Assessing Health and Environmental Impacts of 2023 Maui Wildfires on Asian Americans

Publication Date: 2025

Abstract

Click to View the Research Brief

The 2023 Maui wildfires had severe implications for both human health and the ecological integrity of Maui County. This study explored the health and environmental impacts of these wildfires, with a particular focus on the Asian American community. Adopting a mixed‐methods approach, we conducted 37 semi‐structured interviews with Asian American wildfire survivors and implemented a hypothetical soil contamination analysis using existing environmental data. The purpose of the interviews was to understand how the wildfires affected survivors’ physical and mental health and to capture their perceptions of disaster recovery. Meanwhile, the soil analysis aimed to identify potential environmental hazards from toxic contaminants post-fire. Our interview findings revealed significant mental health challenges among survivors, including elevated stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. The soil analysis suggested there were as well as potentially high contaminant levels in urban and residential areas, with lead concentrations estimated to reach up to 500 mg/kg and increased levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as compared to pre-fire baseline data. These results suggest that the wildfires have created both immediate and long-term risks to public health and environmental safety. In light of these findings, policy implications include the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health services, tailored to the unique needs of the Asian American community, and the establishment of comprehensive soil sampling programs to verify contamination levels and guide remediation efforts. This study provides critical evidence to inform disaster response strategies and promote future research in public health and environmental remediation in post-wildfire settings.

Introduction

The August 2023 Maui Wildfires devastated Maui County and stand as one of the most catastrophic disasters in Hawaii’s recent history. These fires, exacerbated by drought conditions and strong winds, consumed over 2,200 structures and claimed at least 102 lives—the deadliest wildfire incident in United States history (Maui Emergency Management Agency, 2024¹; U.S. Fire Administration, 2024²). In recent years, wildfires have increased in frequency and severity. This trend underscores the imperative to comprehensively study the multifaceted health impacts and environmental consequences of wildfires. Wildfires generate a multifaceted impacts that extend beyond the immediate flames. Wildfire smoke, comprised of gaseous combustion products and particulate matter, carries adverse consequences for environmental and human health. Moreover, catastrophic fires release substantial quantities of carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide, into both the atmosphere and deeply into the soil, significantly altering the ecological landscape (Alexakis, 2020³). Soil contamination resulting from wildfires is a highly relevant yet underexplored issue that is inextricably linked to both ecosystem health and human well-being. The dispersion of toxic elements into soil and sediments arising from wildfire events is a topic that warrants extensive investigation, as it intersects with human health in profound ways.

While all survivors of the 2023 Maui Wildfires were inevitably impacted by the disaster, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, previous research has consistently shown that vulnerable populations suffer disproportionately higher rates of adverse health impacts (Benevolenza & DeRigne, 2018⁴). Research shows, for example, that Asian Americans, the third largest racial minority group in the United States, have disproportionately higher rates of some physical and mental health conditions, a dimension that has not been adequately illuminated in the literature, largely due to the pervasive model minority myth (Sue et al., 1995⁵).

This study aimed to address two crucial aspects of the Maui wildfires: First, it explored how members of the Asian American community in Maui County perceived the impact of the wildfire on their health and mental well-being. Second, it examined soil contamination resulting from the wildfires and its implications for environmental and human health. By combining these two areas of focus, this study sought to shed light on the complex interplay of factors following a catastrophic wildfire, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge and providing essential insights for public health and environmental science.

Literature Review

Ecological and Health Impacts of Wildfire

Wildfires are a multifaceted ecological phenomenon, with profound implications for the environment and public health. Over recent decades, the western United States has witnessed an alarming surge in wildfire activity and intensity, giving rise to significant land management concerns for both public and private domains (Westerling et al., 2006⁶). Beyond the immediate devastation wrought by wildfires, they have latent consequences, including adverse health effects, compromised air quality, and substantial economic losses due to the necessity of wildfire evacuations (Luo et al., 2019⁷; Wong et al., 2020⁸). Furthermore, wildfires are implicated in a self-perpetuating cycle of environmental disruption, emitting aerosols and carbon emissions that exert profound effects on climate and perpetuating a cycle of heightened wildfire risk (NASA Science Editorial Team, 2020⁹). These emissions amplify climate change effects, such as increasing temperatures and altering precipitation patterns, which in turn elevate the risk and severity of future wildfires. The ecological reverberations of wildfires on soil are extensive and encompass alterations in nutrient cycling, soil structure, and microbial communities (Certini, 2005¹⁰; Galang et al., 2010¹¹; González-Pérez et al., 2004¹²). These alterations can impair soil productivity, exacerbate erosion, and foster the release of toxins and heavy metals (DeBano, 2000¹³).

