Josephine Fraser feared her young family might end up living in a tent after the deadliest wildfire in a century ravaged Lahaina, Maui. The fire, which occurred on August 8, 2023, forced Fraser, her partner, their two sons, and their dog to move nine times in as many months, often with just 24 hours’ notice.
With the Red Cross warning that their hotel shelter program would soon end, Fraser struggled to explain to her 3-year-old why they couldn’t return home. “He just kept asking, ‘Why?’ It really broke me,” she said.
Thousands of Maui residents have faced similar uncertainties since the wildfire, which killed at least 102 people and displaced 12,000. Various government and nonprofit organizations have offered temporary housing solutions, including hotel rooms, leased apartments, prefabricated homes, and financial incentives for families to take in loved ones.
The effort, expected to cost over $500 million in two years, has been unprecedented in its cooperation among federal, state, county, and philanthropic organizations to keep the community together. However, the island’s reliance on tourism and the scarcity of affordable housing have made it challenging to find long-term shelter for survivors.
While nearly all 8,000 survivors initially housed in hotels have moved to other accommodations, many now reside in costly condos once rented to tourists, far from their jobs and schools. Efforts to develop temporary homes have been slowed by obstacles like toxic debris, material procurement from distant locations, and infrastructure installation.
As many as 1,500 households have relocated to other islands or states. Locals fear more will leave if stable, affordable housing remains elusive, threatening the cultural fabric of Hawaii. “That’s what’s at stake, is the future of who Hawaii is,” said Kuhio Lewis, CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.
Gov. Josh Green emphasized the state’s efforts to build transitional and long-term housing, convert vacation rentals to long-term rentals, and quickly settle lawsuits to help survivors rebuild. A $4 billion settlement was reached with plaintiffs recently.
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has built 16 modular units in Lahaina and 50 in Kahului, where Fraser’s family moved in May. Though inconvenient for Fraser’s job in Lahaina, the small, two-bedroom unit provides a sense of stability and a place for her children to play. “Lahaina is our home,” she said.
The broader question is how far governments should go to keep communities together after disasters, especially as climate change increases the frequency and severity of such events. Experts like Shannon Van Zandt of Texas A&M University stress the importance of community for livelihoods and mental health.
Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After The Fire, noted that FEMA’s efforts to keep the Maui community intact are unprecedented. FEMA has leased homes for over 1,200 households and provided subsidies to 500 others, despite challenges from the high prevalence of vacation rentals. In October, FEMA increased its rental rates by 75% to entice landlords, but this has also driven up the rental market for those seeking housing independently.
To address the housing shortage, Maui’s mayor has proposed eliminating vacation rentals in areas zoned for apartments. Additionally, FEMA and the Hawaii Community Foundation are constructing modular homes for residents, with move-ins starting in October.
Lucy Reardon, who lost her home in the fire, chose to stay on Maui despite offers to relocate temporarily. The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement eventually moved her family into a two-bedroom apartment in West Maui, where her daughter can attend kindergarten with her cousins.
The council also provides financial support to families housing displaced relatives, which has helped people like Tamara Akiona, who lost her multigenerational home in Lahaina. Akiona’s family took in her uncle, with the monthly stipend covering food and other expenses.
With stable housing, Fraser’s family is finding a new routine. While she works during the day, her partner takes care of their sons, and they swap roles at night. “It’s awesome to have a roof, somewhere to call home,” Fraser said. “At least for now, until we go back into Lahaina.”
