The devastating fires in Lahaina, Hawaii, left numerous families displaced, but the Filipino community, making up 40% of the town’s population, faces unique hurdles. Debbie Arellano, a 37-year-old resident, expressed concern over her community’s disproportionate toll, highlighting issues such as English-only aid forms and a growing distrust of institutions.
In the aftermath, many Filipino families, an integral part of Hawaii’s cultural and labor history, found themselves battling the challenges of lost documentation, such as green cards and passports, and language barriers. Kevin Block, a Maui-based immigration attorney, emphasized the confusion caused by English-only communication during the crisis. Surprisingly, even Citizenship and Immigration Services, which deals directly with immigrants, only offers forms in English.
While around 59% of Hawaii’s Filipinos speak non-English languages at home, community groups have taken the lead in translating documents into Tagalog, Spanish, and Ilocano. However, for many, particularly the undocumented who constitute 46% of the Filipino community in Hawaii, the fear of interacting with federal agencies has become a hindrance in seeking aid. They worry about potential repercussions on their immigration status.
Government agencies, like FEMA, assure that all disaster survivors, regardless of their immigration status, are entitled to federal emergency relief. Still, distrust runs deep, with concerns further exacerbated by requests for DNA samples to identify fire victims.
As the tourism-dependent Lahaina starts rebuilding, Cathy Betts, director of the state’s Department of Human Services, emphasizes the need for cultural navigators to assist in clarifying aid processes and rebuilding trust within the Lahaina Filipino community.
Affected by the Lahaina fires? Contact Farahi Law Firm to get assistance in filing a legal claim for financial compensation for your losses and injuries.
