LAHAINA (KHON2) — The dry grass that fueled the flames on Aug. 8 has taken over parts of West Maui once again and many residents said they are tired of the lack of water and greenery.
Lahaina resident Jordan Ruidas said it’s not about if a fire will happen again, it’s when.
“Looking back on our past, it’s almost inevitable, especially if we don’t don’t change, don’t change our ways, don’t change our mindsets,” Ruidas said.
Two miles above the civic center sits old plantation land where pineapple and sugar cane once grew.
“Pre-contract from what I was told, this area was just ulu, sandalwood, koa and all our native species. They just went barren and then the plantations came in and then they diverted every single stream up here to allocate the water to create sugar fields. They’re not drought tolerant. So they just create these abundant fuel sources for future wildfires,” Ruidas added.
Once operations stopped, the land was left with invasive grasses. Ruidas believes another wildfire will happen again.
“I’m not a proponent for sugar fields, but with the amount of water that they allocated for that, the sugar cane stayed green,” he said.
It’s been a year since he lost his home, his community, friends and neighbors. Yet the land is still a fuel source.
Delos Reyes started Kaiaulu Initivates with the hopes of changing the West Maui landscape with a goal of removing dry brush to make the whole entire area green just like the mountains.
Volunteers come and help remove invasives and plant natives, and they bring their own water for the trees. He hopes to create and collect moisture by bringing the cloud line down and replenishing the aquifer.
“We’re definitely not expecting it to be an overnight success. This is going to take maybe one generation till it happens. But if we don’t start now, when do we start right,” Ruidas said.
People in neighboring valleys are trying to do the same, so they can connect and make all of West Maui a little greener. They hope one day, all the water can be shared equally.
“I think those area residents should be in charge of those resources, but I think there should be no more privatization of a public resource. Water in Hawaii is a public trust.”
He said the spot has also become a place to escape the daily stress of things such as housing and insurance. He looks forward to meeting new people willing to help.
“They can come kokua and just have a hand in changing our outlook for the future of our island.”