Wahikuli and Māla neighborhoods in Lahaina open on Sept. 3

With residential debris removal nearly 100% complete in these areas, opening of the Wahikuli and Māla neighborhoods in Lahaina is set for Tuesday, Sept. 3, at noon.

The opening includes zones 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B and 4C, allowing clear access for residents, according to Maui Emergency Management Agency. As these zones reopen, security checkpoints will be reallocated to other areas in the Lahaina Impact Zone.

During this past Wednesday’s Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting in Lahaina, Mahina Martin, County of Maui Director of Public Affairs, discussed concerns raised at the Aug. 21 Lahaina community meeting from Wahikuli residents about reopening access. Area residents voiced worry about people entering the area without good reason.

“The concern was that now that the checkpoints will open, people can come, be a little nīele around the place, mahaʻoi, go where they don’t belong, do things they shouldn’t be doing,” she said. “We are going to rely on all of you helping each other.”

Martin said the County is taking several steps to help with the transition:

• Maui Police Department will increase patrols in the area/
• During the next Wednesday Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting on Sept. 18, Lt. Audra Sellers of Maui Police Department’s Community Relations section, will discuss how to set up a neighborhood watch program in the community.
• County officials are encouraging neighborhoods of Wahikuli to connect with their neighbors and make sure that residents keep an eye out for each other.

With health and safety issues alleviated and areas cleared, the County of Maui does not have legal justification to restrict the public roads, Martin said.

For information about Wahikuli and Māla zones 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B and 4C and access, visit https://www.mauirecovers.org.