Intern Lynzee Borchers - Summer Disaster Relief Internship Reflection
As my time interning at PONO Legal comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the growth, learning, and meaningful community work that've filled these past few months. I applied for this internship because I was inspired by my experience working with PONO Legals, supporting disaster recovery as an organization deeply rooted in the Maui community. I wanted to explore what community lawyering looks like, especially within the community I am a part of. I joined with a strong desire to understand how policy, law, and grassroots organizing intersect in moments of disaster, and how those systems can either help or fail the people most affected. Through this internship process, I learned far more than I could have imagined at the beginning.
Over the past few months, I learned how to navigate systems like FEMA, disaster insurance, housing law, and immigrant rights, systems that are often overwhelming and lacking in their moments of crisis. There are many everyday barriers to disaster recovery. I have seen many community-centered and creative ways to overcome those barriers, such as PONO Legal’s assistance with a wide range of legal issues for community members, Lāhainā Community Lands Trust's efforts to prevent the displacement of Lāhainā families, and Kaibigan ng Lāhainā's work in addressing the needs of the Lāhainā Filipino community. Some of the most valuable experiences from this program were the times spent in the community, specifically attending community meetings, Bill 9 Testimonies, and our Mālama ʻĀina workdays.
One of my biggest takeaways from this internship was witnessing the power of collective effort, the way pono organizations and individuals, grounded in humility and care, came together to support Lāhainā’s recovery and healing. It showed me that when people are willing to lean on one another and move in unity, true restoration becomes possible. At the start of this internship, one of the first guest speakers, Aunty Nettie with Nā Kiaʻi o Maui, shared her story, her connection to Lāhainā, and how she saw some of the unmet needs of fire survivors. Without prior experience in disaster aid, she found multiple ways to help those in need by providing free furniture, food, clothes, and household items, safely storing community members' rebuilding materials, and creating a space where people could feel seen and supported. Her drive and commitment to assisting people in their recovery were echoed by the following speakers throughout the internship. Every workshop, guest speaker, community event, and tabling at the resource centers made me aware of the gaps and barriers that the Lāhainā community is striving to overcome in its recovery efforts. But more importantly, it demonstrated the collective creativity, dedication, and capabilities of all the people who care for the well-being of the community, Lāhainā, and Maui.
Continuing on after this incredible, enriching experience, I carry with me a deeper understanding of community lawyering, disaster recovery, and community resilience. This internship affirmed my passion and vision for my future, sparking my curiosity about various branches of social and cultural justice that I hadn’t explored and plan to do. I’m incredibly grateful for this fun, educational, and empowering experience, as well as for the mentors and peers who helped shape this summer into such a meaningful journey.