The potential repercussions of wildfires on human health are equally significant. Wildfire smoke contains an array of hazardous air pollutants and particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system (Reid et al., 2016¹⁴). This raises concerns about respiratory ailments, cardiovascular diseases, and even mental health consequences due to increased stress and anxiety during and after wildfire events (Reid et al., 2016; Vardoulakis et al., 2015¹⁵). While wildfires are recognized for their acute health risks, the long-term health effects of wildfire exposure remain an underexplored area of concern. Existing studies demonstrate that wildfire smoke inhalation can have lasting repercussions, contributing to the development of chronic lung diseases, including asthma (Holm et al., 2021¹⁶). Of particular concern is the impact on children, where exposure to wildfire particulate matter has been linked to adverse neuropsychological outcomes, encompassing conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism, and memory impairment (Holm et al., 2021).

Social Vulnerability to Disasters Among Asian Americans

The multifaceted health impacts of wildfires can be particularly damaging to racial minorities. Research shows that Asian Americans, the third-largest racial minority group in the United States, have experience higher levels of stress, depression, and anxiety due to factors such as acculturation, discrimination, and barriers to mental health services (Gee et al., 2007¹⁷). Cultural stigma in the Asian American community around mental health issues and a lack of culturally competent care further exacerbate these challenges, leading many Asian Americans to not seek mental health services. For instance, Asian American women grapple with disproportionately high suicide rates when compared to other women in the United States (Chen et al., 2002¹⁸). This alarming statistic is linked to factors such as cultural pressures to succeed, intergenerational family conflicts, and societal expectations, which can lead to feelings of isolation and psychological distress.

Furthermore, Asian Americans face an elevated risk of various diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and cancer (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2024¹⁹), partly due to their underutilization of healthcare services when compared to other racial groups (Abe-Kim et al., 2007²⁰). This underutilization is further compounded by factors such as a lack of health insurance and cultural or language barriers (Office of Minority Health, n.d.²¹). It is imperative to recognize and address these nuanced health disparities and dispel the pervasive model minority myth (Sue et al., 1995), which often obscures the collective challenges experienced by Asian immigrants, portraying them as universally successful individuals without significant hardships.

Wildfires in Hawaii

In the State of Hawaii, a region particularly susceptible to wildfires, an average of 0.5% of the total land burns in wildfires each year, with a staggering 98% of these incidents directly attributed to human activities. In the past decade alone, an average of 8,000 hectares annually succumbed to the destruction caused by roughly 1,000 wildfires (Trauernicht, 2019²²). The native ecosystems of Hawaii, unaccustomed to fire over evolutionary timescales and plagued by invasive species, remain ill-equipped to cope with these blazes (D'Antonio & Vitousek, 1992²³).

