Two years after the devastating wildfires in Maui, survivors are still working to rebuild their homes and lives. Of the more than 2,000 homes destroyed, only 50 have been rebuilt. The recovery process has been slow, with significant challenges remaining.

On the second anniversary of the wildfires, a memorial service was held to honor the 102 lives lost. A "paddle out" ceremony took place, where community members gathered to remember those who perished. The mayor of Lahaina remarked that the wind carries the voices of the deceased, encouraging the community to persevere.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green emphasized the importance of rebuilding homes as a critical step in the recovery process. He stated, "The top priority is to get people their homes — and homes mean mental health." The mental health crisis has escalated in the aftermath of the fires. A recent state-funded study revealed that nearly half of Lahaina residents exhibit symptoms of depression, while almost 30% experience moderate to severe anxiety.

Kiha Kaina, a local resident who helped rescue individuals fleeing the flames, shared his ongoing struggle with trauma. He lost his father in the disaster and has been navigating his mental health challenges since. "A lot of us are still in really heavy trauma," Kaina said. He reflected on his journey, stating, "It's not an easy journey, but I think I needed time. Like everything else, it needs time to get better."

Kaina credits his 2-year-old daughter as a source of motivation in his recovery. "Fatherhood — it was a blessing. And having my child around me gave me motivation to work harder, to be a better father, to be alive," he said.

As the community continues to heal, Kaina expressed that the anniversary is a mix of forgetting and finding peace. "It's a little bit of both for me. Forgetting is one of the parts of healing, but at the same time it's — you have to find that peace within yourself."

In Lahaina, the journey of recovery is ongoing. Hope and grief coexist as residents take each step forward, reminding them of both their losses and the importance of rebuilding their lives.