Yesterday an article came out in Civil Beat, in partnership with ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network, shedding light on a pressing issue that we are all too familiar with. The article, titled “Maui Property Owners Are Pushing Tenants Out to House Wildfire Survivors for More Money,” by Nick Grube, brings attention to a situation that the Maui Housing Hui has been closely monitoring and addressing in our work. Over the past year, we have been inundated with accounts and testimonies detailing the struggles of tenants who have been displaced to make room for higher-paying occupants. Since August 8, 2023, the situation has escalated, and multiple factors have contributed to the heightened instability experienced by tenants. While the aftermath of the wildfires has undoubtedly been a significant factor, it is evident that financial motivations have played a pivotal role in exacerbating the housing crisis on Maui. The stories we have heard paint a vivid picture of the challenges faced by individuals and families, and it is clear that urgent action is needed to ensure the rights and stability of tenants on the island.

This initial reporting marks the commencement of a comprehensive series aimed at delving deeper into the multifaceted issue at hand. In alignment with the findings shared by Grube, our experiences at the Housing Hui corroborate the prevalent dismissal and underestimation of these distressing narratives by authorities. It is our steadfast commitment to challenge this narrative and advocate fervently for individuals grappling with housing insecurity. Through the amplification of information that validates the harsh reality faced by a considerable number of Maui residents, our objective is to render the community’s challenges impossible to overlook, ensuring that action is taken to help Maui residents find stability in their housing.

Please take a few minutes and read Grube’s article here. If you’d like to take any further action, there are always ways you can help. Join the Maui Housing Hui, where new members are welcome voices in our collective effort to address our housing crisis. By joining the Hui, you can actively engage in discussions, share resources, and contribute ideas for sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our community. Additionally, you can follow our socials, @mauihousinghui on all platforms, to stay updated on events, community initiatives, and opportunities for involvement. Please consider participating in research every chance you have. By getting involved in data collection and documentation efforts, you play a crucial role in shaping informed policies and interventions to improve housing conditions on Maui. Documenting the facts about what is happening in our community is a powerful tool in creating the change you want to see. If you have a story you want to share with the Maui Housing Hui, send us a message. Your experiences and insights can contribute to a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by members of our community, fostering empathy and effective strategies for positive change. Furthermore, if you’d like to share your story with Nick Grube from Civil Beat, you can do so here. Your input is invaluable in shedding light on critical issues and advocating for meaningful reforms.