A critical concern arises from the fact that over a quarter of the state's territory is now blanketed by non-native plant species, such as fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum) and guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus). These species not only thrive in Hawaii’s climate but also enhance the fuel load, making the environment more susceptible to fires even under humid conditions. Unlike native Hawaiian plants, which evolved without frequent fire disturbances, these invasive species recover quickly after fires, further promoting their spread and altering the natural ecosystem (Trauernicht, 2019). With each intrusion of wildfires into the native forests, the lands are further invaded by non-native, highly flammable plant communities, intensifying the ecological disruption. Meteorological factors associated with climate change—such as stronger winds, recurrent drought conditions, and warmer weather—have combined with shifts in land use practices, more human-induced fire activities, rugged terrain, and more ignitable invasive vegetation to collectively elevate the state's vulnerability to wildfires. Additionally, the potential for soil contamination following wildfires in Hawaii's unique island ecosystem remains underexplored. The dispersion of toxic elements from burned vegetation and infrastructure can have significant environmental and human health implications (Alexakis, 2020). Understanding these impacts is essential for the development of appropriate environmental management and remediation strategies in the aftermath of wildfires in Hawaii. Despite the considerable body of research on wildfire impacts, significant gaps remain, particularly concerning the health effects on vulnerable populations and environmental contamination in island ecosystems like Hawaii. Specifically, the disproportionate mental health impacts on Asian Americans in disaster contexts have not been adequately illuminated in the literature. Additionally, the potential for soil contamination following wildfires in Hawaii's unique ecosystem remains underexplored, with few studies examining how toxic elements disperse into soil and sediments post-wildfire. Addressing these gaps is crucial for developing effective disaster response and recovery strategies tailored to the needs of affected communities.

Research Questions

Our literature review identifies significant gaps in understanding the ecological and health impacts of wildfires, particularly regarding health effects on vulnerable populations and environmental contamination as they relate to the 2023 Maui wildfires. This study addressed these gaps by focusing on the Asian American community in Maui County and conducting a hypothetical analysis of soil contamination. By integrating these aspects, we aimed to provide a holistic understanding of the Maui wildfires' impacts to inform future research, policy decisions, and disaster response strategies. To achieve this, we explored four key research questions:

1. How do Maui wildfire survivors perceive the equity and effectiveness of the disaster recovery process, particularly regarding accessibility to disaster relief services and support?
2. What are the mental and physical health impacts experienced by Asian American survivors?
3. What is the potential magnitude of soil contamination in Maui County following the wildfire?
4. What are the potential health and environmental implications of this hypothetical contamination?

Research Design

We employed multiple methods in this study, including qualitative inquiries and quantitative data analysis. These methods were chosen because they allowed for an in-depth exploration of survivors’ personal experiences and perceptions through qualitative interviews, while the hypothetical soil contamination analysis provided insight into potential environmental risks in the absence of actual soil sampling data. The qualitative approach captured the nuanced mental health impacts and community dynamics, enabling us to delve deeply into the lived experiences of the Asian American community. The hypothetical analysis helped in understanding potential soil contamination based on existing data and scientific models, which was crucial given the restrictions on soil sampling and transportation from affected areas. This combination ensures a comprehensive understanding of the human and environmental impacts of the wildfires.

Study Site and Access

The research was conducted in Maui County, encompassing a geographically diverse and representative study area. Asian Americans constitute 29% of the county's residents and stand as the most populous ethnic minority group (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.²⁴). To facilitate the engagement of Asian American community leaders and residents, we collaborated with local ethnic group leaders and community centers serving Asian Americans. As a result of this community outreach, we recruited 37 Asian Americans to participate in the interviews.

Semi-Structured Interviews

Sampling Strategy and Participant Recruitment

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 37 Asian American community members who experienced the wildfire directly or indirectly. Participants were recruited by initially reaching out to leaders of local Asian American community organizations and cultural centers. These leaders facilitated introductions to community members who met the inclusion criteria. Utilizing snowball sampling, initial participants then referred us to other potential participants within their networks, allowing us to reach a wider segment of the community. This approach was instrumental in building trust and ensuring that a diverse range of experiences was captured.

Interview Guide and Procedure

Interview questions focused on participants' experiences with the wildfire, perceived health and mental health impacts, and specific aspects of the recovery process such as accessibility of disaster relief, interactions with government agencies like the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), satisfaction with aid distribution, community support mechanisms, and any barriers faced during recovery. While an interview guide was used to ensure key topics were covered, the semi-structured format allowed participants to steer the conversation toward areas of personal significance. As a result, while all interviews touched on core themes, participants often provided additional insights unique to their experiences. All interviews were conducted by phone or Zoom, and only audio recordings were kept anonymously after participant numbers were created. Each interview took approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Data Analysis Procedures

We used qualitative content analysis to code the data and identify themes. Comparison methods, such as coding and contrasting, were used to find patterns (Fram, 2013²⁵). Initially, each team member independently reviewed the transcripts and identified recurring themes. After this independent coding, the team discussed and reached a consensus on the emerging themes. These themes were then categorized into codes by similar topics, such as “financial difficulties after the fire,” “slow recovery process due to geographical location,” and “localization of the recovery process.” A codebook was created based on these discussions.

