Is Waikoloa prepared? Tragic Maui fires stir concern in the village

In this July 31, 2021 file photo, smoke from a brush fire is seen from the Waikoloa Village KTA Superstores parking lot. The fire burnt over 62.5 square miles and consumed two homes in South Kohala. (Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald)

Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald People walk around the Waikoloa Highlands Center Thursday in Waikoloa Village.

Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Roger Wehrsig points to where the latest fires burned while walking on the emergency exit road Thursday in Waikoloa Village.

A fire boundary mauka of Waikoloa Village is seen between houses and a field on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. Cows have been grazing the grass to help maintain the boundary. (Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald)

In the wake of last week’s devastating Lahaina fire, Waikoloa Village residents are asking for sirens, new roads, firebreaks and improved communication to avoid a similar catastrophe.