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VIDEO: Hawaii officials provide an update on wildfires

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VIDEO BY OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
State leaders provide an update on the destructive wildfires on Maui and Hawaii island.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
                                Hawaii National Guard Adj. Gen. Ken Hara addressed the media this morning with Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke.
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GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

Hawaii National Guard Adj. Gen. Ken Hara addressed the media this morning with Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke.

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM
                                Hawaii National Guard Adj. Gen. Ken Hara addressed the media this morning with Acting Gov. Sylvia Luke.

The confirmed death toll from the windswept wildfires that devastated Lahaina and other Valley Isle communities Tuesday grew to 36, according to Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s office.

Officials earlier today confirmed six deaths.

Officials fear the death toll and casualties will rise. Officials added that at least 30 were wounded by the fires, which forced some residents to jump into Lahaina Harbor to escape flames.

State leaders held a press conference at 9 p.m. to provide an update on the wildfires and impacts of Hurricane Dora across the state.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who is serving as acting governor, said she was saddened for those who lost family members, friends and homes.

“This is a really tragic moment, for not just Maui County, not just the people of Maui, it’s for the entire state,” she said. “We just want to thank so many people who have stepped up to help.”

Other speakers included Maj. Gen. Kenneth S. Hara, who is adjutant general of Hawaii State Department of Defense; Bob Fenton, regional administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency; U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono; and James Tokioka, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

Watch a replay of the video above.

RELATED COVERAGE

>> Confirmed deaths from Maui wildfires climb to 36, county officials say

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>> A list of open emergency shelters, closed schools and roads

>> Convention Center ready to shelter up to 4,000 Maui evacuees

>> Maui’s War Memorial Complex accepting donations for fire evacuees

>> Lahaina burns as high winds fuel wildfires on Maui, Big Island

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>> Hawaii island still battling 3 blazes in Kohala

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