Hawaii lawmakers opened a new session of the state legislature on Wednesday. Lawmakers vowed to address the threat posed by wildfires and the lack of affordable housing in the wake last August’s deadly wildfire that destroyed Lahaina. Thousands of displaced residents continue to live in hotel rooms paid for by FEMA. Officials say one reason is West Maui’s tight housing market, which is heavily populated by expensive vacation rentals. Protesters from the group Lahaina Strong held a march in Honolulu and a rally at the Capitol to remind lawmakers of their needs.
