Debris cleared from 100% of residential properties in Lahaina Impact Zone

Months ahead of the original January 2025 deadline, debris has been cleared from 100% of 1,390 residential properties in the Lahaina Impact Zone, according to the County of Maui.

The last few residential properties, including The Spinnaker apartment complex, were cleared at the end of August, according to the US Army Corps of Engineers.

“Thatʻs a huge, huge milestone and accomplishment,” said Lt. Col. Collin Jones, Hawaiʻi Wildfires Recovery Field Office commander for the US Army Corps of Engineers, at the County of Maui Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting on Aug. 28.

A year ago, it was anticipated that it might take two to three years before rebuilding started in Lahaina.

As of Wednesday, Maui County reported that 1,342 of 1,390 cleared residential lots were also completed, so rights of entry have been returned to the county, and those property owners can apply for building permits. Rebuilding has started on 20 properties, per the county.

“With each lot cleared and new foundation poured, a sense of hope is gaining momentum throughout Lahaina town,” said Maui Mayor Richard Bissen. “The progress has happened more quickly than we thought. We’re thankful for the crucial and expedited work done by our federal partners, along with our hardworking County crews, so our residents can begin to rebuild their homes and lives.”

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has assigned the US Army Corps of Engineers to oversee debris removal in coordination with the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency, US Environmental Protection Agency and County of Maui.

Work to clear debris is continuing on 68 commercial properties in Lahaina, according to the County of Maui.