Josephine Fraser was concerned that her family would end up living in a tent. Moving multiple times in the span of nine months, she, her partner, two sons, and their dog had been living in hotel rooms ever since Lahaina, on Maui, was devastated by the deadliest U.S. wildfire in a century. With just 24 hours notice at times, they were constantly on the move without a clear destination.
As the Red Cross warned of the impending end of the hotel shelter program, Fraser struggled to explain to her 3-year-old why they couldn’t return home. “He just kept asking, ‘Why?’” she said. “It really broke me.”
Since the wildfire on August 8, 2023, Maui residents, including Fraser, have faced a year of uncertainty, with some forced to flee into the ocean to escape the destruction in Lahaina. The impact of the fire, which claimed at least 102 lives and displaced 12,000 people, has been felt deeply in the community.
Efforts by government and nonprofit organizations to provide temporary solutions for displaced residents have been commendable. From hotel rooms to prefabricated homes, the collaboration has been unprecedented in keeping the community together. However, with a housing market already strained by vacation rentals, finding long-term shelter for survivors remains a challenge even a year later.
While progress has been made in moving survivors from hotels into other accommodations, the high cost of condos and the slow pace of developing temporary homes have hindered the process. Many households have already left for other islands or states, leading to concerns about the future stability of the community.
Disaster housing experts acknowledge the importance of preserving the local culture and community cohesion in the face of such challenges. With ongoing efforts to provide transitional and long-term housing, including converting vacation rentals to long-term rentals, there is hope for a sustainable recovery in Lahaina.
As the community looks towards rebuilding and finding a sense of normalcy, Fraser and her family have found temporary housing in Kahului. While the location is not ideal for her job in Lahaina, Fraser remains grateful for having a roof over their heads and a place for her kids to play. “Lahaina is our home,” she emphasized.
The story of Lahaina serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. With a concerted effort from government agencies, nonprofits, and the community itself, there is hope for a brighter future for those affected by the wildfire in Maui.
