Would-be buyers are defying the prohibition and making offers to purchase land that was ravaged by deadly wildfires in Maui last month, according to Hawaii Governor, Josh Green. Despite the state's warning against such bids, several individuals have expressed interest in buying the land and destroyed buildings in towns like Lahaina. Governor Green's administration is currently investigating these unsolicited offers and the people behind them. Speculations arose among Maui residents affected by the devastation, who feared that developers might seize the opportunity to snatch up land and alter the island's way of life.
Unsolicited Offers Ignite Concerns
Residents who lost their homes, jobs, and belongings during the wildfires are anxiously awaiting government assistance and insurance support. However, their fear is that these individuals may be tempted to sell their land to outsiders seeking to rebuild and profit from the tragedy. This could potentially lead to an exodus of Native Hawaiians and the erasure of the area's rich Hawaiian cultural history. Sterling Higa, the executive director of Housing Hawaii’s Future, a nonprofit organization addressing the workforce housing shortage, expressed concern over people making critical decisions in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
Protecting Maui's Land and Residents
To address these concerns, Governor Green is committed to safeguarding Maui residents from developers who might take advantage of their vulnerability. He has sought the assistance of the attorney general to monitor for predatory practices and provide expert legal advice to residents. Governor Green vows not to allow individuals who have exploited the residents to build, rezone, or undertake any activities that would disregard the local community's interests. The focus of rebuilding efforts will be on benefiting the local people of Maui.
Governor Green's emergency proclamation, issued on August 19th, explicitly prohibits unsolicited offers to purchase or acquire any interest in real properties located in the areas affected by the wildfires. Anyone found guilty of violating this prohibition may face imprisonment of up to one year and fines of up to $5,000. The governor remains steadfast in his commitment to protect the land and preserve the local way of life.
The Land's Value and the Road to Recovery
According to estimates provided by the Pacific Disaster Center and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more than 2,200 structures across 2,170 acres were destroyed in the Lahaina fire. In Kula, the fire affected 678 acres. Experts estimate the cost of rebuilding Lahaina to be around $5.52 billion, while rebuilding Kula may cost approximately $434 million. The Olinda fire impacted an estimated 1,081 acres, according to Maui County officials.
The devastation caused by the wildfires has left a deep impact on Maui and its residents. The road to recovery will involve not only physical rebuilding but also the preservation of the island's cultural heritage and the protection of the local community.
Hawaii governor condemns land buying in Maui
This photo provided by the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources shows burnt areas in Lahaina on Maui island, Hawaii, following a wildfire.
A girl rides her bike past a sign that says "Tourist Keep Out," in Lahaina, Hawaii, Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023.
The aftermath of the wildfires in Maui has brought numerous challenges to the residents' lives. However, with the commitment of Governor Green and the resilience of the local community, the future holds hope for the island's recovery and the preservation of its cherished heritage.
