‘Before them fire devours, behind flames blaze.” The Lahaina community rallied together doing what had to be done in the face of recent adversity. Now, we must preserve Lahaina’s awesome community and high-income-producing tourist destination with scenic vistas and environmentally safe solutions.
Enact emergency protocol with government agencies, nonprofits and the private sector working together. Make the most of President Donald Trump’s federal assistance.
Gov. David Ige’s Hurricane Lane proclamation allows for provisions to continue until completion. Though the proclamation suspends some Hawaii Revised Statutes, actions must overall reflect “the life of the land perpetuated in righteousness.”
After fire devastated Chicago, city leaders took advantage of the situation. West Maui has an opportunity to do the same. Act quickly to avoid the aftermaths of an already disastrous event.
Due to inevitable tropical storms, three schools and a densely populated area situated on the slopes of the West Maui Mountains are facing possibilities of mud slides. In the absence of ground cover, the ocean will be the ultimate victim.
Lahaina’s Pioneer Mill closed in 1999, resulting in thousands of acres of fallow agriculture land neglected for the past two decades. Most of the land is piecemealed into luxury homes or left vacant for future development.
In the meantime, brush has replaced what were formerly fertile green hillsides. After an especially wet winter followed by an extremely dry summer, it provided the perfect condition for a wild brush fire that swept across the region two weeks ago.
Hurricane Lane’s erratic, high winds caused the fire to move unexpectedly and violently, threatening the majority of the population from Laniupoko to Kaanapali. At least 15 houses burned down.
Fire engulfed the areas around Lahaina Intermediate School and Lahainaluna High School — but thanks to effective first responders, the buildings were spared.
Today, trade winds continue to blow ash and contaminated dirt into the schools, residences and businesses from the hundreds of scorched acres.
Rather than continue to allow agriculture land to pose a life-threatening environment for the community, it could be restored to an abundant life-giving resource.
Utilize the existing infrastructure at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility (LWRF), which has the capability of pumping treated water to ditches and reservoirs within the region that sustained the fire damage.
LWRF already treats the water to R-1 standards, allowable for all types of agriculture. Irrigate and plant vegetables, coffee and fruit trees, exotic wood forests, and pastures for grazing livestock.
Irrigated land also would help prevent wildfires and reduce how quickly fires spread. Loi terraces along streams would help stop land-based pollutants from entering the ocean. Considering the millions of dollars spent on silt basins, paying local farmers to plant taro is a viable beautiful solution.
Emergency agencies stressed the need for two-week supplies of food and water in event of a hurricane. Many families living hand to mouth are unable to afford this precaution. Lahaina’s isolated geography and amount of tourists warrant special consideration for catastrophic events.
Having irrigated pastures for livestock along with growing fruits and vegetables would provide sustainable supplies of food for everyone.
Individuals, private corporations and the state have a precious resource of agricultural land that is currently being neglected. Ultimately the community is suffering for this irresponsible stewardship — but now is the chance to do what is right.
In unity and with a spirit of cooperation, resolve the imminent threat associated with the toxic remains of the fire. Restore the life of the land. Start planting and irrigating to ensure public health, safety and welfare.
Resolve the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Lane’s fire and “bestow beauty for ashes.”
Michele Lincoln is a writer living in Lahaina.
