Community Heroes: Responding to Maui Wildfires and Government Failures

Facing the Reality of Climate Change

The impact of climate change is no longer a distant threat; it’s here and now. We’re witnessing record-breaking wildfires, floods, hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves with increasing frequency.

The devastation of the Maui wildfires has shown us that our current systems alone are not enough to prepare our communities for Climate Change. Nobody knows the needs of a community better than its own residents, which is why it’s so important to develop a climate action plan in your neighborhood

Amidst the challenges of natural disasters and the government’s slow response with response efforts, a new breed of Community Heroes are emerging. They remind us of the power of collective action and the urgent need for community action plans.

Government Failure in the Face of Maui Wildfires

The recent Maui wildfires were a stark reminder of the shortcomings in government intervention. At various levels—federal, state, and county—the response to this environmental disaster was marred by failures. The alert sirens didn’t warn Maui residents and rescuers arrived late with supplies despite several military bases being nearby.

Natural disasters like wildfires require swift and effective government responses from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and local governments. But as agencies are stretched thin by multiple wildfires and other natural disasters, the Maui experience revealed how much we need our Community Heroes to take initiative on behalf of their communities.

Taking Charge: Community Heroes Leading the Way

As the government’s response faltered, individuals like big wave surfer and Maui native Kai Lenny stepped up as a Community Hero. After waiting nearly a week for government officials to arrive, Kai Lenny and other community leaders began organizing community centers to serve as distribution hubs for supplies.  It was a painful reminder that relying solely on government efforts was not enough to protect the Maui communities nor aid in the immediate recovery in the era of climate change. The Maui wildfires are a warning to other communities that we need everyday people to coordinate meaningful community projects to safeguard our neighborhoods, ensuring a safer future for generations to come.

Kai Lenny’s Citizen-Run Recovery Effort

In the aftermath of the Maui wildfires, Kai Lenny initiated a citizen-run recovery effort, one of many on the Hawaiian island. His leadership was born out of necessity, as the government response had proven to be inadequate. The stories from the fire zone were disheartening, with residents reporting that they had not seen a government employee in days.

Kai Lenny reflected on the community-led project: “It started off with being boots on the ground—jet skis, boats, and even chartering planes. We took it upon ourselves to provide immediate relief for friends and family before official help arrived. Day after day, we wondered, ‘Where are they?’ We saw no state, county, or federal officials at the donation hubs where people were suffering the most.”

Community Action Plans: The Need of the Hour

The Maui wildfires underscored the urgency for community action plans in the era of climate boiling. It became evident that we, as everyday people, need to proactively prepare our communities for droughts and natural disasters. By taking initiative and ensuring stable neighborhoods, we become heroes in the eyes of our children and grandchildren.

Gen Unison: Fostering Community Heroes

Gen Unison offers a platform for Community Heroes to connect with their communities and find support for local projects aimed at climate change resilience. Whether you are already organizing a project or looking to start one, Gen Unison provides the resources and community specialists to help you create a climate action plan for your neighborhood.

Embracing Our Roles as Community Heroes

The Maui wildfires served as a poignant reminder that we cannot rely solely on government agencies in the face of climate change. We must be the Community Heroes who take action, protect our communities, and ensure a better future for all.

By uniting and working together, we can face the challenges of climate change head-on and leave a legacy of resilience for generations to come.

Join the Gen Unison movement and be a part of this vital change today. Find out more on how to use the Gen Unison Platform.