#rebuilding
Hawaiʻi Operating Engineers Union Local 3 back Sne Patel for West Maui House representative seat
The Hawaiʻi Operating Engineers Union Local 3 has endorsed Democrat Sne Patel for Hawaiʻi State House District 14. According to Patel’s campaign, the union endorsement recognizes “his commitment to rebuilding Lahaina, addressing West Maui’s long term infrastructure needs and creating good paying career opportunities that allow local families to remain in Hawaiʻi.” “I’m grateful to […]
Lahaina residents try to stop increasing crime as more people return to burn zone
With fewer eyes monitoring the neighborhood, residents are especially worried about speeding and trespassing, which shows in more police calls.
With ‘tougher session’ ahead, Maui Nui lawmakers strategize on seeking funding for fire recovery, housing
A lagging economy will mean a tighter budget and tougher choices for lawmakers as the Legislature opens today.
Oceanside property owners on Lahaina’s Front Street face dilemma: Sell to Maui County or wait to rebuild?
Maui County hopes to launch a program to buy properties makai of Front Street and create a connected waterfront to protect against flooding and create more open space and shoreline access.
Draft guidelines aim to streamline complex rebuilding in Lahaina’s business district
The draft guidelines are the latest effort by the county to move forward with rebuilding in the town’s business district, which overlaps a sensitive historic area that has seen little activity since the August 2023 wildfires.
First-time homebuyer program most popular among Maui fire survivors seeking aid from $1.6 billion federal grant
Of the 446 applications already filed, 76% are for the first-time homebuyer program, reflecting the impact of the August 2023 wildfires on renters and the ongoing struggle of residents to afford a home in today’s pricey market.
Second anniversary of Maui wildfires brings more hope as recovery progresses, but survivors still yearn to come home
“The trauma will always be there for sure … but the image that I have in my mind of that day, it’s hard to picture that when you see frames being put up and you see construction happening,” fire survivor Dustin Kaleiopu said.
Displaced Lahaina fire survivors eager to rebuild with help from $1.6 billion federal grant
The federal funding will be available to help residents rebuild or afford a home for the first time in Lahaina or Kula, with . applications opening in August.
Maui County now making Lahaina historic guidelines clearer and enforceable after agreement with state
Since striking an agreement with the State Historic Preservation Division in April, Maui County has been enforcing historic guidelines more consistently in order for people to be approved for building permits.
Lahaina rebuilding dilemma: Commission debates parking lot rezoning for Moku Roots
After three failed attempts to reach an agreement, the Maui Planning Commission finally secured a 5-2 vote Tuesday recommending rezoning of a Front Street lot crucial for customer parking for the new Moku Roots vegan restaurant planned for the former Chart House site in Lahaina. The Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire destroyed the iconic restaurant along […]
County of Maui Office of Recovery to hold series of community workshops focused on rebuilding
The County of Maui Office of Recovery will hold a series of workshops on rebuilding Lahaina’s commercial district. “Your feedback is critical to shaping the future of our town,” an announcement says. The workshops are scheduled as follows: Maui County’s Office of Recovery is inviting members of the public to provide input on the rebuilding […]
County’s updated plan for $1.6 billion in fire recovery funds includes help for first-time homebuyers, rebuilding homes
Plan on track to be submitted this week, with applications taken for programs in the summer.
Flip-flopping tariffs create confusion, price uncertainty for builders in Lahaina
Contractors worry a rise in costs could make it harder for people to afford rebuilding burned homes.
Bill proposes SMA permit exemptions for rebuilding in Lahaina historic district
Rebuilding in historic Lahaina town would not require special management area permits, under a bill introduced by West Maui Sen. Angus McKelvey, if the structure was destroyed by the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire and planned reconstruction stays within the footprint of structure that stood before the disaster.
Bury all power lines or rebuild the town fast? In Lahaina fire recovery, it’s hard to do both
After a downed power line caused the devastating August 2023 wildfire, there was public outcry to bury all lines in Lahaina. But Hawaiian Electric says they can’t do that without delaying the rebuild.
It’s a challenge: Expediting the rebuilding of homes in Lahaina’s downtown without compromising historic character
Maui County is planning to propose measures to make it easier to rebuild homes in historic and shoreline areas.
Home of longtime Lahaina family is first to finish rebuilding after being destroyed in last year’s fire
The Ah Hees are days away from their final inspection and plan to spend Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones more than a year after they were displaced by the August 2023 fire.
Schatz calls for more federal disaster aid for Maui wildfire survivors
With the balance of power in Washington shifting into the hands of Republicans and incoming President Donald Trump, Hawai‘i Democratic US Sen. Brian Schatz appealed to Senate colleagues to prioritize passage of a disaster aid funding for long-term relief of Maui wildfire survivors.
Rebuild of homes destroyed in Kula fire runs into costly wastewater upgrades
Upcountry residents have relied for years on cesspools, which are required under state law to be eliminated by 2050.
Over 30 rebuilding permits have been issued after the fire. Here’s how some Lahaina homeowners did it
“Everybody’s in a different situation. … We always say, do what you think would be good for your family and your situation,” said Desilee Santiago of the Disaster Recovery Permit Center.