Na Ohana O Lele, Lahaina’s Community Coalition, today called on Gov. Josh Greene to meet three demands for community recovery.
Here is the request:
- Give Lahaina Communities Time to Grieve. “The fire started just 10 days ago, but many people are still shocked and grieving. We should not rush to rebuild communities without doing anything.”
- Put community first in the planning process for rebuilding. “Governors should work with communities to develop plans that meet people’s needs. Rapid development cannot come at the expense of community management.”
- Amend the state of emergency to ensure Chapter 2. 92 Sunlight Act Continues to Be Fully Enforced. This law guarantees the public’s right to know about government decision-making and the discussions and information used in that process. The Governor should ensure that all decisions regarding Lahaina’s reconstruction are made in the open and with the full participation of the Lahaina community.
Governor Greene is considering including the community in the planning process, and has addressed the issue in previous press conferences. He said he would consider options to suspend the sale of damaged or destroyed properties amid growing concerns over malicious investors and land grabbing situations of all kinds.
“I can also tell you that this tragedy will also affect how we view all developments in this state. And much of what we do is It’s been challenged by other laws, federal or otherwise, that don’t allow you to limit who can buy in your state, but it’s possible to do so deliberately during a crisis. And that is what we are doing, so for my part, I will not allow any out of state land purchases until we get through this crisis and decide what Lahaina should be in the future. I will try to,” he said.
Kearmok Kapu, spokesperson for Na Ohana O Lele said: But we need time to heal and unite. We also need to be involved in the planning process to rebuild our communities. We ask the Governor to meet our demands and work with us to build a better future for Lahaina. come talk to me ”
Nar Ohana O Lele representatives describe the group as a coalition of community members who are “taking action on multiple fronts to protect their loved Ohana, friends and community.”
The Coalition has expressed continued grief over the fire that devoured much of Lahaina on August 8. “Communities are still reeling from the loss, and many people are still forced to flee their homes. I have to,” said the member.
In addition to the demands presented, Na Ohana O Lele asks the governor to “work with the community to rebuild Lahaina.” The future of the community depends on it,” said the group.
