Environmental disasters are increasing, and exposing the cracks in traditional disaster response. A one-size-fits-all model failed to meet survivors’ needs in Hawaiʻi and will fail future disaster-hit communities. Working class women and girls get lost in the chaos and sexism.
Tagnawa’s role in the 2023 Lahaina fires and continued mission is to ensure the most marginalized women and girls are methodically seen, heard, and cared for during environmental disaster response and rebuilding processes.
The Comprehensive Report on the Needs and Recovery of Filipino Survivors of the Lahaina Fires, the first research report to specifically focus on Filipino survivors of the 2023 Lahaina fires.
A total of 757 Filipino fire survivors were surveyed and interviewed over the course of 16 months for this project. Filipinos represented an estimated 40% of Lahaina’s population —nearly twice the state average—but no research has been published to understand Filipinos’ unique experiences of the fire and recovery needs.
The Comprehensive Report on the Needs and Recovery of FIlipino Survivors of the Lahaina Fires breaks new ground. The report was made possible through support from Hawaiʻi Community Foundation and Organizing Resilience, and was produced by a team of Filipino researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa that included the Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute, Pinerds (a consortium of Hawaiʻi’s Filipino health researchers), and the Hawaiʻi Workers Center.
Know Your Rights Training
Tagnawa and Hawai'i Delegation in D.C.
Community Report Back Event
July 20: Mental Health Workshop: Building Sacred Space
Free health and wellness offerings, sound healing, and food.
July 13: Mental Health Workshop: Photography Workshop & Portrait Session
Photography lessons and free produce, with printed photos distributed later.
July 06: Fil4Kids Summer Fun Day
Cultural enrichment activities, including games, food, and art for kids.
June 29: Mental Health Workshop: Trauma-Informed Community Member Training & Listening Circles
Healing-centered workshops for survivors, with focus on trauma support.
June 24: STR Rental MeetingProvided testimony in support of banning STR rentals.
June 22: Mental Health Workshop: Trauma-Informed Community Member Training & Listening Circles
Grounding practices for wildfire and domestic violence survivors.
May 29: National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education 2024
Highlighting Lahaina’s recovery and challenges faced by its residents.
May 25: Mental Health Workshop: Trauma-Informed Community Member Training & Listening Circles
Coping strategies and listening circles focused on trauma.
May 11: Tagnawa Community Wellness Workshops (Introductory Session: Tungtungan and Merienda)
Discussions on upcoming mental health support workshops.
May 01: March and Rally
Rally at Hawaii State Capitol for international workers’ rights.
April 29:Trauma-Informed Community Training
Training facilitated by mental health professionals, focusing on community trauma.
April 22:May Day at the Legislature Week of Action (Rally & Lobby Day)
Rally to address local working families’ issues, including Maui fire relief.
Feb 23, 24, 25: Wildfire Health Impacts
Health assessments for residents exposed to wildfire, with personal health data provided.
Feb 17: Lahaina Community Town Hall & 6-Month Pa’ina
Updates from Lahaina Strong, featuring speakers on community rebuilding.
Feb 09 & 10: Understanding How Fires Affect Your Health
Health risk assessments for wildfire survivors, offering testing and personal results.
Nov 12: Dia de los Muertos
Volunteers made luminaries and parols to honor those lost in the fires.
Nov 10: Lahaina Strong Hui: Fishing for Dignified Housing
Protest advocating for dignified housing for Lahaina residents.
Sept 15: Maui Fires Filipino Outreach Day
Outreach event for survivors to access disaster relief, with food and translator support.
Sept 13: Maui County Housing & Land Use Committee Meeting
Peaceful rally involving prayer and testimony regarding housing and land use issues.
Sept 10: Maui Fires Filipino + Latino Outreach Day
Outreach for survivors, providing free food and medical assistance, with translators.
Sept 04: Maui Fires Filipino Outreach Day
Focused on connecting Filipino survivors with resources and recovery assistance.
