The aftermath of the Maui wildfires has placed many Lahaina families in jeopardy as they struggle to find homes.
Families are confronting tough choices as they face expired insurance benefits, high rent, and insufficient aid while attempting to rebuild their lives, NBC News reported.
Mikey Burke, a fourth-generation resident of Lahaina, lost her home to the fires last August. As a native Hawaiian, she now finds herself overwhelmed by the costs associated with rebuilding. Her insurance benefits expired after a year, leaving her without crucial financial support as she attempts to restore her family's home.
The challenges do not end there for Burke. Her rental assistance ran out two months ago, and her request for an extension was denied. Although she tried to get FEMA assistance, she only received approval after her rent was due, highlighting delays and bureaucratic hurdles faced by survivors.
The residents of Lahaina are contemplating difficult decisions about their futures. Many survivors have already left West Maui, with some moving to the continental U.S. or overseas. Financial constraints heavily influence these decisions, as many find it harder to stay due to high rental rates.
Insurance companies further compounded the struggle by not extending the loss of use and additional living expense benefits beyond 12 months. For homeowners like Burke, these policies create a disparity when compared to the perceived preferential treatment for renters under federal housing programs.
According to the data, rents for similar homes on Maui have increased by 43% to 80% compared to pre-fire rates, making it difficult for many to afford to stay. Former Lahaina resident Bert Noury utilized FEMA relocation programs to move to another state, though faced difficulties with timely rent payments during his transition.
To address these challenges, grassroots efforts are being made to bridge financial gaps for those rebuilding. The newly formed Lahaina Community Land Trust aims to support residents by acquiring properties to help keep land within the local community. Their primary mission is to combat fears that displaced residents may never return.
Bob Fenton noted, "Those that have insurance are probably in a much better situation than those that have nothing.” Meanwhile, Jeremy DelosReyes, another displaced resident, faces similar difficulties as insurance payouts fall short of current construction costs. Despite knowing how to construct a home for $400,000, he recognizes the lifelong debt he incurs in calling in all the favors he can muster from friends and family.
Residents like Earle Kukahiko are determined to stay. Despite his ALE benefits running out, Kukahiko works diligently to rebuild on his ancestral land. He often remarks to others about taking care of the land even when no house stands.
Others find solace in community support and advocacy. Mikey Burke, acknowledging the emotional toll, says that engaging in community activities has been both a coping mechanism and a natural duty, or “kuleana.” Tamara Paltin and other residents express frustration at what they perceive as inadequate assistance for homeowners compared to renters.
Bert Noury shared his struggle by stating, “We’ve been using every single dollar that we’ve saved over the years to give our family a roof and stability, but I want to go back home. I want to save up money again and live at home.”
Local leaders recognize the ongoing struggle. Carolyn Auweloa expresses concern about the long-term implications, lamenting the prospect of long-term displacement as families struggle to return home amid escalating rents and housing shortages.
As residents grapple with difficult decisions, the situation seems to worsen. Community member Kukui Keahi encapsulates the sentiment, noting that there are lingering uncertainties now that the initial crisis stage seems to have passed. People continue to hang on as long as they can before they reach their breaking point.
The pressures on Lahaina families to find affordable housing post-fire remain high, with many navigating limited federal aid and exponentially rising rents.
Efforts to overcome the obstacles are met with determination and community resilience, as families endeavor to reclaim what they lost and rebuild their futures.
