Western Reader
A licensed drone operator in Maui reported that his drone was grounded by government officials. The drone was being flown over the suspected origin site of the devastating fire that swept through Lahaina, Maui.
This fire tragically claimed over 100 lives and left approximately 1000 people unaccounted for, including many children.
The drone operator, Davin Phelps, is a Lahaina resident who has been capturing stunning and haunting images of the town from above. His work was brought to light by Fox & Friends Weekends co-host Will Cain, who owns property on Maui and was one of the first to report on the fires.
This is absolutely sickening.
“Those who disobeyed the barricaded road closures during the Maui fires survived the disaster, while many of those who heeded orders to turn around perished in their cars and homes with no way out” -AP— Robert W Malone, MD (@RWMaloneMD) August 23, 2023
Phelps’ drone flights are coordinated through an app in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This app has the power to deny permission to fly and can remotely ground drones. However, it’s rare for this to happen. Yet, when Phelps attempted to fly his drone over the suspected fire origin area, he was denied flight and his drone was grounded.
Adding to the intrigue, Phelps claims shortly after his drone was grounded, he was visited by two government officials. He couldn’t recall their agency, but they asked for his license and swiftly ushered him away from the Lahaina Intermediate School parking lot where he had attempted to launch his drone.
Maui Fire – Things that did not burn in Maui 👀🤔#Lahaina #fire #Maui #MauiFire #hawaiifire #Hawaii pic.twitter.com/WaAT8cCpUQ
— HumanDilemma (@HumanDilemma_) August 23, 2023
This incident raises serious questions about government transparency. Why was Phelps denied access to the suspected fire origin area? Is there something to hide regarding the origins and cause of the fire?
These questions have sparked concern among residents, who are already grappling with the aftermath of the devastating fire.
Phelps is not just a drone operator. He is a professional filmmaker and photographer based on the island of Maui. With over a decade of experience, he assembled a team of talented photographers, videographers, and drone pilots in 2015.
Together, they capture stunning photos and videos for various events and projects, specializing in commercial advertising, real estate marketing, and family portraits.
Despite the controversy surrounding his recent drone grounding, Phelps continues to document the beauty and challenges of life on Maui.
His work provides a unique perspective on the island, capturing both its natural beauty and the impact of human activity. As the mystery surrounding the Lahaina fire continues to unfold, the role of independent observers like Phelps becomes even more crucial.
The incident involving Davin Phelps and his grounded drone raises important questions about government transparency and accountability.
This article appeared in TheDailyBeat and has been published here with permission.
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