Mikey Burke, a Native Hawaiian teenager, had always dreamed of leaving her small town in West Maui to make something of herself in a big city. However, after spending time in Los Angeles for college, she realized that she missed the authenticity and sense of community that she had back home in Maui. Upon returning home for a visit before starting a new job in LA, she met Rob, a commercial painter, on the flight. They fell in love, and Burke made the decision to raise their future children in Maui, wanting them to have the same connection to family and the land that she cherished.
Taking a pay cut from her job in LA, Burke started working as an accountant at Mauiâs local power utility, hoping to eventually get back to her previous salary. However, the cost of living in Maui was much higher than she had anticipated. Their expenses grew as they had more children, and they struggled to find affordable housing in a competitive market where they were constantly outbid by cash offers.
Finally, after a long search, they found a four-bedroom house in LÄhainÄ that was part of a workforce housing program designed to help local families. The house, priced at $761,645 with a $3,300 monthly mortgage payment, was a dream come true for Burke and her family. They felt incredibly grateful and fortunate to have secured a home where they could raise their children and build a life together.
The first time they stepped foot in their new home, overlooking LÄhainÄ town, Burke was overwhelmed with disbelief and gratitude. As her twins explored the rooms in their new house, she knew that they had made the right decision to stay in Maui. The sense of accomplishment and pride in providing a stable and secure home for her family was a feeling that Burke would never forget. The fire had already encroached upon their property, blocking their exit. Panic set in as she watched the flames draw closer, licking at the edges of their home. She quickly gathered her children and their belongings, ushering them out of the car and back into the house. They huddled together in the living room, the air thick with smoke and the crackling of burning embers outside.
As the fire raged on, Burke frantically called for help, but emergency services were overwhelmed with the scale of the disaster. Hours passed as they waited, the heat and smoke intensifying around them. It was a terrifying ordeal, but Burke remained resolute in her determination to protect her family.
Finally, a team of firefighters arrived, battling the flames to create a path for the family to escape. With their guidance, Burke and her children made a daring dash through the burning landscape to safety. They were whisked away to a makeshift evacuation center, where they huddled together, shaken but alive.
In the aftermath of the fire, as they surveyed the devastation of their once-beautiful town, Burke knew that their future was no longer secure. The loss of their home and community was a harsh reality check, forcing them to confront the uncertainty of their circumstances. But amidst the rubble and ashes, Burke found a strength she never knew she had.
Determined to rebuild their lives and their home, Burke and her family joined forces with their neighbors to support each other in the long and arduous process of recovery. They leaned on each other for strength and solace, forging bonds that would endure long after the flames had died down.
Despite the challenges ahead, Burke remained hopeful that her boys would still know what it was like to grow up Hawaiian in Hawaiʻi. The resilience and spirit of their community, rooted in a deep connection to their land and heritage, would carry them through the darkest of times. As they worked together to rebuild their town, brick by brick, they knew that their future, though forever changed, was still filled with promise and possibility. As wildfires continue to ravage communities across the United States, one family in Hawaiʻi faced the terrifying reality of having to evacuate their home as flames closed in on their neighborhood. Mikey Burke and her family found themselves trapped in their driveway as they tried to evacuate, with the street already full of cars trying to escape the approaching fire.
In a moment of desperation, a stranger waved them into the line of cars, showing a remarkable act of kindness in the face of danger. The entire street of evacuating vehicles remained orderly, with everyone following the rules of the road despite the chaos unfolding around them.
As embers flew into their yard and flames engulfed neighboring homes, Burke knew they had to move quickly to avoid being surrounded by the fire. She calmly suggested to her children to unbuckle their seatbelts, preparing them for the possibility of having to leave the car in a hurry.
With traffic at a standstill, a masked bicyclist approached their car and motioned for them to switch lanes and drive ahead. This small act of assistance helped them navigate through the gridlock and eventually reach safety. Other acts of kindness, such as dirt bike riders breaking through locked gates to allow drivers to escape, also played a crucial role in the family’s survival.
After a harrowing journey, the Burkes finally found refuge in a gated community overlooking LÄhainÄ. The contrast between the untouched luxury estates and their ash-covered caravan highlighted the disparities in land ownership and access in HawaiÊ»i. With a low homeownership rate and historical injustices that have marginalized the Native Hawaiian population, families like the Burkes face challenges in competing with global demand for land.
In the aftermath of the fire, the Burkes reflect on the fragility of their community and the potential for further displacement of Indigenous peoples. As they navigate the uncertain future, they are reminded of the importance of resilience and solidarity in the face of natural disasters and systemic inequalities.
Thatâs not the case in HawaiÊ»i, where most land is at the mercy of American capitalism. The struggle for Native Hawaiians to obtain land rights and housing is deeply intertwined with a history of colonization, displacement, and systemic inequality. The Hawaiian Home Lands program, created to provide land for Native Hawaiians, has fallen short of its intended purpose, leaving thousands of Hawaiians waiting for homes for decades.
Mikey Burke, a Native Hawaiian, has experienced firsthand the challenges of accessing land in Hawaiʻi. Her mother has been on the waiting list for a Hawaiian Home Lands property for over 25 years, still waiting for a home. Burke herself does not qualify for the program due to federal blood quantum standards, highlighting the complexities and limitations of the system.
After a devastating fire destroyed her home, Burke was faced with the daunting task of rebuilding her life while navigating the financial aftermath. The lack of clear guidance from mortgage companies and uncertainty about repayment terms added to her stress and anxiety. Despite efforts to save money and plan for the future, the burden of debt looms large, with no clear resolution in sight.