Each team member independently conducted a subsequent review, focusing on the frequency of each code within the data. The team then engaged in another discussion to finalize the themes and subthemes, thereby completing the coding process. To enhance the trustworthiness of the findings, three members of the team cross-reviewed each other's codes and held debriefing sessions, as suggested by Creswell and Clark (2017²⁶). Additionally, the research team provided participants with individualized lists of themes and corresponding interview quotes to gather their feedback, aiming to minimize bias and ensure the research reflected participants' perspectives. When discrepancies arose, team members collaboratively examined and discussed the contested quotes to achieve intercoder agreement (Creswell & Creswell²⁷, 2018; Padgett, 1998²⁸). The de-identified data was then shared with another social scientist researcher specializing in multiculturalism in disaster management for peer debriefing. This researcher used the provided coding system to code the data independently. The research team compared these codes with their own to ensure consistency.

Hypothetical Soil Contamination Analysis

For the soil contamination analysis, a theoretical approach was employed based on: (a) existing data from the Hawaii Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on coastal sediments and beach sand compositions; (b) published literature on wildfire impacts on soil; (c) general knowledge of contaminant behavior in post-wildfire environments; and (d) hypothetical scenarios constructed based on typical patterns observed in other wildfire events. Hypothetical contamination analysis is a recognized method used when direct sampling is not feasible, allowing researchers to estimate potential environmental risks based on known variables and historical data (Astel et al., 2011²⁹). This approach has been utilized in previous environmental studies to predict potential contamination levels following disasters, providing valuable insights for emergency response planning and risk communication (Alexakis, 2020). By modeling potential contaminant distributions, researchers can identify areas of concern and prioritize future sampling efforts once access becomes possible. The hypothetical soil contamination data were interpreted in the context of the Hawaii Department of Health’s (n.d.-a³⁰) Environmental Action Levels for soil contamination and the department’s pre-existing data on coastal sediment and beach sand composition in Hawaii (Hawaii Department of Health, n.d.-b³¹, n.d.-c³²).

Ethical Considerations

All study procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board at Texas State University (#9269). The project received exempt status on December 19, 2023. Participants' informed consent was collected before the interview, and they were informed about the interview procedure, risks, and benefits of the study. As the study was conducted in a post-disaster community where recovery is in progress, research team members practiced cultural sensitivity and respect for the community; and were cautious not to be intrusive (Wu et al., 2022³³). The research team is an interdisciplinary team composed of a social scientist and a civil engineering researcher. The interview data collection was led by a social scientist.

Results

Community Perceptions: Recovery Process, Health and Mental Health Impacts

Based on the semi-structured interviews, the following five themes emerged from the interview data:

• Maui's geographical characteristics make the recovery process longer
• Macroeconomic impact causes indirect, long-term challenges
• Questions about the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) approach
• Survivors' burnout leading to reluctance to open up and share their stories
• Mental health and health impacts

Appendix A provides a detailed breakdown of the frequency with which each theme appeared throughout the collected data, offering additional support for the significance of these findings. It is important to note that these findings from the qualitative study data represent the perspectives of the participants and not the opinions or views of the research team.

Maui's Geographic Isolation Make the Recovery Process Longer

Participants shared their views on the recovery processes, expressing that it is taking a long time due to Maui's geography as a remote island in the South Pacific. They expect that it will continue to be a longer-term project than many people anticipate. An Asian American resident and community leader (52 years old) shared her thoughts:

Maui is a beautiful island surrounded by sea, and it has the best climate compared to the other Hawaiian Islands. However, being an island makes the recovery process much more difficult. They have so much stuff from the burnt houses and cars, and these are toxic materials. Where can they bring these? They cannot just dump them in the sea.

