Maui’s devastating wildfire, which tore through the town of Lahaina on August 8, has claimed the lives of at least 115 people, making it the deadliest wildfire in the US in a century. Initially, over 1,000 people were considered unaccounted for, but authorities have been working tirelessly to locate those missing, with Governor Josh Green stating that the number has dropped down into the double digits. Despite this significant improvement, the tragedy has left the community reeling, with over 6,000 people staying in hotels and vacation rentals while waiting for the toxic waste to be cleaned up and rebuilding to begin.
The fire has also raised concerns about the future of Lahaina, which was already experiencing rapid gentrification. Governor Green has prohibited unsolicited offers for property in the fire-stricken town, aiming to give residents “breathing room” as they decide what to do next. The order is designed to prevent outside buyers from swooping in and purchasing properties for pennies on the dollar, which could lead to the displacement of Native Hawaiians and local-born residents who have owned properties in their families for generations.
Governor Josh Green (Via Governor Josh Green/Twitter)
The fear is that these residents would leave Lahaina, Maui, or even the state, taking their culture and traditions with them, contributing to the ongoing exodus of Hawaii’s people to less expensive places to live. Governor Green wants to keep the land in the hands of local people, giving them at least a chance to decide whether they’d like to build back. About 1,800 to 1,900 homes were destroyed in the fire, leaving many without a place to call home.
In the midst of this tragedy, Governor Green has also announced the opening of several investigations into people who have allegedly made unsolicited offers for property, violative of the new emergency order. The governor has emphasized the importance of giving residents a chance to recover and rebuild their lives, rather than being pressured to sell their properties. The outcome of these investigations will be crucial in determining the future of Lahaina and the fate of its residents.
