Josephine Fraser’s worst fear was that her family would end up living in a tent. The devastating wildfire that destroyed Lahaina, Maui, forced them to move nine times in nine months, from one hotel room to another. The uncertainty of not knowing where they would be relocated next was a constant source of stress for Fraser, her partner, two sons, and their dog.
As the Red Cross warned that the hotel shelter program was coming to an end, Fraser struggled to explain to her 3-year-old son why they couldn’t return home. The impact of the wildfire, which claimed at least 102 lives and displaced 12,000 people, has left many on Maui in a state of anxious uncertainty.
Government and nonprofit organizations have been working tirelessly to provide temporary solutions for displaced residents, including hotel rooms, apartment leases, prefabricated homes, and financial assistance. The collaborative effort aims to keep the community together, but challenges remain due to the limited availability of affordable housing in a market dominated by vacation rentals.
Despite efforts to provide alternative accommodations for survivors, many are still struggling to find stable, affordable homes close to their jobs and schools. Construction of temporary housing has been hampered by various obstacles, leading some households to relocate to other islands or states in search of better living conditions.
The future of Hawaii’s culture and community is at stake as housing costs continue to drive residents away. Efforts are underway to build transitional and long-term housing, convert vacation rentals to long-term options, and provide settlements to fire survivors to aid in the rebuilding process.
Fraser and her family were fortunate to secure a modular unit in Kahului, offering them a sense of stability and a place to call home. While the location is not ideal for Fraser’s job in Lahaina, she remains grateful for the opportunity to provide a safe environment for her children.
The challenges faced by Lahaina residents underscore the importance of community support in the aftermath of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. The efforts made by government agencies, nonprofits, and FEMA to keep people on the island and provide housing solutions reflect a commitment to preserving community ties in the face of adversity.
While the road to recovery is long and arduous, the resilience and determination of survivors like Fraser and others demonstrate the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
McAvoy reported from Honolulu. Freelance journalist Mengshin Lin shot drone video accompanying this story.
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