Over a year after the devasting Lahaina wildfires killed over 100 people, many Native Hawaiians are facing a choice between dwindling financial resources to rebuild their lives or leaving the only home they’ve ever known.

In August, a $4 billion settlement was reached to resolve all tort claims connected with the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires. In Gov. Josh Green’s official statement, he said the overall scope of the recovery will approach $12 billion when insurance claims and county, state, and federal support are combined with the settlement. Yet over a year later many lifelong residents are still facing a financial crossroads of living in a town scarce on resources while federal assistance lags.

Speaking to NBC News, Native Hawaiian Mikey Burke said her intention was to rebuild her home for her family of six, as her rental assistance had expired two months prior. Yet when she applied for an extension, she was denied and couldn’t qualify for FEMA until her rent was due. A limited supply of rental properties has made those rates skyrocket, as Burke soon found herself paying $3,100 for her mortgage and $7,600 in rent. The combination has forced Burke to consider leaving her hometown.

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