Herman Andaya Salary, Net Worth, Career & More 2023

Herman Andaya is a name that has been in the headlines recently, as he resigned from his position as the administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency amid criticism over his response to the devastating wildfires that killed over 100 people in Lahaina, Hawaii. But who is Herman Andaya, and what is his salary, net worth, earning career, and personal life? In this article, we will explore the background, achievements, controversies, and current situation of this former public official.

Herman Andaya’s Background and Education

Herman Andaya was born and raised in Hawaii, where he attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science in 1991, and then obtained a law degree from the William S. Richardson School of Law in 1994. He passed the Hawaii bar exam in 1995 and became a licensed attorney.

Herman Andaya’s Career and Achievements Herman Andaya began his career as a deputy prosecuting attorney for the County of Maui from 1995 to 2000. He then worked as a special assistant to the chancellor at the University of Hawaii Maui College from 2000 to 2011. In 2011, he was appointed as the chief of staff for the office of the mayor in the County of Maui, where he served until 2017. During his tenure as chief of staff, he assisted during emergency operations and participated in online FEMA trainings and workshops.

In 2017, Herman Andaya was selected as the administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), beating out 40 other applicants for the job. MEMA is responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities for natural and human-caused disasters in Maui County. As the administrator, Herman Andaya oversaw a staff of nine employees 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’s Controversies and Resignation Herman Andaya’s career as MEMA administrator came under scrutiny after the tragic wildfires that swept through Lahaina on August 8, 2023. The fast-moving blaze, fueled by strong 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 from the fire, and some blamed MEMA for not sounding sirens or issuing alerts to notify residents of the imminent danger.

Herman Andaya defended his decision not to activate sirens during the fire, saying that they were mainly used for tsunamis and that they would have confused people or caused them to seek higher ground instead of fleeing from the fire zone. He also said that he was not on Maui when the fire started, but was attending a FEMA disaster preparedness seminar on Oahu. He said that he was in constant communication with his staff and other officials during the fire response.

However, Herman Andaya’s explanations did not satisfy many critics, who questioned his qualifications, experience, judgment, and leadership during the crisis. Some accused him of being part of a “good ol’ boy network” that favored political connections over expertise. Others called for his resignation or firing for failing to protect the people of Maui.

On August 17, 2023, Herman Andaya announced his resignation from MEMA, citing health reasons. He said that he had been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that required immediate treatment and that he could not continue to perform his duties as administrator. He thanked his staff and colleagues for their support and expressed his condolences to the victims of the fire. He also said that he hoped that his resignation would allow MEMA to move forward with its mission of serving the community.

Herman Andaya’s Salary & Net Worth

Herman Andaya’s Salary, Net Worth, and Personal Life According to public records, Herman Andaya’s annual salary as MEMA administrator was $114,744 in 2020. His net worth is not publicly known, but it is likely that he has some assets from his previous jobs as an attorney and a chief of staff. He is married to Lisa Andaya, who works as an administrative officer at the University of Hawaii Maui College. They have two children together: a son named Kainoa and a daughter named Kiana. Herman Andaya is 51 years old as of 2023.

Conclusion

Herman Andaya is a former administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, who resigned from his position after facing criticism over his response to the deadly wildfires that ravaged Lahaina in August 2023. He has a background in law and politics, and he worked as a deputy prosecutor, a special assistant to the chancellor, and a chief of staff before becoming MEMA administrator in 2017. He has been praised for his achievements in emergency planning, coordination, and management, but also questioned for his qualifications, experience, judgment, and leadership during the fire crisis. He has a wife and two children, and he is currently undergoing treatment for a serious medical condition.

Most Asked Questions and Answers

Q: What is Herman Andaya’s full name? A: Herman Andaya’s full name is Herman Kealoha Andaya Jr.

Q: When did Herman Andaya resign from MEMA? A: Herman Andaya resigned from MEMA on August 17, 2023.

Q: Why did Herman Andaya resign from MEMA? A: Herman Andaya resigned from MEMA for health reasons. He said that he had been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that required immediate treatment.

Q: What was Herman Andaya’s role during the Lahaina wildfires? A: Herman Andaya was the administrator of MEMA, which was responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation activities for the Lahaina wildfires⁵.

Q: Why did Herman Andaya not sound sirens during the Lahaina wildfires? A: Herman Andaya said that he did not sound sirens during the Lahaina wildfires because they were mainly used for tsunamis and that they would have confused people or caused them to seek higher ground instead of fleeing from the fire zone.

Q: Where was Herman Andaya when the Lahaina wildfires started? A: Herman Andaya said that he was not on Maui when the Lahaina wildfires started, but was attending a FEMA disaster preparedness seminar on Oahu.

Q: How many people died in the Lahaina wildfires? A: According to the latest estimates, 111 people died in the Lahaina wildfires.

Q: How many people are still missing in the Lahaina wildfires? A: According to the latest reports, around 1,000 people are still considered to be missing in the Lahaina wildfires.

Q: How much damage did the Lahaina wildfires cause? A: The Lahaina wildfires destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, burned over 10,000 acres of land, and caused an estimated $500 million in economic losses .

Q: How can I help the victims of the Lahaina wildfires? A: You can help the victims of the Lahaina wildfires by donating to reputable relief organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, or the Maui Food Bank. You can also volunteer your time or skills to assist with recovery efforts or support local businesses that have been affected by the fire.