Maui County issues Lahaina’s long-term recovery plan

Maui County has unveiled its final Long-Term Recovery Plan for Lahaina, marking a significant milestone since the devastating fires of August 8, 2023.

The wind-driven fires ravaged Lahaina, Kula, Olinda and Pulehu, claiming at least 102 lives, destroying more than 2,200 structures and causing an estimated $5.5 billion in damage.

The final plan, now available at MauiRecovers.org, reflects input from hundreds of residents and local stakeholders who participated in a month-long community feedback process.

“As we look to the future of Lahaina, this recovery plan is more than a road map forward — it embodies the community’s shared vision for our future,” Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement. “Mahalo for the hundreds of responses throughout our community engagement efforts; your contribution it is the foundation of our recovery and rebuilding of Lahaina. A special salute to our teams at the Bureau of Recovery and the Department of Planning who have worked tirelessly to create a way forward.”

The plan begins with short-term recovery projects expected to last one to two years and require more than $85 million in funding — including the Lahaina Reconstruction Plan, the National Historic District Update, the Asset Management and Acquisition Program, improving emergency communications networks, energy. Resilience and Redundancy, Infrastructure Assessment and Improvement Studies, Creation of a Lahaina Memorial, Affordable Rental Program, Homeowner Support Programs, Innovation and Economic Development, West Maui Business Center, Resilience Incentives, Expanding Services medical assistance and comprehensive environmental monitoring and sampling plan.

The Affordable Rental Housing Program aims to replace and expand affordable housing by rebuilding 10 projects lost to the fires. Before the fires, these projects provided more than 700 units of affordable housing, and the program plans to replace those units while expanding housing capacity to meet ongoing demand.

The level of accessibility will probably be similar to the projects before the fire. The program is a key part of addressing Maui’s significant housing needs.

The Enhance Emergency Communication Networks project addresses vulnerabilities exposed by the August 8, 2023 fires. It will increase system redundancy and expand capacity, ensuring communications networks remain reliable during emergencies.

Facility upgrades and new facilities will increase coordination between county departments, first responders and the public. The improvements will improve radio and cellular capacity, reduce communication gaps and improve emergency response capabilities.

The plan also outlines several medium-term projects that are expected to take three to five years to complete and require an additional $30 million in funding. Projects include Maui Emergency Management Agency Advancement Program, Street Connectivity and Widening, Kuhua Street Extension, Lahaina Water Infrastructure Fire Suppression Capacity, Stormwater Resilience and Flood Risk Management, Community Amenities, Harbor Restoration Lahaina, Water Infrastructure Resilience and Strengthening Lahaina, Wai and Watershed Planning, Fire Risk Reduction and Mitigation, Planning Agriculture and Long-Term Food Security, the rebuilding of the West Maui Senior Center, the Long-Term Disaster Management Program and the Lahaina Business Park.

The MEMA Advancement Program will enhance the county’s ability to identify, mitigate and respond to hazards while improving public awareness and preparedness for future threats. It includes the implementation of additional tools and procedures to improve information dissemination, planning and decision-making. As part of the program, the county will also evaluate its hurricane-resistant shelters, addressing deficiencies and prioritizing improvements to ensure safer shelters for future emergencies.

The long-term disaster management program plays a vital role in the recovery process.

The program connects survivors with case managers to assess and address their needs, regardless of FEMA eligibility. Since its launch in March, the program has helped more than 3,800 people, currently serving nearly 1,400 survivor households.

The program has the capacity to serve approximately 3,000 households at a time, ensuring that all survivors have access to the support and resources they need. The program is also expected to continue through August, playing a crucial role in connecting survivors with long-term recovery solutions.

The plan also includes long-term recovery projects that will take six or more years to complete, with an estimated cost exceeding $400 million. Projects include the West Maui Greenway, Lahaina Bypass Phase 1C, R-1 Recycled Water Expansion, Water Source Development, Interisland Ferry System, Wahikuli Subdivision Gravity Sewer System, Cultural Corridor Creation, and Moku’ula and Loko Restoration. o Mokuhinia Complex, Lahaina and Kula revegetation and reforestation, development, conservation, revitalization and ecological workforce Reconstruction of historic and cultural spaces, Ke Ola Hou and West Maui Hospital.

Phase 1C of the Lahaina Bypass will extend the current boundaries of the Lahaina Bypass, increasing connectivity and continuing the development of a utility corridor in West Maui.

The highly anticipated project, with strong community support, will increase redundancy in the transportation system, benefiting residents and visitors alike. The project involves the construction of a four-lane, controlled-access highway between Keawe Street and Honokowai, spanning approximately five miles. A Kaanapali Connector will also be built to connect the bypass to the Lahaina Civic Center.

The Lahaina and Kula Revegetation and Reforestation Project addresses the critical need to restore Lahaina’s fire-damaged landscape with fire-resistant native plants. The project aims to reduce fire and erosion risks while beautifying the city and increasing resilience. The plan includes efforts to restore native plant species, remove invasive vegetation and create new agricultural areas. This will involve educating the community about native plants and establishing new nurseries in Lahaina to support ongoing revegetation efforts.

The completed long-term recovery plan is designed to be a dynamic document that evolves with the needs of the community. It identifies critical projects and funding sources needed for implementation, ensuring Lahaina’s recovery is strategic and sustainable. Officials pledged to update the plan if needed, incorporating ongoing feedback from residents.

The draft version of the plan, unveiled on October 21, has undergone a thorough review process. Community engagement events held Oct. 23 and 26 at Lahainaluna High School allowed residents to learn about the proposed projects and offer their perspectives. In addition, the county took feedback online through Nov. 15, ultimately receiving more than 300 responses.

According to the county, community feedback played a crucial role in shaping the final version of the Long-Term Recovery Plan for Lahaina, resulting in several key changes. The final plan eliminates the distinction between priority and ancillary projects, consolidating all 40 projects into the main body for easier reference. It also clarifies the estimated timelines for project completion, providing clearer expectations for residents.

Additional information has been added regarding the level of public participation anticipated for each project, along with details highlighting the connections between various projects. Where possible, additional project details have been included. The county hopes these changes will include resident input and ensure the recovery process remains community-led.

The long-term recovery plan was developed through extensive community involvement.

Between September 2023 and July, 3,833 Lahaina residents and stakeholders participated in 11 engagement events, including neighborhood workshops, online surveys and public testimony.

“This plan serves as the foundation for what the community wants to see going forward,” new Office of Recovery Administrator John Smith said in a statement. “My team and I have already been actively working to advance many of these projects, and we look forward to continuing this momentum in the new year.”

The finalized Long-Term Recovery Plan provides a framework for rebuilding and recovery efforts in Lahaina, incorporating resident input to align with the community’s vision for the future. The plan is available online for residents and stakeholders to review and track its progress.