UH Study Links Elevated Metal Levels in Maui Fire Survivors to Lung Issues
A University of Hawaiʻi study of 1,400 Maui adults found urinary metal concentrations well above U.S. reference values 6–18 months after the 2023 wildfires, with higher combined metal burdens associated with abnormal lung-function results. Researchers note the findings show statistical associations but do not prove the fires directly caused the elevated levels or lung abnormalities. […]
Lahaina Energy Group Presents Microgrid and Grid-Hardening Plans Oct. 20
The Lahaina Energy Partnership is hosting a free virtual presentation on microgrids and electric grid hardening for the Lahaina area on October 20. The community-led effort is moving toward implementation planning for more resilient local energy infrastructure. A virtual presentation on microgrids and grid hardening for Lahaina is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 5:30–7:30 […]
UH Study Finds Toxic Metals Persisting in Maui Residents Three Years After Fire
Multiple outlets report on new research showing lasting health impacts from the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, with elevated toxic metal levels found in Maui residents months after the disaster. The findings come from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES) and add to earlier research on reduced lung function across the island’s […]
USPS Open to Curbside Mail Delivery in Rebuilt Lahaina, No Final Decisions Yet
The US Postal Service says it will consider restoring curbside mail delivery to rebuilt Lahaina homes if safety and mailbox conditions are met. No commitment has been made to restore delivery to every pre-fire address, and a decision on the downtown post office closure is still pending. USPS will consider curbside delivery to rebuilt Lahaina […]
Advisory Design Board Blamed for Slowing Lahaina Rebuild Permits
Maui’s Urban Design Review Board is being flagged as a redundant bottleneck in the Lahaina wildfire recovery permitting process. A county cost review recommends abolishing the volunteer board, citing duplicated staff work and frequent quorum failures. The Urban Design Review Board must provide advisory input on Special Management Area permits, adding a layer to an […]
King Kamehameha III Elementary Rebuild Plans Revealed, Construction Starting Soon
The state has released new renderings for the replacement King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Lahaina, with construction set to begin early 2027. The project has $146 million allocated and must be completed by 2029 to retain federal funding. The new school will be built in Kuʻia, away from its original Front Street location due […]
First Commercial Rebuild Breaks Ground on Lahaina’s Front Street
Construction has begun on 612 Front Street, marking the first permanent commercial rebuild on Lahaina’s Front Street since the August 2023 wildfire. The 4,400-square-foot retail building is expected to open in summer 2027, with Pacific Whale Foundation as the anchor tenant. Arita Poulson General Contracting broke ground October 12 on a 4,400-sq-ft retail building and […]
Front Street’s First Post-Fire Commercial Rebuild Gets Underway in Lahaina
Multiple sources report that construction has officially begun on the first commercial rebuild on Lahaina’s Front Street since the 2023 wildfire. The project, led by Arita Poulson General Contracting, is expected to take about six months to complete, with the building slated to open in summer 2027. Pacific Whale Foundation is returning as the anchor […]
First Front Street Commercial Building Breaks Ground in Lahaina Rebuild
Construction has started on the first commercial rebuild on Lahaina’s Front Street, with a six-month timeline and a planned summer 2027 opening. The 4,400-square-foot structure at 612 Front St. will feature fire-resistant upgrades and return Pacific Whale Foundation as its anchor tenant. The 612 Front St. building is the first commercial property to begin reconstruction […]
Front Street’s First Commercial Rebuild Breaks Ground, Eyes Summer 2027 Opening
Multiple outlets reported that construction has officially begun on the first commercial rebuild along Lahaina’s Front Street since the August 2023 wildfire. Arita Poulson General Contracting will lead the six-month reconstruction of 612 Front Street, with a tenant build-out period to follow and an opening targeted for summer 2027. A traditional blessing ceremony led by […]