Multiple Hawaii Public Radio reports mark the three-year anniversary of the Lahaina wildfire, capturing the ongoing struggles of residents and the federal response. U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda visited Lahaina for the July 2026 Lahaina Homecoming and spoke about coordinating with state and county officials on rebuilding efforts, while residents like Mikey Burke described the emotional and financial challenges of returning home.
- The Maui community marked three years since the August 2023 wildfire destroyed Lahaina, with recovery still far from complete.
- U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda attended the July 2026 Lahaina Homecoming and met with Front Street business owners and landowners, who expressed frustration and anger about the pace of rebuilding.
- Tokuda has since held meetings with the state historic preservation office, county officials, and others to address barriers to rebuilding both homes and Lahaina’s economic engine.
- Tokuda emphasized that debris removal does not automatically enable rebuilding, describing recovery as treating ‘the disaster that comes after the disaster.’
- Lahaina resident Mikey Burke described ‘coming home’ as multilayered — requiring both a rebuilt house and a restored community with spaces to gather. (Hawaii Public Radio)
- Burke and her husband are owner-building their home after receiving a permit, citing insufficient funds to hire a contractor, and described the process as a steep learning curve. (Hawaii Public Radio)
- Burke noted that many neighbors in her newer neighborhood have already rebuilt, but she had avoided returning to her street for most of the three years since the fire. (Hawaii Public Radio)
Sources
- Hawaii Public Radio: Rep. Jill Tokuda visits Lahaina three years after the fire
- Hawaii Public Radio: Rep. Jill Tokuda visits Lahaina three years after the fire
- Hawaii Public Radio: Lahaina voices: ‘Coming home for me is multilayered’
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