Residents Prepare to Return to Burned Areas in Lahaina After Deadly Wildfire

HONOLULU - After nearly seven weeks since the devastating wildfire on the Hawaiian island of Maui, authorities will begin allowing the first residents and property owners to return to their properties in the burn zone. This marks the first time that many of them will be able to see their homes since the fire, which occurred on August 8 and claimed the lives of at least 97 people while destroying over 2,000 buildings, the majority of them being homes.

One resident, Jes Claydon, who lived in a rental home in Lahaina for 13 years and raised three children there, eagerly awaits the opportunity to collect any mementos she can find. From just outside the burn zone, she can see the ruins of her former home, with little remaining recognizable except for the jars of sea glass that were once placed outside the front door. Claydon describes these jars as a "piece of home" and looks forward to the freedom of being able to absorb what happened.

The burned area has been divided into 17 zones and dozens of sub-zones, and the first zone to be cleared for reentry, known as Zone 1C, will be open for supervised visits on Monday and Tuesday. Residents and property owners will be able to pick up passes in advance, and officials are ensuring that they have the necessary support and privacy to reflect or grieve as they see fit.

Authorities are offering various resources to those returning to the burn zone, including water, shade, washing stations, portable toilets, medical and mental health care, transportation assistance if needed, and personal protective equipment such as masks and coveralls. However, officials are urging residents not to sift through the ashes for belongings, as it could raise toxic dust containing asbestos, lead, arsenic, or other toxins.

The anticipation of returning to the burn zone has evoked different emotions among the residents. The Rev. Ai Hironaka, a minister at the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, initially felt desperate to return and see what remained of the temple after it burned down. However, he now feels hesitant and is mentally preparing himself for the visit. Lana Vierra, who raised five children in her home that was expanded over the years, is preparing her family for the visit but admits that their hearts might not be fully prepared.

Government agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, are involved in clearing the zones for reentry. Hazardous materials are being removed, buildings are being checked for structural safety, and road access is being ensured. Officials want to guide the returning residents, providing support while respecting their need for privacy and closure.

Some residents have decided not to immediately return due to job commitments or the hassle of obtaining a pass, while others, like Melody Lukela-Singh, plan to take a hazardous materials course before visiting their properties. The potential exposure to unknown hazards, such as toxic residue in the air, is a concern for those planning to return.

Jarom Ayoso, who rented a house for nearly 15 years, is eager to return to see what's left of his vehicles and motors. He hopes that this visit will bring closure for him. For Hironaka, the visit will be an opportunity to thank the temple and apologize to the Buddha statue. Though deeply affected by the loss, he finds solace in Buddhism's teachings of wisdom and compassion.

As residents prepare to return to the burn zone, the emotions and anticipation surrounding this visit highlight the significance of their homes and the healing process that lies ahead. The journey to rebuild and find closure after this devastating wildfire will undoubtedly be a long one for the people of Lahaina.