Lahaina fire survivors victimized by thieves in burn zones

By Yiming Fu, Report for America corps member

As people try to rebuild their homes after the Lahaina fires, contractors’ materials and tools are being taken. Sometimes drywall, sometimes a hammer.

While there isn’t any official police data reporting increasing crime, around 30 people gathered at the Lahaina Resource Center Thursday night to discuss growing safety threats in Lahaina’s burn zone and share ways to keep unwanted intruders out.

“It’s a big enough problem that the people in the community are worried about it and gathering here today,” Lahaina resident and fire survivor Kekoa Mowat said.

Residents brought up concerns ranging from petty theft to stolen trucks to an unknown man walking around with a machete.

Locals, who have already lost everything, are turning to each other to keep their homes safe.

County cameras

In response to rising theft, the County of Maui announced February 20 that it will install security cameras in high risk areas. This is to deter criminal activity and help law enforcement.

“Our community has endured unimaginable loss, and we will not allow perpetrators to exploit this tragedy,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement. “We hear you, we care, and we are taking action. The rise in thefts is unacceptable, and these cameras are part of our commitment to keeping Lahaina safe as we rebuild together.”

Maui County emphasized that these cameras are a temporary security measure until neighborhoods rebuild.

While grateful for the cameras, many are not sure it is enough to stop the crimes.

“The camera is there as a deterrent,” Mowat said. “That’s going to stop crimes of opportunity, but not planned crimes.”

Visual Deterrents

Lawrence Cabanilla, with six generations of roots on Maui, said there need to be more visual deterrents.

Instead of trying to catch people after committing the crime, he said more signage should be in place warning people to keep out.

“I think we can educate our community,” Cabanilla said. “We can educate the people doing these things to us. Better not go there and fool around.”

Residents at the meeting also proposed reflective car stickers and lights that say “Lahaina neighborhood watch.”

Kekai Keahi said the biggest visual deterrent would be to move people back into their homes and get electricity back. Many crimes happen after dark where the lack of light means properties are vulnerable.

Lahaina Strong hosted the Thursday event and has an Amazon Wishlist of lighting and communication devices they need to keep their communities safe, including outdoor solar lights and security devices.

Report, Report, Report

Earle Kukahiko wants the mayor to put more pressure on MPD and have them be more accountable to resident calls instead of them being ignored.

“They would say, like we’ll be right there,” Kukahiko said. “We want quicker response times.”

Mahina Martin, Maui County’s Director of Public Affairs, attended the meeting to listen and share information. She stressed making phone calls to the police whenever something happens so they have the data.

There are only 5 patrols per shift, covering the more than 10 miles between Olowalu and Kaanapali.

“Please report,” Martin said. “If there are no reports to show an escalation in activities, it’s harder.”

Resident Glenn Gazmen said not only should people report to the police, they should also record it on their own phone so they have timestamps and evidence.

Mowat, who directs security at the Hyatt, said the people need to make noise.

“We want people to know that they’re taking our stuff. Whether it be a shovel or a trailer. Whether it be a hammer, report it!”

Coming together

Next up, community members hope to create a Lahaina neighborhood watch to keep each other safe.

A neighborhood watch works, Gazmen said. His family lost their home in Wahikuli, but his own residence above the Lahaina bypass survived the fires.

Gazmen’s neighborhood has had a neighborhood watch for five years.
A Maui Police Department representative explained to the group what they can do for security. The group bought signs and have a watch captain who takes notes on cars that come and go.

The group meets quarterly to discuss problems in the community.

One key to having a neighborhood watch is reminding people that their job is to prevent and not get into altercations themselves.

Mowat reminded his peers to never put themselves into a position where they could get jailed or get injured trying to stop a trespasser.

“To stop someone and get into a physical or verbal altercation is not our function,” Mowat said. “Our function is to deter people from taking from our properties.”