Maui Wildfire Displaces Evacuees and Alters Tourism Landscape

Evacuees from the deadly Maui wildfire are facing a transient lifestyle as they struggle to find stable housing amid a housing shortage and rising prices. Many are moving from hotel room to hotel room, making way for returning tourists who are crucial to the local economy. The government, through FEMA, has provided short-term lodging for displaced residents, but finding long-term rentals is challenging. Efforts are being made to match evacuees with landlords, but high rental prices are a barrier. FEMA is increasing rental assistance to help bridge the gap, but the long-term solution lies in building more affordable housing on the island.