The recent wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii, have left a devastating impact on the community, causing loss of homes, lives, and a sense of security. As the residents grapple with the aftermath of this tragedy, they face the unsettling prospect of developers eyeing their land for personal gain. However, Governor Josh Green is determined to prevent this misfortune from becoming an opportunity for exploitation. In a series of announcements, he revealed his administration’s plans to acquire and preserve the damaged land, ensuring it is used for the benefit of the local community and future generations.

The wildfires that swept through Maui resulted in a tragic loss of 99 lives. The scale of destruction has raised concerns among officials about the potential increase in the death toll, as only a quarter of the burn area has been thoroughly searched thus far. The local residents not only mourn the loss of their homes and loved ones but also face the unsettling attention of developers looking to capitalize on their tragedy.

Tammy Kaililaau, a resident who lost her home of 20 years in the wildfires, shared a distressing account of how she received a Facebook message from someone in the real estate industry less than a week after the catastrophic event. This incident, along with warnings on social media about potential land buyouts, fueled fears among the residents. The sentiment against large corporations or wealthy individuals purchasing the land is strong, with demands for the government to intervene and protect it from development.

Governor Green is keenly aware of the concerns expressed by the community. In his efforts to safeguard the affected land from exploitation, he expressed his determination to acquire it for the benefit of the local people. His vision includes utilizing the land for workforce housing, returning it to families, or preserving it as open spaces in perpetuity as a memorial to those who lost their lives.

During a press conference, Governor Green emphasized the importance of remembering the tragedy and ensuring that it does not become a mere memory or an opportunity for foreign investors to take advantage of the situation. He stated that the government should play a pivotal role in preventing large-scale development and protecting the land for the community.

To enforce his commitment, Governor Green is exploring legal options to halt any sales of properties that have been damaged or destroyed by the wildfires. He reached out to the Attorney General to discuss the possibility of implementing a moratorium on such sales. This proactive approach signifies Governor Green’s determination to prevent any hasty and ill-informed attempts to take advantage of the situation for personal gain.

Governor Green also cautioned potential buyers about the timeline for rebuilding and growth in the area. He emphasized that it would be a significant amount of time before any development or housing can take place. His words serve as a reminder that any attempt to acquire land for exploitative purposes would be misguided and ill-informed.

Trying to take land away from our people before we’ve had a chance to grieve and rebuilt is not pono, and we will not stand for it. pic.twitter.com/gZczd1oLTo

— Governor Josh Green (@GovJoshGreenMD) August 15, 2023

Amidst the efforts to protect and rebuild the devastated land, the emotional toll on the community cannot be ignored. Governor Green acknowledged the need for time to grieve and heal before any further actions are taken. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that the community has the space and support to mourn their losses before moving forward with any plans for the land.

The local sentiment against exploiting the tragedy for personal gain is echoed by John Dimuro, a long-time resident and employee at Marriott in West Maui¹. Dimuro emphasized the importance of the government stepping in and rejecting any attempts at development¹. He believes that the land should be preserved and not become a space where foreign investors can take control.

Governor Green envisions the damaged land becoming a memorial for the people of Hawaii, honoring the lives lost in the wildfires. He emphasized the need to remember the tragedy and ensure that it is not forgotten as time passes.