Another respondent (62 years old) expressed his frustration and despair by saying, “I don't think it will ever be the same. Everything is gone, and it is taking forever. People are leaving.”

Macroeconomic Impact Causes Indirect, Long-Term Challenges

Participants expressed concern about the worsened economic situation after the wildfire for all islanders, not just the survivors who were directly impacted. An Asian American resident and community leader (43 years old) shared her observation and reflection:

It got really bad. For the rich people, it is okay because their insurance will cover everything. There were many families of three generations living in a three-bedroom house. Ten or twelve people were living in one house. They renovated the living room or even the garage to make it a room. Now, even that house is burnt, and the housing price has skyrocketed.

Many other participants shared the same sentiment about the economic downturn and were pessimistic about recovery due to Maui's reliance on tourism. Additional quotes from semi-structured interviews are included in Appendix B.

Questions About Federal Emergency Management Agency's Approach

Despite the substantial funds allocated for recovery, local residents questioned the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s top-down approach. Participants perceived that the federal money was not well-spent or made the situation worse due to a lack of localization in some areas or specific tasks. One of the biggest criticisms was how the money was distributed for housing. One participant (57 years old) expressed her concern:

FEMA gave money for temporary housing to the people who lost their houses. But they could only find housing one hour away from Lahaina. These people don't want to live one hour away because that's not where they are from. They have a community in Lahaina. So many people didn't want to move into the housing that FEMA provided, and they started camping on the beach of Lahaina. And because there were many tents along the beach, other people didn't like it because it made the beach look ugly and that would not attract tourists. And without tourists, the economy will continue to stay poor.

Participants also shared sentiments that many contractors hired by FEMA were coming to the island, but the local residents' needs were not met promptly. Despite the challenges and hardships, participants also expressed that the community stood together and looked out for each other. One woman (age 39) said, “There was this sense of togetherness. Everyone tried to help each other.” Many participants also highlighted the importance of local, grassroots, and community-based efforts to take care of the wildfire survivors. A community leader (male, 55 years old) said, "We delivered bottled water, canned foods, or clothes to whoever needed help."

Survivor Burnout: Reluctance To Open Up and Share Their Stories

Participants expressed feelings of burnout due to the influx of external inquiries about their wildfire experiences. They noted that continuous requests for interviews and surveys from outside organizations and media became overwhelming. Additionally, they stressed the importance of respecting Native Hawaiian cultural values, which favor internal community support and cautious sharing of personal experiences with outsiders. One woman (age 61) explained:

From the beginning, there was a lot of help from outside, but also a lot of requests for interviews. Some of us responded, but now many people are exhausted (from responding to interviews or surveys). They (the outside help or team) just come and go. The people who were directly impacted by the fire received good amounts of money or are waiting for the insurance company to take care of the damage. So, they don't want to talk to strangers anymore.

Mental and Physical Health Impacts

Asian American community members reported that their mental and physical health has deteriorated after the wildfire. One woman (age 47) shared,

Sometimes I dream about that day. I got a call from the embassy saying that there were some tourists who were stuck in Lahaina, so they wanted us to get there. When we arrived, all we saw was black smoke and flames. It was very scary. I didn't see firsthand, but I heard later that there were dead people on the road.

Other participants relayed similar experiences about friends or family. One man (age 32) said:

I have a friend whose house and business were all burnt. He is now living in temporary housing. He told me that for a few months, it felt unreal or surreal that he was still alive. He had to go to the ocean and be in the water, hold his breath as much as possible, and come out of the water just to feel that he was still alive. It is quite heartbreaking.

Additionally, many participants described their post-wildfire feelings with statements saying they felt “hopeless” or like “everything is gone” or “it will not get any better.” Although the long-term effects of wildfires on health have not been proven, many have reported deteriorated health status, especially regarding respiratory health. A man (age 28) said, “I’m coughing more. I never coughed this often before the wildfire.” A woman (age 31) expressed similar sentiments:

I feel much worse after the fire. I used to be quite healthy, but now I feel like I have chest pain very often. Can you imagine how much toxic materials have been burnt and let out in the air?

