Commercial property owners in Lahaina face overwhelming permitting challenges and erosion issues that are preventing many from rebuilding 2.5 years after the fire. Only 9 non-residential buildings have been completed despite 163 permits in process.
- Waterfront properties face the most complex permitting due to shoreline setbacks, historic district rules, and multiple agency requirements.
- Some elderly property owners are abandoning rebuild plans due to ongoing erosion and overwhelming regulatory processes.
- Only 9 commercial buildings have been completed in Lahaina with 25 permits issued and 163 still in process.
- County officials are working to streamline the permitting process but acknowledge location-dependent complexity.
- No Front Street businesses have completed construction despite being 2.5 years post-fire.
Source: Hawaii Public Radio
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