‘The state is watching’: Participants gather to share hugs — and strength — at Lahaina unity march

LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) – It has been almost six months since a firestorm leveled Lahaina, killing at least 100 people and leaving thousands of residents homeless.

To commemorate all that was lost, thousands gathered on Saturday for a unity march and rally described as both an opportunity for healing — and a chance to move forward together.

“It’s amazing that we can all come together, especially Hawaii as a whole,” Lahaina fire survivor and attendee Stephanie Smythe. “From the other islands, they’ve come to support us and embrace us, and that means the world. I think the state now is watching Lahaina. We can be the trailblazers.”

The disaster that claimed Lahaina is the worst U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

Many are still in mourning — and that was clear as participants walked along the Lahaina Bypass for the Houlu Lahaina Unity Gathering on Saturday morning. There were plenty of tears and embraces.

Native Hawaiian leader Walter Ritte and his ohana (family) came from Molokai to be a part of the event and offer encouragement to residents. “This was the capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom and then all of a sudden … tourism took over,” Ritte said. “We came in order to encourage the Hawaiians over here to organize and try to get a Hawaiian future for this place.”

Participants flew in from various islands, even the continent, to stand with the people of Lahaina.

“Justice will be restored for the people in Maui. The entire country is behind you, and we are here to say, ‘Maui Strong!’” said Raffi Kassabian, who flew in from Los Angeles just for the gathering.

But some local leaders chose not to participate, like community advocacy group Lahaina Strong, because Gov. Josh Green was invited. They feel government officials, including the governor, aren’t doing enough to find long-term housing for thousands of wildfire survivors.

“I understand their frustrations, I really do. But to rebuild an entire town and support an entire people is very challenging, but very necessary. So, I understand. I feel their pain and I absorbed part of it when we’re together. We’re gonna continue to do everything we can,” Green told HNN.

Everyone walked down Hokiokio Place and made their way to Launiupoko Beach Park for a Hoolaulea.

There, they were greeted by whales and waa (canoes), including the famed Hokulea and Hikianalia.

From there, more cultural protocols, but most importantly — unity.

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