Ground blessing held for sewer main to serve the Kilohana temporary housing site in Lahaina

A ground blessing ceremony was held on Friday at Wahikuli Park, marking the start of a critical sewer line installation at the Kilohana Temporary Group Housing site in Lahaina. This project is part of the utility preparation for Kilohana, which will provide longer-term housing for survivors of the August 2023 Maui wildfires.

Among those participating in the ceremony were Gov. Josh Green, M.D., Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton, and US Army Corps of Engineers Recovery Field Office Commander Col. Eric Swenson.

Officials said the ceremony underscored the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal agencies in ongoing recovery initiatives. USACE has been designing and preparing the Kilohana site, which will soon feature 169 FEMA-procured modular housing units, ranging from one to three bedrooms. Officials say this infrastructure will ensure that wildfire survivors have secure, temporary housing as they work to rebuild their permanent homes nearby.

Gov. Josh Green highlighted the project’s importance saying, “Today’s blessing goes beyond ceremony; it symbolizes our commitment to rebuilding Lahaina with resilient infrastructure. This sewer line is a vital step in restoring essential services and ensuring our communities are stronger and better prepared for the future. We are dedicated to creating a safe and healthy environment for the people of Maui.”

Mayor Richard Bissen praised the power of collaboration saying, “This sewer line project is a testament to the strength of collaboration and community spirit. By coming together—state, county, federal agencies, and local organizations—we are ensuring our residents have the support they need to rebuild their lives. This project not only provides critical infrastructure but also embodies our unity and collective strength.”

FEMA Region 9 Administrator Bob Fenton emphasized FEMA’s role in the recovery saying, “FEMA’s support for the Kilohana Temporary Group Housing site is part of our broader mission to help Maui recover swiftly and effectively. The installation of this sewer line is a crucial component of our recovery efforts, meeting both the immediate and long-term needs of wildfire survivors. It reflects our ongoing commitment to the community’s resilience and future well-being.”

USACE Recovery Field Office Commander Col. Eric Swenson expressed optimism for Lahaina’s future. “The US Army Corps of Engineers is deeply committed to the recovery and renewal of Lahaina,” he said. “This sewer line at Kilohana is more than just infrastructure—it’s a foundation for hope and a brighter future for those who have endured so much. This project contributes to setting the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient community.”

In addition to preparing the Kilohana site, USACE’s contributions include providing temporary power, removing fire debris from Lahaina and Kula, and constructing the temporary King Kamehameha III Elementary School campus.

USACE is on track to complete preparations at Kilohana by the end of October, after which FEMA will install the modular housing units.