Burnt books are seen by the public library in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii on Aug.//AFP
Lahaina, United States – Hawaii’s chief legal officer said Friday she was opening a probe into the handling of devastating wildfires that killed at least 80 people in the state this week, as criticism grows of the official response.
The announcement and increased death toll came as residents of Lahaina were allowed back into the town for the first time — with most finding their homes had been reduced to ashes, and even the lucky few angry at a sense of abandonment.
“Everything has been coconut wire,” said William Harry, referring to a system of rumors.
“One person heard, then told another, but it’s not official information. They don’t come here and explain anything.”
Another man, who did not want to be named, told AFP he felt like he had been…
