As Lahaina, Hawaii, grapples with the aftermath of devastating wildfires and recent storms, its residents are resolutely focused on rebuilding their beloved town with the community at its heart. This determination was evident on 16 December 2023, when volunteers from Lahaina Strong illuminated a protest sign on Kaanapali Beach, sending a clear message: the future of Lahaina must prioritise its residents over transient tourism.
Rebuilding Amidst Adversity
In March 2023, Hawaii was battered by a series of severe storms that unleashed the worst flooding in two decades. Lahaina, already scarred by the catastrophic wildfires of 2023, faced new challenges as muddy waters transformed streets into torrents and exposed vulnerabilities in the town’s infrastructure. The ongoing struggle has only exacerbated the challenges of housing instability and poverty, which were prevalent even before the wildfires struck.
Amid the turmoil, residents like Paele Kiakona, a dedicated advocate with Lahaina Strong, have emerged as voices of resilience. “So many people were hanging on by a thread as it is,” he remarked, a stark reminder of the community’s fragility. Yet, in the face of adversity, the spirit of Lahaina remains unbroken. Local organisers are spearheading efforts to restore the town, focusing on sustainable practices that honour the land and its heritage.
A Shift in Housing Priorities
In a significant victory for locals, the Lahaina City Council recently enacted legislation to phase out 7,000 vacation rentals—equating to 15% of the island’s housing supply. This move aims to provide housing for survivors of the wildfires and other local residents, a shift that Kiakona heralds as a landmark achievement for grassroots activism. “We passed legislation as community members, which is unheard of,” he stated, highlighting the power of collective action.
The aftermath of the wildfires revealed a stark truth: the community must take charge of its future. After the blaze, urgent grassroots initiatives emerged, filling the gaps left by slow federal response. Residents banded together to clear debris, rescue vehicles trapped in floodwaters, and divert rising waters—actions that embody the spirit of solidarity inherent in Hawaiian culture. “The community is so activated,” Kiakona noted, reflecting the determination that fuels their recovery efforts.
Empowering Local Ownership
The commitment to prioritise locals in the recovery process is not merely a matter of housing but a broader vision for community empowerment. Lahaina Strong has orchestrated protests to demand long-term housing solutions, highlighting the contrast between the needs of locals and the interests of tourists. Their encampment on Kaanapali Beach served as a poignant symbol of resilience, underscoring the demand for a future where residents can thrive rather than merely survive.
To further this aim, the Lahaina Community Land Trust is acquiring properties to ensure they remain accessible to local families. This initiative seeks to counteract the trend of homes being snapped up by investors, thereby safeguarding the community’s future. Autumn Ness, the trust’s executive director, emphasised the broader vision of restoring relationships to the land, stating, “Our vision is restoring relationship to ‘āina [land], whether it’s through housing, commercial spaces or open space that is really grounded in the real history of this place.”
Supporting Vulnerable Populations
However, the journey to recovery is fraught with challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups within Lahaina’s diverse population. Many residents, especially the Filipino immigrants who make up a significant portion of the community, face additional hurdles in accessing support. Nadine Ortega, executive director of Tagnawa, noted that these individuals often work multiple jobs, making it difficult for them to participate in recovery discussions.
Efforts to address these disparities are underway, with organisations like Tagnawa providing resources in multiple languages and facilitating health assessments. Meanwhile, immigration concerns loom large, with reports of deportations under increased ICE enforcement. Veronica Mendoza, director of Maui Roots Reborn, highlighted the anxiety this creates within the immigrant community, asserting, “You always have to be looking behind your back.”
In the wake of the storms and ongoing recovery efforts, local advocates are now focusing on stabilising the immigrant population through education about rights and providing resources to navigate the complexities of immigration law. “We’re not only creating community, but we’re also creating stability in meaningful ways,” Mendoza explained.
Why it Matters
The ongoing struggle of Lahaina’s residents to reclaim their community serves as a powerful testament to resilience in the face of crisis. As they work to rebuild their town, prioritising local needs over tourism, they embody a broader message about the importance of community empowerment in the face of adversity. Lahaina’s journey is not merely about recovery; it represents a bold stand against the forces that threaten to displace and marginalise those who call this place home. In a world increasingly defined by climate crises, Lahaina’s story is a vital reminder of the strength found in unity, shared purpose, and the unwavering commitment to one another.
