As Lahaina continues to grapple with the devastating effects of climate change, residents are resolutely striving to restore their town with a focus on community needs rather than tourism. In the wake of catastrophic wildfires and recent storms, grassroots organisations are prioritising the voices of locals, pushing back against the trends of gentrification and displacement that threaten their way of life.
A Community Torn Apart
In March, Hawaii was struck by two severe storms, leading to the most significant flooding the region has experienced in two decades. In Lahaina, these relentless downpours transformed streets into raging rivers, causing extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. This calamity comes nearly three years after the tragic wildfires of 2023, which obliterated over 2,000 buildings and claimed more than 100 lives. As a result, many residents remain in temporary housing, and the challenges of poverty and unemployment have only intensified.
“So many people were hanging on by a thread as it is,” remarked Paele Kiakona, an organiser with the community group Lahaina Strong. Despite the hardships, residents are united in their determination to rebuild a Lahaina that prioritises local families over transient tourists.
A Shift in Priorities
Community initiatives have emerged as vital forces in the recovery process, with organisations like Kaiāulu Initiatives working to restore native vegetation on previously neglected lands, thereby making them more resilient to future fires. Meanwhile, Nā ’Aikāne o Maui Cultural Center is advocating for a redevelopment of Front Street that respects Native Hawaiian heritage and better serves the local population.
One of the most significant victories for these grassroots efforts came in December, when the local city council passed groundbreaking legislation to phase out 7,000 vacation rentals—representing 15% of the island’s housing stock—to accommodate fire survivors and other residents. “We passed legislation as community members, which is unheard of,” Kiakona noted. This change exemplifies how local voices can influence policy when the community rallies together.
The Fight for Local Housing
Following the wildfires, a pressing concern among activists was the potential for protracted recovery efforts that could drive locals away from their homes. Sadly, this fear has been realised, with approximately 3,400 residents having left Lahaina due to inadequate insurance payouts, inconsistent access to federal assistance, and soaring rents.
In response, Lahaina Strong has taken action by establishing encampments on Kāʻanapali beach to demand sustainable housing solutions for fire survivors. The stark image of locals camped out in view of luxury resorts highlighted the glaring disparity in governmental priorities—tourism over the needs of residents. This advocacy culminated in a proposal to phase out short-term rentals, which is set to be implemented by 2029.
Kiakona, who is now running for the Hawaii State House, emphasised the urgency of this moment: “If we stay where we are now, the less Hawaii will be Hawaii.”
Supporting Vulnerable Communities
However, securing housing is only part of the equation. Equally critical is ensuring that all residents, especially those from historically marginalised groups, have access to the resources they need to reclaim their lives. The Filipino community, which constitutes around 40% of Lahaina’s population, faces unique challenges. Many are employed in low-wage service jobs, making it difficult for them to engage in recovery efforts or advocate for their needs.
Nadine Ortega, executive director of Tagnawa—a group supporting Filipino women and immigrants—explained the barriers faced by this demographic. “Who gets left behind are immigrants and mothers who cannot go to meetings in the middle of the day because they can’t find childcare.”
To address these inequalities, Tagnawa has been instrumental in providing essential resources in native languages, facilitating health assessments, and organising mental health workshops. Meanwhile, the non-profit Maui Roots Reborn is offering “know your rights” training, establishing a rapid response network, and creating stability within the immigrant community.
Why it Matters
The ongoing struggle in Lahaina serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community in the face of adversity. As residents band together to rebuild their town, their fight highlights the necessity of prioritising local needs over tourist dollars, especially in a world increasingly affected by climate change. The resilience and determination of Lahaina’s residents not only set a precedent for recovery but also challenge policymakers to rethink their approach to disaster response and community support. The future of Lahaina hangs in the balance, and it is the community’s collective strength that will determine its fate.