A man (age 41) and a leader in the Asian American community said that he expects that the effects of wildfire on residents’ health will be studied in the long-term; he also said he is confident that the wildfire has affected the health status and the entire ecosystem of Maui: “Many buildings in Maui were built before 1970, which means the building code was different. When these old buildings were burnt, it let out all these toxic materials such as lead.”

Hypothetical Soil Contamination Analysis

Our hypothetical analysis of potential soil contamination resulting from the 2023 Maui wildfires reveals a complex picture of environmental impact. It is crucial to emphasize that these results are based on theoretical scenarios and not on actual soil sampling data.

Contaminant Levels

In our hypothetical scenario, urban and residential areas showed the highest levels of potential contamination. We estimate that lead concentrations in these areas could reach up to 500 mg/kg, significantly exceeding the Environmental Action Level of 200 mg/kg for residential soil set by the Hawaii Department of Health. This theoretical level is also notably higher than the average lead concentrations found in coastal sediments (41.7 mg/kg) and beach sand (11.7 mg/kg) as reported in existing data from the Hawaii Department of Health (n.d.-b, n.d.-c). Arsenic levels in our hypothetical post-fire soil samples ranged from 20-100 mg/kg in some areas, potentially surpassing the Environmental Action Level of 24 mg/kg (Hawaii Department of Health, n.d.-a). These theoretical levels are also elevated compared to the coastal sediment average of 14.9 mg/kg and the beach sand average of 1.46 mg/kg reported in pre-existing data (Hawaii Department of Health, n.d.-b, n.d.-c). Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) emerged as a significant concern in our scenario. We hypothesize that benzo(a)pyrene, a representative PAH, could be detected at levels up to 1.5 mg/kg in some samples, exceeding the Environmental Action Level of 0.15 mg/kg. This hypothetical level is substantially higher than those typically found in coastal sediments (average total PAH of 0.668 mg/kg) and beach sand (average total PAH of 0.016 mg/kg) based on existing data (Hawaii Department of Health, n.d.-b, n.d.-c).

Spatial Distribution of Contaminants

Our theoretical analysis also considered the spatial distribution of contaminants. Urban and residential areas exhibited higher levels of heavy metals and synthetic compounds in our model, likely due to the burning of buildings and infrastructure. Agricultural lands showed moderate levels of contamination in our scenario, raising theoretical concerns about potential impacts on crop safety. Natural areas, while less contaminated with anthropogenic pollutants in our model, showed altered soil chemistry due to intense heating and ash deposition.

Comparison With Existing Environmental Data

When comparing our hypothetical findings with the coastal sediment and beach sand data from the Hawaii Department of Health, we observed significant differences across various contaminants. With regard to heavy metals, our post-fire soil samples showed markedly higher levels of copper and zinc compared to both coastal sediment and beach sand averages. Copper levels in our samples reached up to 300 mg/kg, far exceeding the coastal sediment average of 38.6 mg/kg and the beach sand average of 18.8 mg/kg. Similarly, zinc levels in our samples (up to 600 mg/kg) were substantially higher than the coastal sediment average of 108 mg/kg and the beach sand average of 15.4 mg/kg. The total PAH concentrations in our hypothetical fire-affected soils, reaching up to 20 mg/kg, vastly exceeded not only the average found in coastal sediments (0.668 mg/kg) but also the extremely low levels typically found in beach sand (0.016 mg/kg). This stark contrast highlights the potential significant impact of wildfires on soil PAH content. When measuring organochlorine compounds, we found that, interestingly, levels of chlordane in our theoretical fire-affected soils were generally comparable to those found in coastal sediments (average 0.0127 mg/kg) and higher than those in beach sand (average 0.000446 mg/kg). This suggests that while the wildfires did not significantly increase chlordane levels in our model, they also did not lead to substantial degradation of this persistent organic pollutant. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels in our hypothetical soil samples were generally low and comparable to coastal sediment data (average 0.0229 mg/kg) and higher than beach sand levels (average 0.00211 mg/kg), indicating that the wildfires did not significantly contribute to PCB contamination in our scenario. It is crucial to reiterate that these results are entirely hypothetical and based on patterns observed in other wildfire events and extrapolations from existing environmental data. Actual post-fire soil conditions in Maui may differ significantly from these theoretical scenarios. Real-world sampling and analysis would be necessary to determine the true extent and nature of any soil contamination resulting from the 2023 Maui wildfires.

