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Episode 5: Debunking eminent domain rumors in Lahaina

Lahaina residents found connection and support on social media after the devastating wildfire. But they also found a rumor claiming that FEMA could seize land from property owners who applied for disaster assistance.

The rumor is false, but it revealed an erosion of trust between the community and the government.


This Is Our Hawaiʻi has explored the legacy of large landownership and how that has affected the lives of residents in communities across the islands. Previous episodes discussed what it meant to be local, and also the fight for sovereignty.

But on Aug. 8, everything changed. The legacy of large landownership meant the difference between life and death on Maui.

Episode 5 builds off of previous reporting on the Maui fires. Why do these rumors persist? Host Russell Subiono and producer Savannah Harriman-Pote take a look at how Hawaiʻi’s history of land grabs makes these concerns valid.

Listen and read the full story here.


Local support provided by Bess Press.

This Is Our Hawaiʻi is produced by Hawaiʻi Public Radio, a member of the NPR Podcast Network, with support from PRX and is made possible in part by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

This podcast is hosted by Russell Subiono and produced by Savannah Harriman-Pote, with assistance from HPR staff: Ananddev Banerjee, Bill DormanSylvia FloresCasey HarlowSophia McCulloughLiberty PeraltaKrista Rados and Jason Ubay.

Mahalo to Maddie Bender for her production assistance and to PRX's Mike Russo for his continued support. Logo design by Kristin Lipman.

This Is Our Hawaiʻi was made possible with financial support from HPR members. Consider making a contribution today.

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Russell Subiono is the executive producer of <i>The Conversation</i> and host of HPR's <i>This Is Our Hawaiʻi </i>podcast. Born in Honolulu and raised on Hawaiʻi Island, he’s spent the last decade working in local film, television and radio. Contact him at talkback@hawaiipublicradio.org.
Savannah Harriman-Pote is the energy and climate change reporter. She is also the lead producer of HPR's "This Is Our Hawaiʻi" podcast. Contact her at sharrimanpote@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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