As you review this report, I urge you to look beyond the polished presentation and carefully examine what is missing. Your responsibility as representatives of the people of Maui is to ask hard questions, demand transparency, and ensure that recovery efforts truly serve the fire survivors—not just corporate or political interests. The families still displaced, the homes not yet rebuilt, and the billions of dollars already spent deserve your full scrutiny and action.”________________________________________
Some Questions to Ask During the Presentation
1. Of the $3.39 billion in “recovery investments,” how much has gone directly to displaced families and rebuilding homes, and can we see a public breakdown of these funds?
2. Who selected the ERC members, and how many displaced residents, renters, or Lahaina elders had actual decision-making power in this so-called “community-led” process?
3. Why does this report provide six pages of hotel and tourism data but no detailed accounting of how many families are still displaced, waiting for insurance payouts, or permanently rehoused?
4. What legal or policy safeguards are in place to ensure Lahaina properties remain in local hands and are not lost to speculative buyers during recovery?
5. Why are thousands of survivors still living in hotels 16 months later, and what is being done to hold FEMA and the State accountable for delays?
Written Testimony, regarding this report attached.
As you review this report, I urge you to look beyond the polished presentation and carefully examine what is missing. Your responsibility as representatives of the people of Maui is to ask hard questions, demand transparency, and ensure that recovery efforts truly serve the fire survivors—not just corporate or political interests. The families still displaced, the homes not yet rebuilt, and the billions of dollars already spent deserve your full scrutiny and action.”________________________________________
Some Questions to Ask During the Presentation
1. Of the $3.39 billion in “recovery investments,” how much has gone directly to displaced families and rebuilding homes, and can we see a public breakdown of these funds?
2. Who selected the ERC members, and how many displaced residents, renters, or Lahaina elders had actual decision-making power in this so-called “community-led” process?
3. Why does this report provide six pages of hotel and tourism data but no detailed accounting of how many families are still displaced, waiting for insurance payouts, or permanently rehoused?
4. What legal or policy safeguards are in place to ensure Lahaina properties remain in local hands and are not lost to speculative buyers during recovery?
5. Why are thousands of survivors still living in hotels 16 months later, and what is being done to hold FEMA and the State accountable for delays?
Written Testimony, regarding this report attached.
Edward Codelia, Maui Resident