Discussion

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the multifaceted impacts of the 2023 Maui wildfires on the Asian American community and the potential environmental consequences. The qualitative data revealed significant mental health challenges among survivors, including symptoms of psychological fatigue, hopelessness, and anxiety. These findings underscore the need for long-term mental health support tailored to the Asian American community's specific needs and cultural context. The study also highlighted the broader economic impacts of the wildfire, which affected not only those directly impacted by property loss but also the wider community due to Maui's heavy reliance on tourism (Economic Commission for Latin American and the Caribbean, 2003³⁴; Pouy & Gries, 2024³⁵). This finding emphasizes the need for comprehensive economic recovery strategies that address both immediate relief and long-term economic resilience.

The hypothetical soil contamination analysis, while not based on actual sampling data, provides a theoretical framework for understanding the potential environmental impacts of the wildfires. The analysis suggests that urban and residential areas may be at higher risk of contamination, particularly from heavy metals and PAHs. This underscores the importance of conducting thorough environmental assessments and implementing appropriate remediation strategies to protect public health and the environment.

Conclusions

Implications for Practice or Policy

Health and Mental Health Needs

Based on the findings of this study, which highlighted survivors' feelings of hopelessness and mental fatigue, it is recommended that the health and mental health needs of Asian Americans be monitored and addressed on a long-term basis. While participants did not specifically mention language barriers, providing culturally sensitive mental health services, potentially in native languages, could help address underutilization of care due to cultural stigmas associated with mental health (University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, 2024³⁶).

The macroeconomic downturn following the wildfire presents a significant challenge. Policymakers should consider expanding support services to include residents whose properties were not directly damaged but who are nonetheless affected by the economic impact. This could include job training programs, small business support, and targeted economic stimulus measures. The study's findings also highlight the importance of a localized, bottom-up approach to disaster recovery (Yi et al., 2020³⁷). While federal support from agencies like FEMA is crucial, efforts should be made to tailor recovery programs to the specific needs of the Maui community. This may involve greater collaboration with local organizations and community leaders in the planning and implementation of recovery efforts.

Environmental Management

While the soil contamination analysis in this study was hypothetical, it underscores the need for comprehensive environmental monitoring in the aftermath of wildfires. Local and state environmental agencies should prioritize soil sampling and analysis in affected areas, particularly in urban and residential zones where contamination risks may be highest. Based on the findings, it is recommended that a comprehensive soil sampling program be implemented across affected areas in Maui, with a focus on urban, residential, and agricultural lands. We additionally recommend that environmental health risk assessments be conducted based on actual soil contamination data to inform public health interventions and land use decisions. Remediation strategies should be developed and implemented where necessary, particularly in areas with elevated levels of heavy metals and PAH. In addition, long-term monitoring programs should be established to track changes in soil quality over time and assess the effectiveness of remediation efforts. Finally, public education programs should be developed to inform residents about potential environmental risks and safe practices in the post-fire environment.

Limitations

Despite the current study's strengths, certain limitations should be noted. The use of convenience and snowball sampling may limit the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the hypothetical nature of the soil contamination analysis necessitates caution, as actual on-site sampling is required for precise assessments. Future research could benefit from larger, more representative samples and empirical environmental data collection.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on conducting comprehensive, on-the-ground soil sampling and analysis in the areas affected by the Maui wildfires. Such studies would provide accurate, site-specific data on soil contamination levels, spatial distribution of contaminants, and actual deviations from pre-fire baselines. Additionally, longitudinal studies on the mental health impacts of the wildfires on the Asian American community would provide valuable insights into long-term recovery processes. Future studies can make a meaningful contribution by collecting larger, more representative samples, which will enhance the understanding of community needs and inform effective interventions.

References