If you ask a high school senior in Hawaii where they are headed for college, their likely answer is somewhere on the mainland. Hawaii is a beautiful place with fresh local food, strong community ties, and a deep sense of ohana found nowhere else. Why, then, would anyone want to leave such a close-knit and peaceful community for somewhere they have never lived before? Simply put, the answer is the lack of good job opportunities.
The following editorial was originally published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Sunday, July 6th as part of the “Raise Your Hand” column in the Insight section.
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By Makana Kina and Tseska Denyse Ocana, Maui High School, c/o 2024
Maui’s Lahaina is a place of timeless charm, vibrant and picturesque sunsets, and
bustling tourist attractions. At the heart of Lahaina near the shoreline lies Front Street. Front
Street was constantly energetic with not only tourists but locals. For many, Lahaina’s Front
Street wasn’t just a place — it was home. It was a sense of belonging in a tight-knit community
built on cultural values and traditions. As state and local government continue their rebuilding
efforts, they must incorporate the voices of locals, including the perspective of youth, to ensure
a future that honors community values and aspirations.
The devastating August wildfires in Lahaina last year destroyed generations of history
and left an estimated $5.52 billion in damages to homes and other buildings. Maui County
officials anticipate the rebuilding to take approximately 10 years to complete. Six of these years
will be dedicated to reconstructing underground infrastructure.
As the County of Maui rebuilds Lahaina, new challenges have emerged that may
prolong the anticipated time frame. One particular issue that should be considered is sea level
rise and shoreline erosion. As the sea level rises, buildings will need to be pushed back further
inland. Another concern is the unearthing of iwi — sacred Hawaiian burials. Major digging will
need to be done to fix sewer systems and water lines, but finding iwi will lengthen the process.
We also need to recognize that although rebuilding Lahaina is a main priority, there are other
issues that need attention such as rebuilding after the Kula wildfires. During the Lahaina
wildfires, homes Upcountry were being destroyed and damaged by a separate fire.
But the County of Maui can’t rebuild our ‘aina on their own. Nor should they forge ahead
with reconstruction efforts without properly engaging residents in the decision-making process.
Government leaders must include and respect the voices of locals to rebuild trust and ensure
that the reconstruction is done in a way that is truly reflective of the needs of the community.
We need the help of locals to give their opinions on how they want to see our island
rebuilt. We are rebuilding this historic town for not only ourselves but also for our younger
generations as well as our ancestors who have built this town for us. Lahaina not only attracted
visitors and tourists, but also our people. It was Maui’s melting pot of diverse people where we
could share and exchange our culture with one another. To come together, we need residents'
voices to restore our town and create our future.
As the youth in the County of Maui, we must also muster our collective visions on our
new Lahaina. The voices of our youth have expressed their sorrows and aspirations of
rebuilding Lahaina as an eco-friendly and green community. As the younger generation of
Hawaii, we have the responsibility to come together to ensure that Lahaina is rebuilt for not only
ourselves but our ancestors and the future generations to come.
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