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In the wake of devastating wildfires and subsequent storms in Lahaina, Maui, community members are rallying together to rebuild their town with a focus on local needs rather than catering to tourists. Following the destruction wrought by the 2023 fires, which claimed over 100 lives and devastated thousands of homes, recent severe flooding has only intensified the urgency for sustainable recovery. Grassroots organisations like Lahaina Strong are leading the charge, advocating for systemic changes that prioritise the well-being of residents.
Resilience Amidst Adversity
March 2026 brought unprecedented rainfall to Hawaii, resulting in the worst flooding the region has experienced in two decades. In Lahaina, streets transformed into raging rivers, causing extensive property damage and revealing sinkholes that swallowed vehicles. This natural disaster struck nearly three years after the catastrophic wildfires that obliterated more than 2,000 buildings and left countless families struggling in temporary accommodation. With poverty and unemployment already rampant, the situation has grown increasingly dire.
Paele Kiakona, an organiser with Lahaina Strong, remarked, “So many people were hanging on by a thread as it is.” Nevertheless, the community’s spirit remains unbroken. Local advocates are not merely aiming for recovery; they are determined to reshape the town’s future by creating a sustainable environment that protects against future climate crises. Initiatives like Kaiāulu Initiatives are engaged in planting native flora to restore the land, while Nā ’Aikāne o Maui Cultural Center is contributing to the redevelopment of Front Street, ensuring that it honours the rich Native Hawaiian heritage.
A Landmark Legislative Victory
One of the most significant achievements for local advocates occurred in December 2025 when the Maui City Council passed a law to phase out 7,000 vacation rentals across the island, representing 15% of the local housing market. This legislation aims to provide housing for fire survivors and local residents, a move that Kiakona describes as “unheard of.” He added, “We’re just community members organising grassroots from the bottom up, bringing our people in.”
The fires and the recent storms have underscored the importance of community self-reliance. In the immediate aftermath of the wildfires, local residents stepped in where federal assistance fell short. Kiakona recounted instances of residents working together to clear fallen trees and divert floodwaters, demonstrating an unyielding commitment to their neighbours. “The community is so activated,” he expressed.
Housing Solutions for Locals
The ongoing crisis has prompted fears that the recovery process would lead to an exodus of residents unable to cope with the slow pace of rebuilding and rising living costs. Since the fires, approximately 3,400 locals have left the island due to inadequate insurance coverage, limited access to federal aid, and skyrocketing rents. However, local organisers are fighting to create a future that prioritises long-term housing for residents, rather than transient tourist accommodations.
Lahaina Strong has been at the forefront of this effort, leading protests for sustainable housing solutions behind luxury resorts on Kāʻanapali beach. Their demonstration, marked by signs reading “fishing for housing,” starkly contrasted with the influx of tourists in nearby hotels, highlighting the government’s misplaced priorities in the aftermath of the fires. After months of advocacy, local officials, including the mayor, agreed to phase out short-term rentals by January 2029 in west Maui and by 2031 for the rest of the island.
Kiakona, who is now running for a seat in the Hawaii statehouse, stated, “If we stay where we are now, the less Hawaii will be Hawaii.” This sentiment reflects a broader desire among residents to reclaim their community and ensure it remains a place for locals.
Supporting Vulnerable Populations
While acquiring homes for sale is crucial, the challenge of returning displaced residents to their communities remains significant. Many, particularly Filipino immigrants who constitute about 40% of Lahaina’s population, continue to face obstacles in accessing assistance. Nadine Ortega, executive director of Tagnawa, a group that advocates for Filipino women and workers, noted that many in this demographic work multiple jobs, leaving them unable to advocate for their needs in community meetings.
Tagnawa has taken steps to fill these gaps, connecting fire survivors with resources in their native language and organising mental health workshops. The fear of deportation, exacerbated by increased ICE operations in the region, has further complicated the recovery landscape. Veronica Mendoza, executive director of Maui Roots Reborn, emphasised the anxiety this creates in the immigrant community, stating, “You always have to be looking behind your back.”
Maui Roots Reborn is actively working to empower vulnerable groups through initiatives like “know your rights” training and rapid response networks, fostering a sense of security and community.
Why it Matters
The ongoing efforts in Lahaina serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of community resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. As residents band together to reclaim their town, prioritising the needs of locals over tourist interests, they are not only rebuilding homes but also redefining their identity and future. The lessons learned from this struggle resonate far beyond the shores of Maui, highlighting the vital importance of community solidarity in navigating crises and fostering sustainable recovery.
