Rebuilding Lahaina: Native Hawaiian Families Struggle Amid Rising Costs and Expired Assistance
Mikey Burke, a Native Hawaiian from Lahaina, lost her home in the Maui wildfires last August. She wants to rebuild for her family of six, but the costs are too high, especially after her rental assistance ended two months ago. When Burke sought an extension, it was denied. She couldn’t access FEMA aid until her rent was due.
Many Lahaina residents face a tough choice: leave their hometown or find a way to stay. After the wildfires, rental assistance from insurance policies ended in October, leaving homeowners struggling with rising rents and rebuilding costs.
Burke expected insurance companies to extend their benefits, but they did not. Homeowners like her must use all their loss of use (LOU) and additional living expense (ALE) benefits before they can apply for FEMA aid. This leaves many without adequate financial support.
“Just a couple of months ago, we felt like we could breathe,” said Kukui Keahi, a fire survivor. Now, residents face uncertainty again. Burke pays $3,100 for her mortgage and $7,600 in rent, a situation that makes her consider leaving Lahaina.
The federal government has worked to move fire survivors from hotels to stable housing. However, homeowners often feel they receive less help than renters. Maui County Councilmember Tamara Paltin noted this disparity in assistance.
Burke and other homeowners now juggle multiple payments while trying to rebuild their homes. Meanwhile, rental prices on Maui have skyrocketed, with some survivors paying nearly double what they did before the fires.
Survivors face a worsening housing crisis. Since the fires, many have had to leave Maui. Surveys show that nearly a quarter of Native Hawaiians born in Hawaii now live on the mainland U.S., highlighting the ongoing struggle to remain in their home communities.
How can residents of Lahaina access assistance for rebuilding their homes after the wildfires?
Interview with Mikey burke: Rebuilding Hope Amidst Challenges in Lahaina
News Director: Today, we are speaking with Mikey Burke, a Native Hawaiian from Lahaina who lost her home in the devastating wildfires last August.Mikey, thank you for joining us. Can you start by sharing your experiance after the fires and the current challenges you face?
Mikey Burke: Thank you for having me. The wildfires were a nightmare that changed everything for my family. Losing our home has been incredibly tough, especially as I work to support my family of six. Once the fires happened, we expected to receive help, especially from insurance, but it didn’t come through as I had hoped.
news Director: You mentioned that your rental assistance ended, and your request for an extension was denied. What impact has that had on your housing situation?
Mikey Burke: It’s been overwhelming. After my rental assistance ended two months ago, I’m now paying $3,100 for my mortgage alongside $7,600 in rent. The numbers just don’t add up, and I feel like I’m forced to consider leaving Lahaina, which is heartbreaking.
News Director: Many homeowners in Lahaina face similar situations, with rising rents and high rebuilding costs. How do you feel about the support available for homeowners compared to renters?
Mikey Burke: there’s a huge disparity in assistance. The federal government has focused on moving fire survivors from hotels to stable housing, but homeowners like myself frequently enough feel overlooked. We have to exhaust our insurance benefits, like loss of use (LOU) and additional living expenses (ALE), before we can even access FEMA aid. It just doesn’t seem fair when everyone is struggling to rebuild their lives.
News Director: Despite these challenges, you’re actively involved in the Lahaina Community Land Trust. Can you tell us more about your efforts there?
Mikey Burke: Absolutely.Co-leading the Lahaina Community Land Trust has been a way for me to contribute and help others in our community. We’re trying to support homeowners facing financial struggles and provide options for those who want to stay or sell their land at fair market value. It’s vital for us to connect with our land and nurture our community ties.
news Director: The situation seems dire, with many families considering leaving Maui. What do you think the future holds for Lahaina residents?
mikey burke: It’s uncertain.Many families have already left, seeking stability and chance on the mainland. That said, I believe there’s still hope. Our community is resilient, and through local initiatives and support networks, we’re trying to hold on to our heritage and rebuild. Every bit of help we provide to one another makes a difference.
News Director: Thank you for sharing your story and insights, Mikey. Your leadership and determination to help your community are truly inspiring.We wish you and your family the best as you navigate this challenging time.
Mikey burke: Thank you.I appreciate the opportunity to shed light on our situation. Together, we can rebuild and create a brighter future for our community in Lahaina.
Bert Noury, a Lahaina native, relocated to Orlando, Florida, but he faces challenges with FEMA support. “I want to go back home,” he said, emphasizing a desire for stability.
Earle Kukahiko, another Lahaina resident, is eager to rebuild. He has secured one of the temporary homes, but he awaits permits and must deal with high costs.
Community groups are stepping in to help survivors bridge gaps in funding. Burke co-leads the Lahaina Community Land Trust, which aims to assist homeowners with financial struggles. The group offers options for residents who want to stay or sell their land at fair market value.
Local initiatives encourage reconnecting with the land and plants native species, which helps foster community ties. Helping others has become a way for many to cope with their loss and rebuild their lives.
The Lahaina Community Land Trust recently acquired its first property. Despite these efforts, many families still face tough decisions about their future. The situation in Lahaina reflects the broader challenges Native Hawaiians encounter in maintaining their communities.