Sept 6, 2023
It has been one month since the Lahaina fire. We are dealing with much more than just the human tragedy and aftermath of the worst natural disaster in Hawaiian history. As if it is not bad enough that over 5000 people have lost their homes and hundreds have lost their lives, we are now facing the reality that powerful private and governmental entities are trying to take advantage of this moment by wiping out Hawaiian rights and taking their water and land. Many Hawaiians are calling it genocide, and it is happening right now.
In the aftermath of the fire, the government's actions are cause for grave concern to Hawaiians, their culture, and future in Lahaina. Just weeks prior to the fire, Governor Green signed new laws suspending water rights and land protections in the case of an emergency proclomation. Now that the unimaginable has happened, he has evoked his new powers and is taking away Hawaiian water rights and making plans for developing Lahaina land without consulting Hawaiian leadership. For Native Hawaiians, Green's proclamation is particularly offensive because it relies heavily on the displacement of Native Hawaiians as a justification for new construction. In addition, it then suspends the laws designed to protect Native Hawaiian rights, cultural resources and sensitive sites.
The situation worsens with the unjust redeployment of Deputy Water Commissioner Kaleo Manuel, who was framed for the lack of water in the fire hydrants. He has been the biggest advocate for Hawaiian water rights and a long time target of those who benefit from water privatization. Local farmers and taro farmers are also unfairly blamed for using too much water, thus justifying taking their water as well.
The United States has a tragic history of genocide on indigenous cultures. Hawaii has already endured this with the illegal overthrow of the Sovereign Kingdom of Hawaii and all that followed. "Now we are being invaded again like we were 130 years ago. This is for us, genocide. We are being erased, again." Ke’eaumoku Kapu, Kupuna of Lahaina.
In this post plantation era, coporate entities such as West Maui Land Company neglect their dry fallow fields setting the stage for disasters like the Lahaina fire. During the Kingdom days, Lahaina lands were meticulously maintained wetlands. It is crucial to recognize that the environment is not separate from culture; it is an integral part of Hawaiian identity. Correctly managing the land and water is central the Hawaiian way of life and should be foundational in our planning moving forward. Lahaina leader Kai Keahi says, "People, especially developers, are so eager to talk about how Lahaina is going to rebuild without once talking to the people who are Lahaina. Hear me when I tell you: Lahaina is a wetland. Any restoration of Lahaina town must start with the restoration of our streams, because they are the lifeblood of our community."
Here is what you can do. First of all, spread the word about the water and land grab in Lahaina. Write to Governor Josh Green and tell him to suspend his emergency proclamation, make water a public (not private) resource, and follow the direction of Hawaiian leadership regarding the rebuild. Write to BLNR chair Dawn Chang and demand that Kaleo Manuel be reinstated to his previous position of Deputy Water Commissioner. Let it be known that water should be a public resource. Go to LahainaHawaiian.com/take-action for more information on how to do this and to sign the petition.
One hopeful solution to safeguarding Hawaiian lands and culture is the establishment of a Lahaina Land Trust that has the first right of refusal on all land sales in Lahaina. This trust would work to ensure that these lands remain in local hands, protecting them from exploitative practices and providing a secure future for generations to come. Watch for upcoming opportunities to support this.
As concerned United States citizens who love Hawaii, you have the opportunity, if not the responsibility, to play a role in this. Help save the Aloha that your love so much. Stand with the Hawaiians of Lahaina by taking action to protect the water, land, and culture for future generations.
For News and Media further supporting this article, go to LahainaHawaiian.com/educate.