Hawaii's governor hails support for Maui and targets vacation rentals exacerbating housing shortage
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green used his annual State of the State address to lead lawmakers and guests in a moment of silence for victims of the Lahaina wildfire
HONOLULU — Hawaii Gov. Josh Green on Monday used his annual State of the State address to lead lawmakers and guests in a moment of silence for victims of the Lahaina wildfire and to propose aggressive steps to shift more vacation rentals into residential use to meet both Maui and the state's acute housing needs.
Those gathered for the speech delivered a standing ovation to two Maui firefighters — Keahi Ho and Koa Bonnell — who traveled from Maui for the governor's talk, which focused heavily on helping Maui recover from August's deadly wildfires.
“The people of Maui have shown strength in the face of adversity," said Green, a Democrat. «But the days ahead will not been easy and they will continue to need our support and we will be there for them as long as it takes.”
A wildfire fueled by hurricane-force winds raced through the historic coastal town of Lahaina on Aug. 8, killing 100 people and destroying thousands of homes and buildings.
Green's acknowledgement of all those who rushed to Maui's aid after the fire brought tears to the eyes of state Rep. Dee Morikawa, the House majority floor leader and a Democrat representing the western part of Kauai and Niihau.
“It’s just good to know that all of Hawaii is coming together for Maui,” Morikawa said after the address.
The most urgent unmet need on Maui is now stable long-term housing for some 5,000 residents who are staying in hotel rooms because they haven't been able to find affordable places to rent on the island, one of the nation's most expensive places to live.
Green aims for all 5,000 to move into long-term
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