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In the wake of devastating wildfires and subsequent storms, the community of Lahaina, Maui, is mounting a powerful grassroots movement to reclaim their town from the grip of disaster capitalism. With a focus on prioritising local needs over tourist demands, residents are determined to rebuild Lahaina into a space that reflects their heritage and supports their community, not just the influx of visitors.
A Community Under Siege
The catastrophic wildfires of 2023, which claimed over 100 lives and annihilated more than 2,000 structures, left Lahaina in ruins. Nearly three years later, the area is still grappling with the repercussions, exacerbated by severe flooding from recent storms—the worst in two decades. Streets have transformed into rushing torrents, while sinkholes have swallowed vehicles, compounding the already dire situation.
Paele Kiakona, an activist with Lahaina Strong, highlights that many locals were already precariously hanging on before these calamities struck. With poverty and unemployment rampant, the aftermath of the fires and floods has only deepened the crisis.
A Grassroots Reawakening
Despite the challenges, Lahaina residents are resolute in their mission to safeguard their community against future climate crises and rebuild in a way that honours their local identity. Grassroots initiatives like Kaiāulu Initiatives are taking steps to restore native plant life, addressing the ecological degradation that has made the area more vulnerable to wildfires. Meanwhile, the Nā ’Aikāne o Maui Cultural Center is working to ensure that ongoing redevelopment respects and incorporates Native Hawaiian heritage, particularly along Front Street, the town’s historical commercial hub.
In December, a landmark decision by the local city council to phase out 7,000 vacation rentals—15% of the island’s housing stock—marked a significant victory for community organisers. This legislation is designed to create housing opportunities for fire survivors and locals, a critical step towards ensuring that residents can reclaim their home.
A Focus on Local Needs
The struggle for recovery has been compounded by an alarming exodus of residents. Since the fires, around 3,400 locals have left Lahaina, driven out by inadequate insurance payouts, inconsistent federal assistance, and skyrocketing rents. Community advocates are now working tirelessly to change that narrative, emphasising the importance of creating a Lahaina that prioritises its residents.
After the fires, Lahaina Strong launched a bold encampment on Kāʻanapali beach, protesting the local government’s apparent preference for tourists over the needs of fire survivors. Their perseverance led to fruitful discussions with local leaders, culminating in a proposal to eliminate short-term rentals by 2029.
Kiakona, who is now running for a seat in the Hawaii state legislature, believes that if the community does not advocate for itself, they risk losing their identity. “We’ve put so much effort into making things better for our home that the status quo would be the end of us, again,” he warns.
Building a Future Together
Central to these efforts is the Lahaina Community Land Trust, which aims to keep property ownership local by purchasing homes for sale and reselling them to residents at affordable prices. This initiative not only seeks to combat housing instability but also aims to foster a deeper connection between the community and the land.
Autumn Ness, the trust’s executive director, stresses that their mission extends beyond providing affordable housing; it is about restoring a relationship with the ‘āina (land) that is steeped in the rich history of Lahaina.
However, the journey towards recovery is fraught with challenges, especially for vulnerable groups within the community, such as the Filipino immigrant population, which constitutes about 40% of Lahaina’s residents. Many face barriers to accessing essential resources and support.
Organisations like Tagnawa are stepping in to bridge these gaps, providing disaster relief and advocating for the rights of immigrant families. Their work is critical, especially as increased ICE operations have instilled fear within these communities, complicating their recovery from the fires.
Why it Matters
The plight of Lahaina serves as a stark reminder of the power of community action in the face of disaster. As residents strive to rebuild their town with a focus on local needs, they are not just fighting for homes; they are reclaiming their identity and establishing a blueprint for resilience against the climate crisis. This story underscores the importance of prioritising community voices and local heritage in recovery efforts, not just in Lahaina but across all areas facing similar challenges. The resilience demonstrated by Lahaina’s residents is a testament to their unwavering spirit and collective resolve to create a sustainable future that truly serves its people.
