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Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has issued subpoenas to three Maui agencies as part of an investigation into the August 8 wildfire that devastated Lahaina, claiming at least 97 lives.

Lopez’s subpoenas target the Maui Emergency Management Agency, the County of Maui Department of Public Works, and the County of Maui Department of Water Supply. These agencies have been under scrutiny for their response to the wildfire.

In a statement, Lopez said, “We appreciate the cooperation of the Maui fire and police departments, and while we continue to work through some issues, their leaders and line responders have been transparent and cooperative.” The attorney general said she hopes to use her investigation to develop new policies and procedures to prevent future loss of life and property.

The fire in Lahaina was the deadliest in the United States in over a century, destroying over 2,000 structures, burning more than 2,000 acres, and potentially costing over $5 billion in reconstruction, as per FEMA reports. The severity of the situation was highlighted by 911 calls released by Maui authorities, which depicted the challenges faced by dispatchers and officials during the crisis.

This comes as NBC News reported that the subpoenas are partly due to concerns about the Department of Water Supply’s handling of water pressure during the fire. Although there is no current criminal investigation, the attorney general is committed to a thorough and independent inquiry to ensure accountability and provide residents with the truth. Lopez stated, “Our communities expect and deserve a safer Hawaiʻi,” underscoring her commitment to representing the truth and communicating throughout the process.