Mmmm, I don't think I actually rationalize it. In my verse, elementals are the least understood of all the supernaturals. None are really understood at all because of the stigma most of the world, and especially armed forces/public service, put on being a 'sup' and, in their eyes, better than the rest of the normal grunts. Hawaii(and other places with frequent natural disasters of various kinds) is a little more accepting of elementals than most places. Supernatural abilities aren't really studied at all. If you have it, you hide it as well as you can and hope no one finds out.