The loan repayment plan sucks. I live in the most expensive state. I am severely rent burdened and the cost of living is already too much. The repayment plan doesn't factor this in and makes me pay. All because my dumbass wanted to be a teacher! www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023...
I agree. But what can advocates do? I believe in local government and grassroots action. I worked on Maui's wetland overlay, drafted before this decision. It was based on local environmentalists and protectors finding the army corps definition of wetlands insufficient. There's space here to mobilize
States and counties need to step up to protect wetlands. Maui County created a wetlands overlay district to create it's own, more protective standards for identifying, mapping, rezoning and protecting wetlands. It's a long process with mapping still ongoing, so the time to act is now
"...companies producing AI technology are also charting a new frontier in labor exploitation, researchers say." www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/0...
Environmental racism https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/08/lahainas-large-immigrant-community-is-facing-a-unique-struggle-in-the-fires-aftermath/
Losing important documents is a real problem while fear and mistrust of government agencies has inhibited some from seeking aid, experts say.
The Pyrocene is underway. We underestimated how fuel availability increases in an intensified hydrological cycle; it dries/dies out faster than anticipated. https://www.latimes.com/environment/story/2023-08-18/lahaina-yellowknife-hurricane-hilary-climate-scientists-watch-predictions-come-true
Wildfires in Canada and Hawaii. Hurricane Hilary set to strike California. Scientists have warned about worse storms and more frequent fires for years.
Environmental racism https://www.civilbeat.org/2023/08/many-of-lahainas-filipinos-are-still-missing-as-the-search-for-bodies-drags-on/
The Filipino population swelled over the decades as workers arrived to take jobs in the plantations, hotels and businesses.
The better ask is not to request more tourists, when residents and native Hawaiians have been decrying overtourism for many years--but to demand government step in with massive subsidies and direct payments to all those impacted by the fires. Fund with taxes on visitor and real estate industries