In the wake of devastating wildfires and recent storms, residents of Lahaina, Maui, are uniting to reconstruct their town with a clear vision: to prioritise the needs of the local community over tourism. As they navigate the aftermath of these disasters, including flooding that has brought new challenges, Lahaina’s inhabitants are determined to foster a sustainable future rooted in their shared values.
A Community Tested by Nature
In March 2023, Hawaii experienced two severe storms that resulted in the most significant flooding the region has seen in two decades. In Lahaina, muddy waters transformed streets into torrents, wreaking havoc on roads and homes. This calamity followed the catastrophic wildfires of 2023, which obliterated over 2,000 structures and claimed more than 100 lives. Today, many residents still find themselves in temporary accommodation, grappling with heightened poverty, unemployment, and housing instability.
Paele Kiakona, an activist with the grassroots organisation Lahaina Strong, reflects on the dire situation: “So many people were hanging on by a thread as it is.” Despite these hardships, there is a palpable sense of determination among the community members to protect their home from future climate-related disasters and work towards rebuilding a town that reflects their identity and needs.
Rebuilding with Purpose
Lahaina’s residents, alongside various organisations, are taking bold steps to restore their environment and their community. Initiatives like Kaiāulu Initiatives are focusing on planting native species to rehabilitate land that has long suffered from water diversion, a practice that has made it more susceptible to fires. Meanwhile, Nā ’Aikāne o Maui Cultural Center is contributing to the redevelopment of Front Street, Lahaina’s main thoroughfare, with a focus on honouring Native Hawaiian heritage and serving local interests.
One of the most significant victories for local activists occurred in December 2023, when the city council approved legislation to phase out 7,000 short-term vacation rentals—equating to 15% of the island’s housing stock. This strategic move aims to provide permanent housing solutions for fire survivors and local residents. “We passed legislation as community members, which is unheard of,” Kiakona proudly states, highlighting the grassroots efforts that led to this monumental change.
Local Needs Over Tourist Demands
The aftermath of the fires has posed serious concerns regarding the speed and effectiveness of recovery efforts, particularly for locals who have been historically overlooked. Since the fires, approximately 3,400 residents have left Maui due to inadequate insurance payouts, limited access to federal assistance, and skyrocketing rents.
To combat this trend, Lahaina Strong orchestrated a significant protest, camping behind luxury resorts on Kāʻanapali beach to demand long-term housing solutions for fire survivors. Their presence, marked by signs reading “fishing for housing,” starkly contrasted with the influx of tourists enjoying the beachside resorts. This activism ultimately led to the introduction of new regulations aimed at phasing out short-term rentals by early 2029, ensuring that residents have a stake in their future.
Kiakona’s commitment to this cause has inspired him to run for a seat in Hawaii’s statehouse, where he aims to advocate for the needs of the community. “If we stay where we are now, the less Hawaii will be Hawaii,” he asserts, underscoring the urgency of his mission.
Empowering the Vulnerable
Despite the strides made towards recovery, many residents continue to face significant hurdles, particularly vulnerable groups such as Lahaina’s Filipino immigrants, who constitute about 40% of the population. These individuals often work multiple jobs in service roles, making it difficult for them to engage in recovery discussions or access available resources.
Nadine Ortega, executive director of Tagnawa, a group advocating for Filipino women and workers, points out the inequities that persist: “Who gets left behind are immigrants and mothers who cannot go to the meetings in the middle of the day because they can’t find childcare.” Tagnawa has stepped in to support these residents by providing disaster relief, health assessments, and mental health workshops in their native languages.
The heightened presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations has only added to the community’s fears. Dr. Ruben Juarez, who leads the Maui Wildfire Exposure Study, notes that some survivors have faced deportation amid increased enforcement. Veronica Mendoza of Maui Roots Reborn highlights the pervasive anxiety within the immigrant community: “You always have to be looking behind your back.”
In response to these challenges, organisations are now offering training on rights, establishing rapid response networks, and creating spaces for immigrants to seek accurate information and support. “We’re not only creating community, but we’re also creating stability in meaningful ways,” Mendoza explains.
Why it Matters
The ongoing efforts to rebuild Lahaina illuminate the resilience and solidarity of its residents in the face of adversity. By prioritising local needs and fostering a sense of community, Lahaina is not merely recovering from past disasters; it is setting a powerful precedent for sustainable living in harmony with its cultural roots. This grassroots movement is essential not only for the survival of Lahaina but also as a model for other communities worldwide grappling with the impacts of climate change and disaster recovery.