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Out West (Presented by the Western Governors Association)Author: Western Governors Association
Welcome to Out West, the official podcast of the Western Governors Association. Tune in each month to hear experts debate the most important issues facing the region. Language: en Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Lahaina’s Next Chapter: Three Years of Recovery, Resilience and Rebuilding with Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green
Episode 50
Friday, 7 August, 2026
Three years ago, on August 8, 2023, the world watched in horror as a catastrophic wildfire swept across Maui, destroying the historic town of Lahaina. Yet amid the devastation, the strength of the Maui community—and the outpouring of support from around the world—demonstrated the extraordinary power of resilience, compassion, and cooperation. Led by Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen, Lahaina’s recovery has been nothing short of remarkable. Working alongside federal agencies and community partners, they cleared wildfire debris, secured more than 600 homes for survivors, helped negotiate a landmark settlement, and began the difficult work of rebuilding the town. Today, homes are being rebuilt, businesses are reopening, and a community that feared it had lost everything is beginning to flourish once again. The recovery has also created opportunities to rebuild Lahaina in ways that are safer, more resilient, and more reflective of Hawaiian culture. To reflect on that journey – and share lessons that could help other communities recover from future disasters – WGA’s Communications Director, Jack Spina, spoke with Lahaina resident Kaliko Storer; Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen; Maui County Deputy Managing Director Erin Wade; and Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green. Their stories reveal not only what Lahaina has endured, but what is possible when a community comes together to reclaim its future.
