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Maui land grab by real estate 'predators' sparks outrage as island still reels from wildfires and death toll mounts

The estimated financial loss of the devastation in Maui amounts to approximately $6 billion

LAHAINA, HAWAII: The Lahaina fire was one of four fires that erupted on the island on Maui on August 8. As of August 18, a staggering 2,200 structures had been completely consumed by the blaze, with an additional 500 structures suffering damage. 

The estimated financial toll of the devastation amounts to approximately $6 billion. The response to the catastrophe has seen the deployment of 40 search dogs and a team of 470 dedicated search and rescue personnel.

How many have died in Maui? 

According to latest reports, Maui authorities estimate a distressing death toll 114 individuals. The relentless search for hundreds of missing persons continues within the historic coastal port town of Lahaina. 

Earlier on August 18, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen informed the media that roughly 60% of the Lahaina burn area had been meticulously searched for human remains. Federal search and rescue personnel, accompanied by numerous cadaver dogs, conducted the canvassing efforts.

Are real estate developers trying to capitalize on Maui wildfires? 

According to reports, developers have apparently already begun to approach the affected individuals, expressing interest in acquiring the land that has been home to Maui families for years, and in many cases, generations.

One Twitter post read, "F*cking vultures. Shameless. Disgusting. There needs to be a public list of every single real estate investor doing this. Post their picture. Post their phone number. Post their business page. Time to name and shame these degenerates. The predatory real estate dealings need to STOP. Everyone in the industry knows these guys exist. Is this going to be the time we're finally grossed out enough by their behavior to put our foot down?" 

Other users responded to this tweet with anger. One commented, "I’m sorry but it’s not right to “try to make a buck” off other people’s lives being burned to the ground. They’re not going to offer anywhere close to an appropriate value. They’re there to grift off other people’s misfortune."

"Hawaii belongs to the Hawaiian people, it should never be taken away from them," a comment read. Another wrote, "Perhaps, this was the intended purpose. The woke left wants to rebuild the island in their utopian green society. With no gas stations etc."

"Absolutely Criminal beyond belief adding insult to injury this greedy land grabbing money hungry money loving real estate developer's should be stopped and prevented from doing this they should be prosecuted put out of business and thrown in prison for a long long time forever!!!" another fumed.