Hawaii economists say Lahaina locals could be priced out of rebuilt town without zoning changes

FILE - Wildfire wreckage is shown on Aug. 11, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii. When the town of Lahaina, which was leveled by wildfire in August, is rebuilt, local residents who survived the conflagration might not be able to afford to live there, leading economists warned on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)

HONOLULU (AP) — Residents who survived the wildfire that leveled the Hawaii town of Lahaina might not be able to afford to live there after it is rebuilt unless officials alter the zoning laws and make other changes, economists warned Friday.