Nadine Ortega and Khara Jabola-Carolus, researchers from the University of Hawaii, have raised concerns regarding the remarks made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Noem referenced their report on the impact of the August 2023 Lahaina wildfires on women and gender equality to critique the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) performance in disaster response.
The report, released by Tagnawa, reveals a troubling statistic: 1 in 6 surveyed female Filipino survivors had resorted to exchanging sexual favors for basic necessities such as food and shelter following the disaster that took the lives of 102 individuals. Noem’s comments at a FEMA review meeting suggested there was a lack of clarity and support from FEMA representatives, which she believes contributed to the extreme measures survivors felt compelled to take.
Jabola-Carolus objected to Noem’s utilization of the findings while simultaneously condemning immigrants—many of whom were among the impacted survivors. She highlighted a disconnect in Noem’s concerns for these women and her stance on immigration enforcement, asserting that these policies instill fear in immigrant communities, further preventing them from seeking necessary help.
The authors of the study emphasized the critical need for effective communication and resources for survivors, particularly given the barriers faced by immigrant populations. Ortega, who founded Tagnawa, noted that many individuals struggled to access available resources due to language barriers and a lack of clear guidance in the aftermath of the wildfires.
Criticism of Noem’s approach came from figures within Hawaii’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono and U.S. Rep. Jill Tokuda. Tokuda characterized Noem’s remarks as exploitative, suggesting that they reduced the suffering of the women to a political talking point without calling for enhanced support for FEMA or those affected by the fires.
This adds to a growing discourse about the long-term impacts of the Maui wildfires, especially regarding housing issues. The destruction of approximately 3,500 homes has exacerbated the region’s housing crisis, prompting discussions at local government levels on how to convert short-term rentals into long-term housing solutions.
The dire circumstances faced by survivors of the Lahaina wildfires have sparked necessary conversations about the intersectionality of gender, class, and immigration status in disaster response scenarios. It is essential for policymakers and disaster response agencies to take these insights into account to provide adequate support and prevent future instances of hardship among vulnerable populations.
Overall, while the situation is grave, this discourse may lead to more targeted support for disaster survivors and improvements in how agencies like FEMA operate in times of crisis.