County Hosts Lahaina Rebuild Open House July 15 with General Contractor

Multiple sources report that Maui County’s Office of Recovery is holding a public open house on July 15, 2026, for wildfire-impacted homeowners to meet the contractor selected for the Hoʻokumu Hou reconstruction program. The event is aimed at helping eligible homeowners understand their rebuilding options and next steps. Applications for up to $1.2 million in […]
Free 3-Day Event to Bring 103 Displaced Lahaina Residents Home in July

The inaugural Lahaina Homecoming event runs July 17–19, 2026, reuniting 103 former residents — representing 20 families — who were displaced by the 2023 wildfire. The free, public event is organized by the Maui Economic Recovery Commission and held at multiple Lahaina venues. Lahaina Homecoming is a free, three-day public event scheduled for July 17–19, […]
Lawsuit Seeks to Block Law Streamlining Lahaina Rebuild Permits

Environmental nonprofit Maui Tomorrow Foundation has sued to invalidate Act 070, a state law that exempts many Lahaina reconstruction projects from Special Management Area permit requirements. The law was specifically crafted to accelerate rebuilding in coastal areas of Maui County after the 2023 wildfire. Maui Tomorrow Foundation filed suit alleging Act 070, signed by Gov. […]
First Front Street Commercial Space Since Fire to Open This Fall in Lahaina

A new interim marketplace called ʻUlu o Lele is set to open on Lahaina’s Front Street in September 2026, becoming the first commercial project to return to the area since the 2023 wildfire. The $8 million, two-year project will host 25–50 local vendors at the former Outlets of Maui site. ʻUlu o Lele (‘Growth of […]
First Commercial Marketplace Set to Reopen on Lahaina’s Front Street This Fall

A temporary retail and community marketplace called ʻUlu o Lele is slated to open in September on the former Outlets of Maui property, becoming the first commercial project to return to Front Street since the 2023 wildfire. The $8 million, two-year project is a partnership between Maui County, Hawaiian Council, and the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. […]
‘Ulu o Lele Marketplace to Bring First Storefronts Back to Lahaina’s Front Street

Multiple outlets reported this week that Maui County and the Hawaiian Council unveiled plans for the ‘Ulu o Lele Marketplace, marking the first major commercial reinvestment on Lahaina’s Front Street since the August 2023 wildfire. The $8 million outdoor marketplace is set to open in September on the former Outlets of Maui site, nearly three […]
GMA’s National Spotlight on Lahaina Rebuild and Maui Culture

ABC’s Good Morning America aired live segments from Maui highlighting Lahaina’s rebuilding progress nearly three years after the 2023 wildfires, as part of a yearlong national series covering all 50 states. Coverage featured a fire-survivor family, Hawaiian language education, and Maui cultural performances. GMA’s ’50 States in 50 Weeks’ series brought national television attention to […]
Lahaina Survivors Warn of Unlicensed Contractors Scamming Fire Victims

Waterman Archie Kalepa and other Lahaina fire survivors are pushing state officials to strengthen penalties against unlicensed contractors who are taking advantage of disaster victims during the rebuild. The state DCCA receives hundreds of similar complaints annually and has enlisted Kalepa as a spokesperson to raise awareness. Kalepa paid roughly $200,000 to an unlicensed contractor […]
ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace to Bring 25 Vendors Back to Lahaina’s Front Street This Fall

Multiple outlets including Maui Now, Hawaii News Now, and Maui County reported that the ʻUlu o Lele marketplace — the first project to restore storefronts to Lahaina’s Front Street since the 2023 wildfire — is set to open in September 2026. The $8 million initiative is led by the nonprofit Hawaiian Council and will occupy […]
Lahaina’s First Post-Fire Commercial Marketplace Coming to Front Street

Multiple outlets reported this week that officials have announced the ʻUlu o Lele Marketplace, Lahaina’s first commercial project returning to Front Street since the August 2023 wildfires. The temporary marketplace is expected to open this fall and is designed to help local businesses, nonprofits, and cultural practitioners rebuild while permanent redevelopment continues. The project marks […]