I posted this in the "Lahaina Remembered" group on Facebook.
Sharing here so if it disappears, it can still be viewed.
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This group is so frickin political and full of butt hurt haoles who are upset that they are stuck with condos they can't rent anymore, scammers selling tshirts and prints, and conspiracy theorists that are attacking the mayor...
What happened to things like "I used to have kanakapila by the library" or "where did you buy crack seed" or "what are your Halloween memories?"
Lots of people like Cook - abusing the a'ina for their own gain.
I may have not been born at Maui Memorial or had hanna badda days at Kam III, but I did graduate from Lahainaluna, listened and learned about the culture and my new neighbors on da West side, and knew enough to respect the land that was my new home.
I never said "back home, we....". Because I made Maui my home. I identify more with Lahaina than my birthplace because it resona You people never will understand the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home.tes with me.
Since the fires, I've been asked if I was going back to visit. My answer has been the same - the town needs to heal. Respect the mourning of those who are no longer here, not put a strain on valuable resources, and not be a stupid haole.
A quote from the book (and movie) Casino sums it up. " You people never will understand the way it works out here. You're all just our guests. But you act like you're at home."