Death toll in Lahaina wildfire rises to 99 as hundreds remain unaccounted for

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The death toll in the fire-ravaged town of Lahaina rose to 99 on Monday as Maui’s police chief said 75% of the hardest-hit areas had not yet been searched.

Meanwhile, MPD Chief John Pelletier announced the county would begin the painful process of releasing the identities of those who have died. The identities of three people have been confirmed so far, though family members have reported their own deaths based on eyewitness sightings.

“Right now we’re at 99 souls, families,” Pelletier said, adding that 20 cadaver dogs are now on the ground with search teams looking for remains.

“We’re going to do this right.”