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Newsletter
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Mapping wetlands in Maui aims to protect sensitive areas
Maui County has nearly finished mapping wetlands to mitigate flooding, enhance wildlife habitat, and provide other environmental benefits.
In short:
- The mapping, nearly complete, spans Maui, Molokai, and Lanai, identifying 52,000 tracts of potential wetlands.
- Some homeowners oppose the map due to fears of property devaluation and increased regulations.
- The initiative stems from a 2022 ordinance aiming to prevent further loss of wetlands and increase resilience to climate change.
Key quote:
“What we did with our county ordinance is that we stipulated that it only had to meet two of the three requirements out of the recognition that there’s lots of wetlands that we have lost and just because a place is dry doesn’t mean it couldn’t be restored to a wetland.”
— Kelly King, former County Council member
Why this matters:
Wetlands are crucial for biodiversity, flood control, and carbon sequestration. Protecting and restoring them helps combat climate change and supports ecological balance.
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Maui residents struggle with health issues months after devastating fires
Months following the catastrophic fire in Lahaina, Maui, residents are facing serious health complications, including respiratory problems and psychological distress, while grappling with inadequate medical resources.
In short:
- The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study reveals a strong correlation between exposure to fire debris and adverse health outcomes.
- Local health services are overwhelmed, with significant increases in reported cases of depression and anxiety among the affected residents.
- Access to healthcare has deteriorated, impacting particularly Native Hawaiians and other minority communities in the region.
Key quote:
"You can see it in the data. We are capturing a broad insight into exposures and issues that no one has done before."
— Ruben Juarez, professor of health economics
Why this matters:
These struggles are a reminder of the long-term health consequences that can follow natural disasters, especially in areas not sufficiently equipped to handle their immediate impacts or their lingering aftermath.
Related EHN coverage:
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Rebuilding in Lahaina sees easing of coastal rules after wildfires
Homeowners in Lahaina, Maui, will now find it easier to rebuild their homes damaged by recent wildfires, as state and local governments relax certain zoning laws to speed up the recovery process.
In short:
- State and county initiatives have suspended the Coastal Zone Management Act specifically for Lahaina, aiding quicker reconstruction post-wildfire.
- A new Recovery Permitting Center will focus on expediting residential rebuilding permits, though plans for commercial properties remain unclear.
- The faster permitting process is crucial for Lahaina as it transitions from disaster response to recovery, focusing on rebuilding homes and infrastructure.
Why this matters:
The easing of restrictions presents a tangible dilemma: it promises swifter reconstruction and a semblance of normalcy for residents yearning for stability, but it also raises the specter of long-term environmental costs. Proponents of the relaxed rules argue that the community's economic recovery hinges on the ability to rebuild quickly and without the red tape that often delays progress. Detractors, however, warn of a slippery slope, suggesting that leniency in the face of disaster could set a precedent for weakening environmental protections under the guise of recovery.
Related: As western wildfires become bigger and more intense, state and federal fire agencies are using more and more aerial fire retardant, prompting concerns over fish kills, aquatic life, and water quality.
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Lahaina's wildfire aftermath reveals unexpected low toxicity levels
The fierce heat of the Lahaina wildfire may have played a pivotal role in diminishing the presence of toxic contaminants typically associated with such disasters.
In short:
- Renee Takesue's research shows early signs that the intense heat of Lahaina's wildfire may have neutralized many harmful chemicals.
- Investigations continue as Takesue samples soil and water across 38 sites to gauge environmental impacts and guide recovery.
- State officials have declared coastal waters safe for recreation, citing minimal contamination from the fire.
Key quote:
“What happens is that the chemicals either totally volatilize and get transported through the atmosphere or they get destroyed because the temperature is so high.”
— Renee Takesue, USGS scientist
Why this matters:
While these fires have left behind charred landscapes and displaced communities, they have also catalyzed the breakdown of certain pollutants present in the environment.
Related: As western wildfires become bigger and more intense, state and federal fire agencies are using more and more aerial fire retardant, prompting concerns over fish kills, aquatic life, and water quality.
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Maui's battle against post-wildfire exploitation and the rise of a land trust
In the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Maui, a community land trust aims to prevent predatory land grabs and preserve Lahaina's character.
In short:
- Following the Maui wildfires, speculators targeted survivors with offers for their destroyed properties, threatening the historic town of Lahaina's future.
- The Lahaina Community Land Trust (LCLT) was established to counteract these efforts, aiming to keep lands within the community and support affordable housing.
- Despite challenges, the trust seeks to protect Lahaina's cultural heritage and prevent displacement of its residents.
Key quote:
"We're in this to stop our people being further displaced, and change the trajectory of our town and community."
— Carolyn Auweloa, Vice-President and Secretary of the LCLT
Why this matters:
In Maui, the fires not only consumed vast stretches of vegetation but also disrupted wildlife habitats, leading to a loss of biodiversity. The human toll of wildfires is equally catastrophic. The displacement of residents and the destruction of infrastructure can also have lasting psychological effects on survivors.
One of the most overlooked consequences of climate change? Our mental health.
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Health impacts of Maui wildfire revealed in new study
A study shows alarming health issues among Maui wildfire survivors, including high rates of depression and respiratory problems.
In short:
- The University of Hawaii study found increased depression and respiratory issues among Maui wildfire survivors.
- Preliminary results indicate a significant decline in health post-wildfire, with potential long-term impacts.
- The study aims to provide insights for better medical and psychosocial care for disaster survivors.
Key quote:
“The observed kidney function issues and respiratory symptoms are very concerning … These health problems are likely related to environmental exposure.”
— Dr. Ruben Juarez, co-researcher and professor of economics at the UH Economic Research Organization
Why this matters:
This study underscores the need for comprehensive healthcare and support for disaster survivors, particularly in addressing mental health and chronic conditions. The findings also emphasize the importance of environmental health in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Wildfire smoke causes more than 33,000 deaths a year across 43 countries, according to a new global study.
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Hawaii legislators push for enhanced environmental monitoring in Maui following Lahaina wildfires
In the wake of the Lahaina wildfires, Hawaii lawmakers are advancing legislation to fund ongoing air and water quality monitoring in Maui.
In short:
- House Bills 1839 and 1840 aim to fund environmental health specialists and aquatic biologists for monitoring air and water quality in Maui post-wildfires.
- The bills respond to the long-term health concerns from the August 8 wildfires, which left significant waste and pollutants.
- The Department of Health estimates more than $4 million yearly for operating air quality sampling stations, while the Department of Land and Natural Resources projects around $260,000 annually for water monitoring.
Key quote:
“We need our legislators to care about us. Imagine if you were living in this situation, what would you want for your family?”
— Joanna Nakihei, Lahaina resident
Why this matters:
Continuous monitoring of air and water quality is essential to safeguard the health of Maui residents and to understand the broader environmental consequences of such disasters. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to disaster response and environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-related challenges.
Last year, Dr. Carlos Gould joined the Agents of Change in Environmental Justice podcast to discuss his research on wildfire smoke’s impact on our health, and how we can protect ourselves.
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