A recent Khon2 news clip mentioned the families of Maui wildfires could get up to $1.5 million. A lawmaker introduced Hawaii House Bill 2696 to provide a guide to help rebuild Lahaina. Here is an excerpt of the House bill:
“Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to establish a commission to provide a comprehensive and integrated vision of the 2023 Lahaina wildfire recovery.”
As of December 12, 2023, the affected area from the Maui wildfire remains restricted and closed during certain times. Having a commission to oversee the rebuilding of Lahaina will delay any construction or have families start to rebuild their homes.
Families who lost loved ones and their homes still have to pay for their mortgage while a proposed commission decides how to go about rebuilding the affected area. Khon2 reported on January 26, 2024, the first sale of a condo from Lahaina occurred.
The longer the delay to return and rebuild their properties, it will be harder for the homeowners in Lahaina to pay for their mortgage, rebuild their homes, and return to the land that they lived in for years.