Amidst the ashes of Maui’s devastating fires, an unexpected storyline is emerging: a tale of local entrepreneurs and residents joining forces to support their communities in the face of perceived leadership missteps.
Maui, renowned for its paradise-like allure, is now grappling with chaos and devastation following a firestorm that claimed at least 93 lives. But as government structures seem to falter, local businesses and civilians are bridging the gaps, becoming makeshift heroes of the hour.
Matt Robb, co-owner of the popular Lāhainā bar, The Dirty Monkey, painted a vivid picture of the island’s current dichotomy: while days seem calm, nights are marred with looting, leaving residents desperate for security and support. “By day, it’s hunky dory,” Robb observed. But when darkness falls, a sense of lawlessness permeates.
After being denied access to Lāhainā – one of the hardest-hit areas – via a major highway, tensions peaked, resulting in confrontations between law enforcement and citizens eager to salvage their belongings. Such incidents underline the chasm between the locals’ expectations and the perceived reality of the emergency response.
The Dirty Monkey’s staff have notably been at the forefront of relief efforts, coordinating essential supply drops and life-saving medications. Yet, they lament the apparent lack of direction from local leaders. Robb voiced his frustration, saying, “You’re being turned away. There’s a better way to organize that, it just hasn’t been done.”
Alen Aivazian, Robb’s co-business partner, pinpointed blame toward the mayor and broader government leadership, asserting that there was a readily available task force that was never activated.
Another local entrepreneur, Kami Irwin, who has been coordinating relief at the Maui Brewing Company in Kihei, echoed these sentiments. Irwin highlighted the challenges faced by locals, from managing grounded pilots with essential medical supplies to taking on roles well outside their purview, just to keep their community safe.
Irwin expressed astonishment at the sheer reliance on local volunteers over government officials, emphasizing the stark difference between on-ground realities and media portrayals. “From the videos I’m sharing, it’s way worse than what the news is even sharing,” Irwin noted, alluding to the countless missing individuals.
While the leadership void is palpable, the resilient spirit of Maui’s entrepreneurs and residents shines through, turning a tale of tragedy into one of community and unexpected heroism. However, questions about the island’s emergency preparedness and response remain, serving as a poignant reminder for leaders across all sectors.