Caltrans photo
By Myles Cochrane
District 1 public information officer
In the wake of the devastating wildfires that saw a federally declared disaster in Maui, Caltrans District 1 played a crucial role in aiding the County of Maui’s recovery efforts. Contributing to this mission was none other than our own chief of advance planning and local assistance, Talitha Hodgson.
Ten dedicated Safety Assessment Program (SAP) certified personnel were called upon to evaluate approximately 2,000 structures within the fire-ravaged city of Lahaina. This deployment presented a unique challenge as assembling enough SAP-certified volunteers is often a daunting task due to demanding schedules and the timing of emergencies. Nevertheless, Hodgson, along with a group of dedicated Caltrans employees, rose to the occasion.
As the team mobilized, Hodgson found herself on standby, ready to step in if needed. Ultimately, she became an integral part of the final nine-member team, a diverse group of supervisors and engineers, all possessing a wealth of experience in structures, construction, safety and emergency response.
For the majority of the team, this deployment spanned two weeks. However, two Caltrans engineers extended their stay an additional week to lead a small group of volunteer architects and county personnel in completing assessments. Amidst limited available accommodations due to displaced residents, the team was stationed in west Maui, about a half-hour drive from the disaster site and Disaster Recovery Center.
Caltrans photo
The workdays were demanding, commencing at 6:30 in the morning and concluding at 5:30 p.m. Hodgson emphasized that SAP deployments leave no room for breaks or weekends off, a testament to the urgency of getting residents back into their homes.
Their assessment process involved a meticulous inspection of — again — more than 2,000 structures, each receiving a placard indicating its status: green (inspected), yellow (restricted use), or red (unsafe). Alongside these placards, detailed documentation and photographs were logged into a GIS database for agencies, including Cal OES, to access and review.
By the end of the deployment, 2,486 buildings were assessed, with 1,694 marked as Unsafe and 23 under Restricted Use. The team’s efforts culminated in 769 dwellings being approved for residents to return home, a significant milestone in the recovery process.
In addition to the wildfire response in Maui, Hodgson was also deployed to Rio Dell for the earthquakes in January, underscoring her commitment to helping communities in need. Her presence brought not only technical expertise but also a reassuring presence for those still reeling from the shock of disaster.
Despite the challenges, Hodgson and her team forged connections with local responders, including the Maui Humane Society, extending their support beyond the structural assessments. Many were touched by their efforts to reunite families with their missing pets and connect residents with vital resources.
Reflecting on the experience, Hodgson affirmed her readiness to deploy again, highlighting the critical importance of swiftly restoring people to their homes. She praised the exceptional dedication of SAP volunteers, emphasizing their genuine care for the communities they serve.
Together, Caltrans District 1 stands as a beacon of hope and support, exemplified by leaders like Hodgson, whose unwavering commitment to service leaves an indelible mark on the communities we serve. We salute her and her team for their outstanding contributions in the face of adversity.