LAHAINA, Hawaii (KHON2) — Debris removal has been completed from more than 1,000 residential properties in the Lahaina Impact Zone months before the original deadline.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the final residential properties, including The Spinnaker apartment complex, marked the completion of the project, which had a deadline of January 2025.
Lt. Col. Collin Jones, Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Field Office commander for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers describes the project as a “huge milestone and accomplishment.
Officials originally anticipated that the rebuilding phase for Lahaina would not take place for two or three years.
With 1,342 of 1,390 residential lots cleared, officials said the county and property owners can apply for building permits. Twenty properties have begun the rebuilding phase.
With each lot cleared and new foundation poured, a sense of hope is gaining momentum throughout Lahaina town. The progress has happened more quickly than we thought. We’re thankful for the crucial and expedited work done by our federal partners, along with our hardworking County crews, so our residents can begin to rebuild their homes and lives.
Maui Mayor Richard Bissen
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HI-EMA, Maui County and the U.S Environmental Protection Agency have also worked alongside the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to oversee the debris removal.
Officials continue to work on clearing debris from 68 commercial properties in Lahaina.