Our multicultural community thrives on generosity, integrity, patience and respect.
Sure, we have our differences of opinions, but Maui folks generally find a way to compromise or, at least, agree to disagree. As with any society, there are givers and takers. Luckily, our people have a long tradition of sharing. Most give far more than they take.
This was certainly evident in the wake of the wildfires that decimated Lahaina and claimed 20 homes Upcountry. Maui residents rushed to help, to donate food and supplies, to deliver goods by boats and truck caravans, to help elders clear properties of fallen trees and wind damage, to risk all to save others during the worst catastrophe in this island’s modern history.
It made our broken heart swell to witness how volunteers and support personnel turned up day after day all over Maui to share their time, expertise and aloha. Our first responders put their lives on the line during the fire and worked incredible hours afterward.
Shell-shocked survivors continue to inspire us with their strength and perseverance. Facing unimaginable loss and uncertainty, they worry about neighbors and pledge that their beloved town will rise again.
The behavior of the rest of the island population also bears mention. Though our police and fire departments were stretched nearly to the breaking point, as far as we know, there were no huge crime sprees, no spikes in traffic accidents, arsons, murders, carjackings or beatings. The social order remained intact. In place of gouging, we saw benevolence. In place of taking advantage, we saw taking care.
The opportunists would emerge later, and mostly from off island. We had no idea natural disasters were such big business. There have been reports of the fires being used for shady fundraising schemes, predatory real estate speculation and skyrocketing rents. Airwaves and mailboxes are inundated by appeals from law firms jockeying for slices of the settlement pie. When all the profiteering is finished, we wonder what share Maui’s devastated survivors will be left with.
Our unity has reportedly been tested by internet trolls from foreign states. Are they the ones who planted untrue stories about hundreds of children killed in the fires and that the blazes were started by lasers from space? Or could those have come from one of the overzealous journalists who hit our shores intent on stomping on toes and laying blame?
We’re not surprised Maui’s people stepped up, or that so many others around the world were moved to help. Crisis brings humans together.
It’s what happens next that concerns us. As Lahaina’s recovery stretches from months to years, as outside influences grow and stakeholders’ frustrations come to a boil, this island’s ability to compromise will be sorely tested. How much can Maui give until it is tapped out?
Our community’s generosity, integrity, patience and respect have served us well. Let’s hope they continue to shine through.
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