Lahaina, Maui is a place of timeless charm, vibrant and picturesque sunsets, and bustling tourist attractions. In the heart of Lahaina, near the shore, lies Front Street. Front Street was always bustling with activity, not only with tourists, but also with locals. For many, Front Street in Lahaina was not just a place – it was home. It was a sense of belonging to a close-knit community based on cultural values and traditions.
As the country continues to rebuild, state and local governments must listen to the voices of local people, including the perspective of youth, to ensure a future that upholds community values and aspirations.
The devastating wildfires in Lahaina last August destroyed generations of history and left an estimated $5.52 billion in damage to homes and other structures. Maui County officials expect reconstruction to take about 10 years, with six of those years devoted to rebuilding underground infrastructure.
As Maui County rebuilds Lahaina, new challenges have arisen that could extend the planned timeline.
One particular issue that must be considered is sea level rise and shoreline erosion. As sea levels rise, buildings will need to be moved further inland. Another issue is the excavation of iwi – sacred Hawaiian burial sites. Extensive excavation will need to be done to repair sewer systems and water lines, but locating iwi will lengthen the process. We must also recognize that while rebuilding Lahaina is a top priority, there are other issues that require attention, such as rebuilding from the Kula wildfires. During the Lahaina wildfires, homes further inland were destroyed and damaged by another fire.
But Maui County cannot rebuild our island alone. Nor should it proceed with rebuilding efforts without adequately involving the community in the decision-making process. Government leaders must include and respect local voices to restore trust and ensure that rebuilding is done in a way that truly reflects the needs of the community.
We need the help of locals to voice their opinions on how we want our island to be rebuilt. We are rebuilding this historic town not only for ourselves, but for our younger generations and our ancestors who built this town for us. Lahaina not only attracted visitors and tourists, but also our people. It was Maui’s melting pot of peoples where we could share and exchange our culture. We need the voices of locals to come together to rebuild our town and shape our future.
As the youth of the County of Maui, we must also bring our collective visions for our new Lahaina. The voices of our youth have expressed their concerns and hopes to rebuild Lahaina as an environmentally friendly and green community. As Hawaii’s younger generation, we have a responsibility to come together to ensure that Lahaina is rebuilt not only for us, but for our ancestors and the generations to come.
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Makana Kina and Tseska Denyse Ocana are graduates of Maui High School, class of 2024.
“Raise Your Hand,” a monthly column about Hawaii’s youth and their prospects, appears in the Insight section the first Sunday of every month and is published by the Center for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
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