Herman Andaya is a former public official who led the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) from 2017 until 2023. He resigned amid criticism for his response to the horrific flames that killed more than 100 people in Lahaina, Hawaii.
But how much did he make as an emergency administrator, and how much money does he have now? This article will look at his background, career, accomplishments, controversies, and current condition.
Herman Andaya Background and Education
Born and reared in Hawaii, Herman Andaya attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. In 1991, he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, and in 1994, he graduated from the William S. Richardson School of Law with a law degree. In 1995, he passed the Hawaii bar exam and became an attorney.
Herman Andaya Career and Achievements
From 1995 to 2000, Herman Andaya began his legal career as an assistant prosecutor for the County of Maui. He then served as a special assistant to the chancellor at the University of Hawaii Maui College from 2000 to 2011.
In 2011, he was appointed chief of staff for the mayor’s office in the County of Maui, a position he held until 2017. Throughout his tenure as chief of staff, he assisted with emergency operations and attended online FEMA trainings and seminars.
Herman Andaya was chosen as the administrator of MEMA in 2017, edging out forty other applicants. Maui Emergency Management Agency is responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities for natural and human-caused disasters in Maui County. As administrator, Herman Andaya managed a staff of nine individuals and a budget of $1.2 million.
Some of his achievements as MEMA administrator include:
- Developing and updating emergency plans and procedures for Maui County.
- Establishing and maintaining partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies, as well as private and non-profit organizations, to enhance emergency capabilities.
- Conducting public education and outreach programs to increase awareness and readiness for emergencies.
- Managing emergency operations centers and coordinating resources and information during emergencies.
- Implementing grant programs and securing funding for emergency projects and equipment.
Herman Andaya Controversies and Resignation
After the tragic wildfires that surged through Lahaina on August 8, 2023, Herman Andaya’s tenure as MEMA administrator was scrutinized. The rapidly spreading fire, which was fueled by high winds and dry conditions, destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, forced thousands of people to evacuate, and killed an estimated 111 people.
Many survivors reported that they had little warning or time to escape the fire, and some accused MEMA of not sounding sirens or issuing alerts to warn residents of the imminent threat. According to some accounts, Herman Andaya did not activate the county’s emergency notification system until over an hour after the fire began.
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Additionally, he did not seek assistance from state or federal agencies until it was too late. Some critics alleged that he was incompetent, careless, and imprudent. Herman Andaya defended his actions by stating that he followed the prescribed protocols and procedures for conflagration response.
He stated that he did not activate the sirens because they were not intended for wildfire alerts and that he did not issue alerts because he did not have accurate information about the fire’s location and direction. He also stated that he had requested assistance from other agencies, but that their resources were overwhelmed by the size of the conflagration.
Herman Andaya sent a letter to Mayor Michael Victorino on August 18, 2023, announcing his resignation as MEMA administrator. He stated that he was standing down in order to “pursue other opportunities” and was “grateful for the opportunity” to serve Maui County. In addition, he offered his condolences to the victims of the fire and thanked his employees for their hard work.
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Herman Andaya Salary and Net Worth
