4 minute read
Maui has Changed, but God Remains Faithful
by Pastor David Kapaku
Just over a year ago, Maui was changed forever. August 8, 2024, is considered a Day of Infamy, a day no one wants repeated. Lahaina, a historic town, was devastated as fire engulfed a two-mile stretch of businesses and residences, leaving ashes and smoldering lumber the next day. Cemented structures charred by the blazes stood erect, protruding from their foundations like cemetery gravestones reminding us of what was.
That was a year ago. So, here's an update of the slow recovery since then.
Clean up is almost completed. The Environmental Protection Agency has been tirelessly working hard to remove toxic and hazardous materials which are being caravaned over to central Maui for burial earmarked by the state and county. Landscapers, cutting burnt trees down, completed their contract at the end of July.
Some of the areas that have been cleaned up are seeing residents slowly move back on their property. Many are staying in campers, vehicles, tents, makeshift buildings, etc.
One of the reasons people are beginning to transition back to their property is cost of living. Rent is outrageous. A one bedroom/one bathroom can rent anywhere from $3500-$8000 a month; two-bedroom two bath $4000-$10,000; and a three-bedroom three bath $8000-$12,000 a month. Many who lost their homes in the fire were underinsured but still have to pay the mortgage on a home that does not exist. Therefore, many have left Maui due to the high cost of lodging.
Those who left, about ten to fifteen thousand or more residents, left a large dent in the workforce. While tourism is on the uptick, workers in the food and lodging industry are missing. Wages are low in comparison to the high cost of living on Maui.
The displaced are still being moved around due to hotels and other lodging accommodators opening up for tourism. FEMA is still working with the displaced. The good news is that temporary housing is being built. The hope is that the displaced will move into these dwellings. FEMA and Red Cross are slowly fading out. At this time, it is mostly the Red Cross. Now, it's up to the community where they go from here.
Monthly community meetings are ongoing, and the crowds are huge and intense. The state and county governments are assisting residents through created programs. Monies are available for necessities. Law firms are advertising lawsuits against the utility company, county and state governments, and anyone else they can sue.
The main road (Honoapiilani Road) that existed before the new bypass, has been closed for a year. That means the only way in or out of Lahaina is via the bypass. Good news, the main road will reopen August 1. This will bring much traffic relief. Pray the State will continue extending the bypass west.
The recent count of those who passed away due to the Lahaina Fire comes to 102. Pictures of the deceased are displayed along the bypass. These are a melting pot of ethnicities, ages and occupations; each contributing to what makes Maui special.
This morning, I woke up at 3 a.m., drank two cups of tea and waited for the sun to climb over the mountain. As the night yielded itself to the dawn, I stepped onto the porch, sat down with my cup of tea and witnessed the dew on the front lawn. And it reminded me of a simple truth in Lamentations 3:22-23, "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness."
To the churches and people who donated and supported the relief effort, thank you. We continue the hard work of restoring people while we show them God’s great compassion.
And to this I say, Amen.
