My daughter’s partner and his family have deep roots in the Lahaina community. Her partner’s home, where they were raising their two children, has been in his family for two generations. However, all Maui residents and those who own a home or property that has been ravaged by the fire are now facing the threat of losing their beloved homes due to Hawaii's emergency housing proclamation signed by Governor Green on July 17, 2023, just four weeks before the tragic fires that destroyed nearly 3,000 homes and businesses. To date, 114 have died in the fire and over 1,000 people are still missing (Proclamation Relating to Housing: https://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2307072-1.pdf ).

While we understand the need for more housing opportunities in the state, Hawaiian's strongly believe that the emergency proclamation is not the right solution. The governor claims that lengthy planning processes hinder development and calls for streamlining these procedures. However, instead of offering lasting and meaningful solutions to address this issue while preserving the rights of Hawaiian homeowners, he has chosen to suspend important review processes. 

There may be challenges within planning, zoning, and permitting processes that need improvement. But, eliminating these crucial safeguards without providing alternative measures is a disservice to residents. The Hawiian community must have a balanced approach that ensures responsible development while protecting the rights of homeowners who have invested their lives into creating stable homes for their families. 

Of the seven laws that are suspended in the emergence proclamation are Chapter 6E HRS Historic Preservation Program, and Chapter 343 HRS Environmental Impact Statements. The proclamation suspends the protection of all cultural resources that include archaeological sites, historic architecture, and burials. It removes the authority of the team of professionals at the State Historic Preservation Division. These individuals are experts in the historic preservation review process. Now, these precious and historical decisions have been given to a lead housing officer who does not possess the qualifications to make decisions about Hawiian historic preservation.

Studies have shown that hastily implemented policies can lead to unintended consequences such as displacement and loss of community cohesion (Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7013733/pdf/ijerph-17-00482.pdf It is essential for decision-makers like Governor Green to consider these potential negative impacts before implementing sweeping changes.

We urge Governor Green to reconsider his decision and revoke the emergency proclamation relating to housing in Lahaina immediately. We call upon him to engage with stakeholders from all sides - including Maui residents - in order to find sustainable solutions that address both housing needs and preserve Hawaii’s cherished communities.

By signing this petition today, you will join us in sending a clear message: protect Maui homeowners while finding effective ways to increase housing opportunities without sacrificing long-standing community values. Together, we can ensure that Lahaina remains a place where families can thrive and generations can continue to call it home.

The Hawaiian people are impacted deeply by this proclamation. All their vying and decision making power has been removed as it relates their sacred land, burial sites, and historical architecture. Tragically, Hawaiians will lose their voice, forever.

If all the people don't take action and stand up against the corporate machine, Maui, and most likely all the Hawaiian Islands will fall prey to corporations. Let's stand together and give Hawaii back to the Hawaiians by starting with revoking the proclamation relating to housing. 

If immediate action is not taken, Hawaiians will lose their beloved home forever. The corporations will buy all the land and the islands will become gentrified. Now is the time to tell corporations the people have a voice, and ALL people stand with the Hawaiian people.