LAHAINA, Hawaii (KHON2) — In the wake of the devastating Lahaina wildfire nearly one year ago, NewsNation affiliate KHON2 was granted special access to critical areas within the heart of the impact zone.
Everywhere in Lahaina, one encounters the stark contrast between the remnants of destruction and the determination to forge ahead.
The once majestic 150-year-old Lahaina banyan tree, now scarred by fire, stands as a symbol of resilience.
“A tree this big with devastation all around it, for it to survive, it really is a phoenix rising from the ashes. Its resiliency and it still showing signs of life represents the resiliency of the community as a whole, and the community showing signs of life,” said Tim Griffith, county arborist.
Residents like Shaina Forsyth are rebuilding their lives from the ground up. Despite the challenges, Shaina said sheʻs determined to return to Lahaina.
“Iʻm currently living in Wailele Ridge and itʻs wildly expensive. But I have insurance to help with the rent. So rebuilding was very important for me because Iʻll soon have to pay mortgage and rent, so I just wanted to get back here as soon as I could,” Forsyth said.
Lahainaʻs focus remains fixed on a way forward.
Efforts by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA are crucial in clearing debris from over fifty commercial properties along Lahainaʻs iconic Front Street.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said itʻs focused on the need to respect and preserve the areaʻs significant Hawaiian cultural sites.
“We partnered closely with many partners of the cultural community which helped guide us as we came across items of cultural significance that may be buried beneath the ground,” said Col. Eric Swenson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Supporting the Corps and FEMA are local workers, the backbone of this recovery effort.
“Our crews are sourced from here on Maui and the state of Hawaii. Thatʻs one of the successes that allowed us to go so fast in this debris removal mission. The majority, between 70 to 80 percent of our labor force comes from this island. They are invested in this recovery to see Lahaina town grow back into greatness in a more resilient fashion,” said Swenson.