August 28, 2023

Native Hawaiians wary of Maui rebuild plans

Gideon Porter Posted On August 28, 2023

Lahaina, Maui - Getty Images

A Maui resident says rebuilding the historic town of Lahaiana could be a chance to assert its historic role as a centre for Hawaiian royalty.

A Maui resident says rebuilding the historic town of Lahaina could be a chance to assert its historic role as a centre for Hawaiian royalty.

Shane Kahalehau from the Native Hawaiian sovereignty group Ka Lahui Hawaii says authorities are still searching the rubble for the remains of people who were killed when fires swept throughout the town.

The death toll stands at 115, but more than 300 people are still not accounted for.

Mr Kahalehau says given the colonial history of the land, he’s skeptical about the promises given by US President Joe Biden during his visit to the island last week.

“Him being on the island did nothing for our indigenous ones. Maybe for the overall community of Maui, there are some that pay homage to being American, but for myself, my family, my loved ones, and many, many others of the Lāhui as we are called, that was just smoke and mirrors if you ask us,” he says.