Lahaina Residents Struggle to Rebuild After Deadly 2023 Wildfire

The Hawaiian town of Lahaina, devastated by the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century in August 2023, continues to grapple with the aftermath of the tragedy that claimed 102 lives and displaced thousands. FRONTLINE‘s documentary “Maui‘s Deadly Firestorm” sheds light on the missed warnings, chaotic response, and ongoing recovery efforts as residents face challenges in rebuilding their lives.

In December 2024, FRONTLINE revisited residents featured in the film to document their recovery. Peggy Balisco, a Kuhua Camp resident, shared her family’s struggle to decide whether to rebuild, citing concerns about future wildfire risks. “We realized there is no place like Maui,” Balisco said, reflecting on their decision to stay despite uncertainties.

U’i Kahue, another Kuhua Camp resident, described living in makeshift conditions for months before transitioning to an RV. “We hope to rebuild soon, but there are challenges,” Kahue said, highlighting the slow progress in restoring their neighborhood.

Andrew Amano, whose family plans to rebuild in Kuhua Camp, expressed optimism but acknowledged that some neighbors have already relocated. Meanwhile, Sanford Hill, who moved to Kauai due to housing shortages, revealed his ongoing battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. “Without proper preventative measures, similar disasters might occur again,” Hill warned.

Lily Nguyen, a Lahaina resident, has been moving between locations since the fire. She hopes to reopen her restaurant in Kihei but faces delays in obtaining permits. “The Hawai‘i Interim Housing Program has been a lifeline, but rebuilding is a long process,” Nguyen said.

State and local authorities have taken steps to address wildfire risks, including appointing a state fire marshal, installing fire sensors, and upgrading utility infrastructure. Hawaiian Electric has also implemented a power safety shutoff program to mitigate fire risks during extreme weather.

However, housing remains a critical issue. A FEMA-commissioned study found that median rent in Maui increased by 44% between early 2023 and June 2024. In July 2024, the Maui Planning Commission approved a bill to convert over 7,000 short-term rentals into long-term housing to address the acute shortage.

FEMA has provided temporary housing for nearly 1,200 families, but starting March 2025, families may be required to pay rent based on their financial situation. The County of Maui has developed a recovery plan focusing on affordable housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery, aiming to ensure sustainable rebuilding efforts.

In August 2024, a $4 billion settlement was proposed to resolve over 600 cases related to the wildfire, though insurance companies are contesting the agreement in Hawai‘i’s Supreme Court. A ruling is expected in early 2025.

As Lahaina residents continue to rebuild, the community remains resilient but faces significant challenges in recovering from one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.