LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Families in Lahaina are still dealing with the aftermath of the devastating fires that scorched through the area last year.
That was felt all the way here in Las Vegas in what is known as the 9th Island.
FOX5 spoke with Alexy Rollins who has called Las Vegas her home for many years, but her heart is always tied to Maui. When the fires started to spread last year, she was waiting anxiously on word from her family.
Now a year later, she reflected back on the impacts the fires have left.
“I can’t believe it has been a year,” Rollins said.
It has been a year of loss and devastation for Rollins and her family.
Rollins grew up in Maui but the Las Vegas resident called the town of Lahaina her home for many years.
“It hurts to go home,” Rollins said.
Rollins said she went back to Lahaina a few months after the fires occurred and and there was ash still left from buildings that burnt to the ground. When the fires broke out last August, Rollins was in Las Vegas trying to get a hold of her mom, dad and two younger brothers.
“I’m like, ‘Mom, what is the status of your life. Are you ok?’” Rollins said. “My mom finally called and she had to stand in this one spot on top of a hill.”
Rollins moved her family to Las Vegas for a few months. However, life after returning home was not the same.
Her mom died shortly after from health complications and then housing became a big issue.
“Not only is it hard to find a house as is but the cost of living is wild,” Rollins said. “You can’t pay $4,800 for a one bedroom 700 square foot.”
Rollins said the jump in costs is due to a spike in fire insurance. She said some of her friends are still paying mortgage on homes that burnt to the ground.
“I think a lot of people are going to be leaving to get a fresh start,” Rollins said.
As costs are forcing locals to leave, one thing many survivors struggle with today is feeling empathy and sensitivity from tourists who visit.
“Imagine your home burnt down and your living in a hotel and you look out the window and there’s a tourist family living their best life,” Rollins said.
She believes Maui will rebuild with time, but will never be the same.
On Friday, Hawaii Governor Josh Green held a press conference and said 17,000 people survived the fires.
The biggest challenge is still moving survivors from temporary housing to transitional housing.
The state of Hawaii is working to build more than 1,000 housing units with the help of the federal government.
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