Preservation, Revitalization, and Reconstruction of Historic and Cultural Spaces
Historical Map of Lahaina, Maui, Hawai’i
Purpose
Almost all of Lahaina’s historic buildings were damaged or completely destroyed in the August 2023 wildfire. Building foundations and some historic building materials remain; though significant planning, funding, coordination, and community engagement is needed to rebuild these historic structures. The fires also destroyed several of Lahaina’s museums, the Na ʻAikane o Maui Hawaiian cultural center, as well as many irreplaceable historical artifacts. A new museum space in Lahaina would provide a space to share the history of Lahaina and house artifacts, while a multicultural center would provide a space to learn, practice culture and strengthen the spiritual, mental and physical health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Lahaina has a rich history and culture, and it important to preserve and revitalize these historical and cultural spaces for the community.
Project Description
This project will honor the culture and history of Lahaina by partnering with Lahaina community members, supporting government agencies, historic property owners, and community groups involved in historic and cultural preservation and restoration. This project includes key efforts such as:
- Preservation and/or reconstruction of historic buildings in Lahaina lost to the fire
- Creation of a museum in Lahaina to share the history of Lahaina with the community and visitors
- Establishment of a multicultural center for community members to gather and celebrate culture and heritage
- Recording oral histories from survivors and residents of Lahaina and Kula to capture their experiences and memories before the fire, the day of, and after the fire
- Possible feasibility study to designate Lahaina as a National Heritage Area
Interdependencies and Roadblocks
Gaining consensus between groups, identification of leadership, funding, economic viability, and long-term funding and maintenance. Additionally, there are competing opinions on post-contact building/site restoration, shoreline management area (SMA) requirements, updated shoreline setbacks, and other land use controls for Front Street’s redevelopment.
Next Steps
- Continue progress on reconstruction of historic buildings in Lahaina
- Scope, plan and construct museum in partnership with community organization
- Scope, plan and construct multicultural center in partnership with community organization
- Continue efforts with current Lahaina oral history project
- Track Lahaina National Heritage Area Act and support as needed
Project Details
Cost Estimate:
TBD
Existing Funding Sources:
- Certified Local Government Funds
- FEMA Public Assistance
Project Lead:
- County Department of ʻŌiwi Resources
- Private and Local Organizations
Potential Funding Sources:
- County, State and federal
- Hawai’i Community Foundation
- Hawaiʻi Museums
- Historic Preservation Fund
- Income tax credit
- Local community groups
- Office of Hawaiian Affairs
- Save America’s Treasures
- Smithsonian
Project Partners:
- County Archaeologist
- County Department of Planning
- State Department of Land and Natural Resources
- Bishop Museum
- Historic Building Property Owners
- Jodo Mission
- Kamehameha Schools
- Kumu Pono Associates
- Kūpuna Council
- Lahaina Restoration Foundation
- Lahaina Strong
- Na ‘Aikane o Maui
- National Park Service
- Smithsonian
- University of Hawaiʻi
- U.S. Department of Interior
Alignment with West Maui Community Plan (WMCP)
- Goal 2.3 Responsible stewardship of resources, culture, and character
- Action 3.08 Develop a cultural overlay map identifying the location of important historical events, known burial sites and archaeological resources, and known above-ground resources. Create a cultural overlay district to protect cultural assets and establish an efficient review process for property owners.
- Action 3.26 Obtain funding and implement cultural and educational programs to perpetuate Hawaiian heritage