Lahaina, Hawaii – Mikey Burke, a fourth-generation Lahainan and Native Hawaiian, faced the devastating loss of her home in the Maui wildfires last August. As a mother of six, she is now struggling to rebuild due to overwhelming costs after her rental assistance expired. Desperate for resources, Burke sought an extension but was denied, leaving her no choice but to navigate a challenging path forward.

The aftermath of the wildfires in Lahaina has left many lifelong residents grappling with the decision to either leave their beloved hometown or find a way to stay despite mounting challenges. Homeowners who exhausted their rental assistance post-fire now find themselves in a dire situation with expiring financial aid, escalating rents, and a gap in insurance coverage for rebuilding costs.

Throughout Lahaina, homeowners like Burke are encountering obstacles in accessing assistance, with bureaucratic delays prolonging the process of obtaining critical aid. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s requirements for applying for rental assistance only add to the frustrations, leaving individuals like Burke in a precarious financial situation.

FEMA Regional Administrator Bob Fenton acknowledged the complexities surrounding assistance approvals, noting that varying factors contribute to the timeline. As more Lahaina residents juggle mortgage payments, rent, and other expenses, the prospect of rebuilding their homes becomes increasingly daunting, especially in a landscape of soaring rents and limited resources on the island.

In response to the housing crisis post-wildfires, community groups and nonprofits have stepped in to provide essential support to survivors. The Lahaina Community Land Trust, co-led by Burke, has initiated programs to help bridge the gap between insurance settlements and rebuilding costs for homeowners. This grassroots effort aims to address the urgent needs of residents while preserving the local community’s ties to the land.

As Lahaina residents like Burke navigate the arduous process of rebuilding, they are met with challenges at every turn, from bureaucratic hurdles to financial constraints. Despite the setbacks, individuals like Earle Kukahiko and Jeremy DelosReyes remain resilient, finding solace in their connection to the land and their determination to rebuild their lives in Lahaina.

The Lahaina wildfires have not only wrought physical devastation but have also triggered a broader exodus of Native Hawaiians from the state. The long-term impacts of the disaster extend beyond the immediate aftermath, raising questions about the future of Lahaina and its indigenous population. As the community grapples with the complexities of recovery and displacement, the Lahaina Community Land Trust endeavors to provide a beacon of hope in a time of uncertainty.