Josephine Fraser and her family have faced uncertainty and displacement since the devastating U.S. wildfire in Lahaina on Maui a year ago. The deadly fire took the lives of at least 102 people and left 12,000 homeless. With the Red Cross warning that the hotel shelter program was ending, families like Fraser’s were struggling to find stable housing solutions.
Government and nonprofit organizations have collaborated to provide temporary housing options, such as hotel rooms, leased apartments, and prefabricated homes, costing over $500 million over two years. However, the housing market challenges on the island, exacerbated by a shortage of affordable homes and vacation rentals dominating the market, have hindered efforts to secure long-term housing for survivors.
Efforts to finish temporary housing developments have been hampered by obstacles like clearing toxic debris, sourcing materials, and installing essential infrastructure. As a result, some households have already relocated to other islands or states, raising concerns about the potential cultural impact of losing local residents.
Despite these challenges, initiatives are underway to build transitional and long-term housing units, convert vacation rentals into long-term residences, and expedite settlements for fire survivors to aid in the reconstruction process. FEMA has played a significant role in providing rentals for households without insurance coverage for fire-related losses.
Community leaders stress the importance of keeping residents together after such calamities. Organizations like the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement are constructing modular units to offer stable housing solutions for displaced families like Fraser’s. With stable housing, families can start rebuilding their lives and maintaining a sense of community.
Despite the hurdles faced in the aftermath of the wildfire, efforts are ongoing to support survivors and ensure they can stay on the island. The collaborative approach of government, nonprofit groups, and federal agencies reflects a commitment to rallying behind affected communities and working towards long-term solutions for displaced families in Lahaina, Maui.
One year post-Maui wildfire: Recovery hindered by housing shortage and expensive vacation rentals
