In the wake of devastating wildfires and subsequent storms that have plagued Lahaina, Maui, local residents are rallying together to reshape their town with an emphasis on community resilience rather than tourism. Following the deadliest fires in US history in 2023, which claimed over 100 lives and destroyed thousands of homes, Lahaina’s inhabitants are determined to rebuild their community infrastructure to serve locals first, fostering a stronger, more sustainable future.
Recent Challenges and Community Mobilisation
In March 2026, Lahaina faced severe flooding, the worst in two decades, which exacerbated the already fragile situation following the catastrophic fires. Muddy waters transformed streets into rivers, causing significant damage and even creating sinkholes that swallowed vehicles whole. Many families are still displaced, living in temporary accommodations as they attempt to navigate the complexities of recovery.
Paele Kiakona, an activist with the grassroots organisation Lahaina Strong, reported that many residents were already struggling before these disasters struck. “So many people were hanging on by a thread as it is,” he stated, highlighting the precarious nature of life for many in the community.
Despite these hardships, Lahaina’s residents have shown remarkable resolve. They are collaborating to mitigate the effects of future climate crises while focusing on rebuilding their town. For example, initiatives like Kaiāulu Initiatives are introducing native plants to restore the land, which has suffered from years of water diversion, making it more vulnerable to fires. Meanwhile, the Nā ’Aikāne o Maui Cultural Center is guiding efforts to redevelop Front Street, ensuring that the area honours its Native Hawaiian heritage.
Legislative Wins for Locals
One of the most significant victories for local activists came in December 2024, when the city council approved a groundbreaking law aimed at phasing out 7,000 vacation rentals on Maui, which constitutes approximately 15% of the island’s housing stock. This legislation is designed to provide housing for fire survivors and locals, a move that Kiakona described as “unheard of.”
“We passed legislation as community members,” he said, pointing to the grassroots nature of their efforts. “We’re just community members organising from the bottom up, bringing our people in.”
The fires and recent flooding have underscored the necessity for self-sufficiency, with residents stepping in to assist one another when official aid was slow. Kiakona recounted community members banding together to clear debris and divert floodwaters, showcasing the spirit of cooperation that characterises Lahaina.
Prioritising Local Needs Over Tourism
The aftermath of the fires brought a critical concern for local advocates: the fear that recovery efforts would favour tourists over the very residents who suffered. Since the fires, around 3,400 individuals have left the island, exacerbated by inadequate insurance payouts and soaring housing costs.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, Lahaina Strong staged protests to demand long-term housing solutions for fire survivors. Their presence on Kāʻanapali beach, camping with signs reading “fishing for housing,” starkly contrasted with the luxury resorts nearby, highlighting the local government’s prioritisation of tourism over community welfare.
Their activism bore fruit, culminating in a proposal to phase out short-term rentals by 2029, which will help ensure that locals can find affordable housing in their own community.
Ensuring a Sustainable Future
In addition to housing initiatives, the Lahaina Community Land Trust is actively working to keep property ownership local. By purchasing homes for resale to residents at affordable rates, the trust aims to combat the trend of local properties falling into the hands of investors and outsiders. Executive Director Autumn Ness explained, “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.”
To date, the trust has acquired at least 20 parcels of land for housing and plans to expand into commercial ventures that meet community needs.
Addressing Vulnerability and Immigrant Issues
While efforts to reclaim land and rehouse residents are commendable, many in Lahaina continue to face significant challenges, particularly vulnerable groups such as the Filipino immigrant community, which comprises about 40% of the town’s population. These individuals often work in multiple low-wage jobs, leaving them with limited time and resources to engage in community advocacy.
Nadine Ortega, executive director of Tagnawa, a group dedicated to supporting Filipino immigrants, noted the barriers that many face in accessing support and resources. “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,” she said.
Tagnawa has stepped in to provide essential services, connecting fire survivors with disaster relief and offering language-specific resources for mental health and community engagement.
As federal immigration actions continue to loom over the community, local organisations like Maui Roots Reborn are working on initiatives to educate residents about their rights and provide a support network for those affected by deportations.
Why it Matters
The ongoing struggle in Lahaina exemplifies a broader narrative of resilience and community empowerment in the face of adversity. As the residents work tirelessly to reclaim their town and prioritise local needs over transient tourism, they embody a powerful message: the strength of a community lies in its ability to come together, advocate for its members, and forge a sustainable path forward. The lessons learned in Lahaina may well serve as a blueprint for other communities grappling with recovery from climate-related disasters, showcasing the indomitable spirit of unity and care that defines the human experience.
