Noelani Ahia, Kanaka Maoli activist and co-founder of Maui Medics Healers Hui, discusses the deep Indigenous histories lost in the news cycle of the devastating Maui wildfires. Topics include combatting disaster capitalism, Indigenous relations with land, water, and fire, and the vision for a just and sustainable future after catastrophe.
Lahaina is a cultural hub for the Kanaka Maoli people with rich oral traditions and a connection to their ancestral traditions.
The impact of Western colonialism and settler ideologies has disrupted Lahaina's water sources, leading to inequities and displacement of the Kanaka Maoli people.
Rebuilding Lahaina requires supporting grassroots organizations, holding the government accountable, and working towards a decolonial future rooted in cultural resilience and ecological balance.
Deep dives
Importance of Lahaina as a Cultural Hub
Lahaina is a significant cultural hub for the Kanaka Maoli people due to its embedded history and connection to their ancestral traditions. Lahaina holds great cultural importance as a place with rich oral traditions, genealogy, and stories that are significant and passed down through generations. The name Lahaina itself holds significant meaning, denoting the sweltering sun and the shade provided by the breadfruit trees. Breadfruit, or ulu, holds great cultural and nutritional significance, making Lahaina a place of abundance and importance for the Kanaka Maoli people.
The Impact of Western Colonialism on Lahaina
The impact of Western colonialism and settler ideologies on Lahaina has been detrimental to the cultural and environmental integrity of the region. Lahaina's abundance of water, once referred to as the 'Venice of the Pacific,' has been disrupted and depleted due to the appropriation and diversion of water sources for tourism, plantations, and other non-essential purposes. The theft of water and land has resulted in the displacement and marginalization of Kanaka Maoli people, leading to inequities in resource access and rising housing costs. Settler colonial land encroachment and the erasure of native plants and medicines have also disrupted the delicate ecological balance and cultural heritage of Lahaina.
Challenges and Resilience in Lahaina
Lahaina has faced numerous challenges, including recent devastating fires that have caused destruction and loss in the community. The response from the local government and emergency management agencies has been criticized for its negligence and lack of preparedness. However, the resilience of the Kanaka Maoli people has been evident in their collective response and commitment to rebuilding their community. The recovery process includes restoring the waters, replenishing native plants, and reviving cultural practices to honor the land and culture of Lahaina. The community is mobilizing to hold the government accountable and protect their land from unscrupulous developers who prioritize profit over the well-being of the local population.
Solidarity and Support for Lahaina
In this moment, supporting and amplifying the voices of the Kanaka Maoli people is crucial. There are various organizations working on the ground in Lahaina, providing medical care, cultural preservation, and advocacy for the community. Supporting organizations like Maui Medic Healers, Na'aikane o Maui, and Maui Rapid Response can contribute to the grassroots efforts in rebuilding and revitalizing Lahaina. Additionally, holding the settler government and the US government accountable for their historical and ongoing injustices against the Kanaka Maoli people is essential. Education, awareness, and standing in solidarity with the indigenous movement for land back and self-determination are steps that allies around the world can take to support Lahaina and the Kanaka Maoli people.
Looking Towards a Decolonial Future
A decolonial future for Lahaina requires reclaiming cultural heritage, revitalizing sustainable practices, and achieving self-determination. The wisdom of ancestors and connection to spiritual beliefs play a crucial role in guiding the path forward. Listening to the signs and messages from the land and deconstructing settler ideologies are important steps in decolonization. Building alliances with other indigenous nations, fostering relationships with like-minded communities, and strategizing collectively can amplify the voice of the Kanaka Maoli people and challenge the settler colonial systems. Upholding the truth, demanding justice, and envisioning a future rooted in cultural resilience and ecological balance are key components in shaping a decolonial future for Lahaina and all of Hawaii.
Last month's Maui wildfires were devastating. While mainstream media covered the story, the deep Indigenous histories were lost in the news cycle. Kanaka Maoli activist and co-founder of Maui Medics Healers Hui, Noelani Ahia, joins the show, offering a grounded perspective from Maui. Once a cultural center of the Hawaiian Kingdom, Lahaina is at the forefront of combatting the worst kinds of disaster capitalism and plantation economies. We discuss the deep histories of Indigenous relations with land, water, and fire and the long-term vision for a just and sustainable future in the wake of catastrophe. Watch the video edition on The Red Nation Podcast YouTube channel Please support the rebuilding efforts and Maui grassroots organizations: Maui Medics Healers Hui https://mauimedichealershui.org/donate Lahaina Cultural Cener https://naaikane.org
