Summary report released from community engagement on the rebuilding of Lahaina

A summary report of community engagement by the County of Maui with the Lahaina community is now available to view and download on the Ola Lahaina page at www.MauiRecovers.org.

The County of Maui has emphasized a community-led approach to the rebuilding of Lahaina following the devastating wildfires of Aug. 8, 2023. Thus, community engagement has been a key component in the long-term recovery planning process for the County.

The purpose of community engagement, according to the county, is to collaborate with residents on their vision for recovery, which will help inform the Long-Term Recovery Plan – a list of projects to address damages from the fire. The recovery plan will aid in identifying and securing funding sources, and will guide the recovery.

A draft of the Long-Term Recovery Plan will be available for public viewing and feedback online and during in-person open houses in late October. Dates and times will be announced.

From September 2023 to July 2024, 3,833 Lahaina residents and interested parties participated in 11 community engagement activities and events conducted by the County Office of Recovery and Planning Department, the county reported. These included 190 public testimonials and interviews, three online surveys and five neighborhood workshops, according to Maui County.

Providing online engagement opportunities was important to reach survivors who have relocated off Maui. Public testimonials and individual interviews were conducted in-person through appointments or during public and community events. Neighborhood workshops focused on bringing together residents from Kelawea Mauka, Wahikuli and other areas located north and south of Lahainaluna Road, while another workshop focused on the business and historic district was open to all.

In addition to the Summary Report, the following community engagement reports are available to view and download: Neighborhood Workshop Feedback Data, SWO (Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities) Before & After Community Input, Synthesis of Public Testimony, Lahaina Long-Term Planning Survey Verbatim Comments, Lahaina Long-Term Planning Survey Executive Summary, Lahaina Long-Term Planning Open Link Survey, and Lahaina Long-Term Planning Scientific Survey.

To view and download these documents, as well as sign up to get notified about future community engagement opportunities, visit https://www.MauiRecovers.org/lahaina.