, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over
00:06a century. Residents have voiced their concerns with the government's response, saying that
00:10community-run volunteer groups have been more helpful in providing resources for evacuees.
00:15Government officials say Maui's remoteness is hindering relief efforts. As of Saturday,
00:19only 3% of the impacted area has been searched, meaning that the effort to find and identify
00:24those unaccounted for is still in the early stages. Local officials are urging people to
00:29cancel their upcoming Maui vacations. Native Hawaiians are echoing this sentiment, including
00:33actor Jason Momoa, who said, quote, "...do not convince yourself that your presence is needed
00:38on an island that is suffering this deeply." This emphasizes the complex relationship between
00:42tourists and locals, who rely on tourism for 80% of all income generated on Maui.
00:47Federal officials estimate that rebuilding Lahaina,
00:50the area most affected by the wildfire, could cost more than $5 billion.