LAHAINA, Maui (KHON2) — On Aug. 8, hundreds of people gathered to remember the devastating fires two years ago.
“The paddle out was awesome and it’s more of a remembrance seeing friends and just the fellowship but yeah it’s just weird I don’t know how to explain it,” said Kim Ball, a Lāhainā resident.
KHON met Ball last year when his house was just dirt and rock, and last night was his first night in his new home.
“It’s weird after being displaced after two years living out of boxes and suitcases, it’s weird we don’t know where to put our stuff now,” said Ball. “It’s overwhelming when you lose everything and start over, you have to replace it, but we’re blessed. Totally blessed.”
Construction is going up across West Maui, many building bigger than before, but for thousands, it’s still a struggle and some properties haven’t even been touched since the debris cleanup.
“I’d be surprised if over a third of our community returns and you look at lots around Lāhainā haven’t been touched and there’s trauma with that,” said Jeremy Delos Reyes, a Lāhainā resident.
Reyes says many of his neighbors do not plan on coming back for years due to trauma.
“I thought I’d be in my house already. I thought we would rebuild and I could expedite the process and help other families get home,” Reyes added.
Reyes says he has been paying $6,000 a month for rent and mortgage.
“And lastly, supply chain issues were waiting six to seven months for materials out here at a 30 percent increase from six months ago, with all those struggles, it’s tough to get going,” said Reyes.
He will pour concrete next week, which will be about $110,000, and his floor and roof framing will cost $90,000.
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It is amazing to see the progress that has been made for many families, but still a long road ahead for many more. Reyes hopes to be in his new home in 16 months.