The Fire That Birthed Community Heroes: August 8, 2023

Abstract

This poem centers on my adult nephew, who has autism and verbal communication challenges, as a survivor of the Lahaina wildfire. I use his perspective to highlight the Lahaina community's ongoing response, refusal, and resistance since the August 2023 disaster. The poem focuses on the heroic resilience of community members whose need for survivor housing caused them to occupy Kaʻanapali beach for nearly six months and take on the political issue of Maui’s lack of housing for its long-term, permanent residents.