HONOLULU (AP) — Jes Claydon, standing just outside the burn zone in Lahaina, can witness the remnants of her former rental home. This was the place where she lived for 13 years, raised three children, and created countless memories. Unfortunately, very little remains recognizable, except for the jars of sea glass that adorned the front door.
Starting Monday, officials will begin lifting restrictions on entry to the area. Like many others, Claydon eagerly awaits the opportunity to return and recover anything salvageable, such as those precious jars and other sentimental items.
“I yearn to visit the area and absorb the magnitude of what happened,” Claydon expressed. “Even if all I find are those jars of sea glass, I look forward to retrieving them. They symbolize a piece of my home.”
Residents and property owners will finally be allowed to return to their burned properties in the coming days, after nearly seven long weeks since the devastating wildfire ravaged Lahaina on August 8. This deadly inferno claimed the lives of at least 97 individuals and left over 2,000 buildings, primarily homes, in ruins.
For those who fled while the flames roared through Lahaina, the idea of returning stirs up intense emotions. Many escaped by any means necessary, including jumping over sea walls and finding temporary refuge in the waves amidst the smoky darkness. This historic capital of the former Hawaiian kingdom has seen tragedy unlike any before.
Claydon’s old home, a single-story cinderblock house painted in a reddish-tan hue mirroring the red dirt of Lahaina, still partially stands. However, it remains visible only from the National Guard blockade that has prevented unauthorized access to the burn zone. Some walls remain intact, and patches of green lawn can still be seen.
Authorities have divided the burned area into multiple zones for controlled reentry. The first to be cleared, Zone 1C along Kaniau Road in the north part of Lahaina, will open for supervised visits on Monday and Tuesday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eligible residents and property owners were able to pick up passes in advance over the weekend to facilitate their return.
Darryl Oliveira, interim administrator of the Maui Emergency Management Agency, emphasized the importance of allowing individuals the space and privacy to reflect, grieve, and bid farewell to their properties. The officials are prepared to accommodate different needs and emotions during this process.
“Some people may only want to spend a few minutes to say goodbye to their property,” stated Hawaii Gov. Josh Green. “Others may choose to stay for several hours. We will be highly accommodating.”
Those returning to the burn zone will be provided with essential amenities, including water, shade, washing stations, portable toilets, and medical and mental health care. Nonprofit organizations are also offering personal protective equipment, such as masks and coveralls. It is crucial to note that caution should be exercised, as the ash in the area may contain asbestos, lead, arsenic, or other hazardous substances.
Although some residents, like Claydon, may feel compelled to search for personal belongings like jewelry or photographs, officials strongly advise against sifting through the ashes. Disturbing the debris carries the risk of raising toxic dust, which could pose a danger to individuals and their neighbors downwind.
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