The challenges faced by Native Hawaiians like Mikey Burke highlight the broader issues of land ownership, housing affordability, and economic disparities in Hawaiʻi. The legacy of colonization and the ongoing impact of American capitalism continue to shape the lives of Indigenous communities in the state, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change and equitable solutions.
However, since the 2023 Maui wildfires destroyed her family’s home, she has taken on a new role as a full-time advocate, navigating the complex web of insurance claims, mortgage payments, and assistance programs. It’s a role she never expected to have, but one that she has embraced with determination and resilience.
For many homeowners like Burke, the aftermath of a natural disaster can be just as devastating as the event itself. The financial burden of rebuilding a home can be overwhelming, especially when faced with unexpected costs and bureaucratic hurdles. While some banks offer assistance by temporarily suspending mortgage payments, others require homeowners to pay upfront, leaving them with a sudden bill of tens of thousands of dollars.
Autumn Ness, the executive director of the LÄhainÄ Community Land Trust, has been on the front lines of helping homeowners navigate these challenges. The nonprofit has spent millions to purchase homes from homeowners facing foreclosure, but with the average mortgage approaching $700,000, they can’t help everyone. Communicating with big mortgage lenders and servicers has been a struggle, with out-of-state companies making it difficult to advocate on behalf of homeowners.
A local analysis predicts that more than 20% of LÄhainÄ properties will have new owners within three years of the fire, leading to gentrification and mass displacement. Proposed legislation in Congress aims to provide forbearance for federally backed mortgages, but long-term solutions are needed to address the financial stressors faced by homeowners.
Government funding programs like the one in California and Maui County are steps in the right direction, but limited funding and specific criteria can make it challenging for homeowners to access assistance. For survivors like Burke, who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and other health issues, staying on top of assistance programs can be overwhelming.
Despite the challenges, homeowners like Burke are resilient, determined to rebuild their lives and homes. They are advocates for their families, navigating the complexities of insurance claims and assistance programs with grace and strength. As they continue to fight for their homes and communities, they serve as beacons of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The struggle of homeowners dealing with mortgage servicers during times of crisis is a common narrative for many individuals, including Mikey Burke. As she navigates the challenges of rebuilding her home in Maui after a devastating fire, Burke finds herself in a constant battle with her mortgage servicer to extend her forbearance.
Calling her mortgage servicer every few months has become a routine for Burke, as she requests to extend her forbearance period. Despite her mortgage being owned by Fannie Mae, the servicer often informs her that disaster forbearance is only available for up to 12 months. However, Burke stands her ground and reminds them of Fannie Mae’s policy, allowing her to remain on forbearance as long as she is not in her home and still in temporary housing.
The repetitive conversations with the mortgage servicer lead to frustrating moments of being put on hold and supervisors promising to do more research. In some instances, Burke is left in the dark and only discovers updates on her forbearance by checking the website herself. This lack of communication and transparency adds to the stress and uncertainty she faces in rebuilding her home.
Notably, Burke’s ordeal with her mortgage servicer took a turn when she unexpectedly found out she was briefly in foreclosure. A random conversation with a representative from the company revealed this unsettling news, highlighting the importance of staying vigilant and proactive in such circumstances.
The financial burden of rebuilding her home looms over Burke, as insurance coverage falls short of the required funds. Despite the challenges, she remains steadfast in her determination to restore her home and preserve her family’s connection to the land. For Burke, the house represents more than just a physical structure; it symbolizes a legacy for her children and grandchildren, anchoring them to their roots.
As she touches blocks of concrete with her children’s handprints, remnants of her original home that still stand amidst the destruction, Burke remains hopeful for the future. Her resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity serve as a testament to her commitment to rebuilding not just a house, but a place of belonging and heritage. The city of New York is known for its hustle and bustle, with millions of people moving through the streets every day. But amidst the chaos of the city, there are hidden gems that offer a peaceful escape from the noise and crowds. One such gem is the High Line, a unique park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets of Manhattan’s West Side.
The High Line stretches for 1.45 miles from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the Hudson River. The park is a beautiful oasis of greenery in the midst of the concrete jungle, with lush plantings, art installations, and seating areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
The High Line was originally built in the 1930s as part of a freight rail line that ran through the industrial district of Manhattan. As the city’s economy shifted away from manufacturing, the rail line fell into disuse and was eventually abandoned. In the early 2000s, a group of local residents and activists came together to advocate for the preservation of the High Line as a public space, and in 2009, the first section of the park opened to the public.
Since then, the High Line has become a beloved destination for both tourists and locals alike. The park is divided into different sections, each with its own unique character and features. Visitors can stroll through the Gansevoort Woodland, a shaded area with a meandering pathway and seating areas nestled among trees and shrubs. Or they can explore the Chelsea Grasslands, a section of the park that features open grassy areas, wildflower meadows, and stunning views of the city skyline.
One of the highlights of the High Line is the Rail Yards, a section of the park that offers a glimpse into the park’s industrial past. Here, visitors can see original rail tracks and structures that have been preserved as a reminder of the park’s history. The Rail Yards also feature a variety of art installations and sculptures that pay homage to the park’s industrial roots.
In addition to its natural beauty and historic charm, the High Line is also a hub for cultural events and activities. The park hosts a variety of programs throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and educational workshops. Visitors can also take guided tours of the park to learn more about its history and design.
Overall, the High Line is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or art enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this unique and enchanting park. So next time you find yourself in Manhattan, be sure to take a stroll along the High Line and experience the magic of this urban oasis.
