Biden said Lahaina will be rebuilt — in the way Lahaina residents want it to be rebuilt

Travel
Doifoo
August 22, 2023
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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – During his remarks to devastated Lahaina residents on Monday, President Biden made sure to deliver this message: Your community will be rebuilt on your terms.

Biden was clearly seeking to allay fears among longtime residents that Lahaina’s future won’t look anything like its past. And that reassurance resonated with survivors and evacuees who have lost everything, including members of their family, neighbors and friends.

“We will be respectful of the sacred grounds and traditions and rebuild the way that people of Maui want to build, not the way others want to build,” Biden said, speaking at Lahaina Civic Center.

Those who heard Biden’s speech appreciated the remarks, but remain cautious.

“I hope he keeps his word,” said Alicia Kalepa, wife of legendary big-wave surfer Archie Kalepa. She added that she’s going to hold him to it.

“We appreciate him coming,” she said.

This story will be updated.

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