Hawaii vows to protect landowners on Maui from being pressured to sell after wildfires

A general view shows the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui, Aug 17, 2023. [AP Photo]

Hawaii's governor vowed to protect local landowners from being "victimised" by opportunistic buyers when Maui rebuilds from deadly wildfires that incinerated a historic island community and killed more than 100 people.

Gov Josh Green said Wednesday that he instructed the state attorney general to work toward a moratorium on land transactions in Lahaina, even as he acknowledged the move would likely face legal challenges.