Maui Home Devastated by Wildfire Raises Concerns of Land Grab and Affordable Housing Crisis
A devastating wildfire has ravaged a historic family home in Maui, raising concerns about a possible land grab and exacerbating Hawaii’s affordable housing crisis. The fire not only destroyed the home where five generations of the Loeffler family lived but also tragically claimed the life of one of their sons on the same day.
In the aftermath of the wildfire, Deborah Loeffler, a retired flight attendant, received unsolicited emails with proposals to sell their beachfront plot in Lahaina, Maui. Feeling overwhelmed and grieving, Loeffler described these proposals as vultures preying on her family. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, as similar situations have occurred in places like Paradise, California, and northern New Mexico after wildfires in recent years.
The possibility of a land grab in Maui is a significant concern for Loeffler, as it would mean the loss of Hawaiian culture. The wildfire has only worsened the already chronic shortage of affordable housing in Hawaii, potentially leading to a further exodus of multi-generational families who are struggling to find affordable places to live. According to U.S. Census data, the population of Native Hawaiians in the state has dropped below the number residing on the U.S. mainland in the past decade.
Before the wildfire, Lahaina’s average home price was already three times the national average, standing at $1.1 million, according to real estate site Zillow. This stark contrast in housing prices is particularly challenging considering that the median household income in Maui County, where around 75% of the population is Asian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, or of mixed race, is only 24% greater than the U.S. average, with a figure of $88,000.
Advocates for affordable housing, such as the Hawaii Alliance for Progressive Action (HAPA), are calling for a moratorium on foreclosures. HAPA, together with the state government, is documenting unsolicited purchase offers in Lahaina, a location of historical significance that served as the capital of the kingdom of Hawaii before its overthrow in 1893.
The Office of Consumer Protection in Hawaii has warned about individuals making below-market offers to exploit fears of foreclosure and the cost of rebuilding. To prevent the loss of land in Lahaina, Governor Josh Green has proposed a ban on land sales in the area. However, concerns remain as emails sent by someone claiming to represent The EMortgage in Oklahoma City have been seen. These emails promised local buyers offering all-cash deals with no closing costs for homes in Lahaina.
Many families who lost their homes in the Lahaina fire did not have insurance coverage due to reasons such as unmet building codes or lack of mortgages. Sterling Higa, director of Housing Hawaii’s Future, an organization working to end the state’s workforce housing shortage, believes that residents’ ability to resist property offers will depend on the type of transitional housing they receive during the rebuilding process. Adequate support in terms of housing and financial assistance is crucial to help these families recover.
Disaster response experts anticipate that temporary housing solutions will include a mix of hotel rooms, condos, rental conversions, mobile home encampments, and potentially relocation to Honolulu. It is essential to keep affected residents nearby and engaged in the recovery process to preserve the local population.
The survival of Hawaiian culture is at stake in this crisis, as highlighted by Kaliko Baker, an associate professor at the University of Hawaii. Questions arise about whether land purchases and rebuilding efforts will incorporate Hawaiian language schools and cultural institutions. Protecting the community’s heritage and identity is of utmost importance.
Despite the tragic loss she has endured, Deborah Loeffler is determined to rebuild her family’s plantation-style home using insurance money. She wants Lahaina to retain its essence and for her grandchildren to maintain their connection to the island that has been home to their multi-cultural family for nearly a century.
The wildfire in Maui has not only left a trail of destruction but also exposed the deep-rooted issues surrounding affordable housing and the potential for exploitation during times of crisis. As efforts to rebuild and recover continue, it is crucial for stakeholders to prioritize the preservation of Hawaiian culture and address the pressing need for accessible housing in the state.
