In response to claims circulating on social media, the County of Maui issued the following statement on Wednesday regarding the use of heavy machinery in Lahaina:

“Excavators and other heavy machines are currently only being used in the Lahaina disaster area to assist emergency responders with the search and recovery process. Emergency crews are using heavy machines to move debris, including vehicles and building materials, so that first responders can safely examine properties as part of the search and recovery process.

Heavy machines are not being used for any debris removal operations, and no debris removal operations are underway in Lahaina at this time.

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