Maui lifts environmental rules to accelerate Lahaina rebuild

By Yiming Fu, Report for America corps member

A costly and time-intensive assessment required to build properties on Lahaina’s shorefront was lifted Wednesday, with the hope of getting Lahaina’s people back to town quickly.

An SMA, or Special Management Area, ensures developments protect, preserve and restore cultural and natural resources along the coast. Homeowners and business owners were required to conduct SMA assessments before building back.

Gov. Josh Green lifted the requirement for properties mauka (inland) of Lahaina’s shoreline as part of a February 4 emergency proclamation. Mayor Richard Bissen gave the green light to the exemption in a Wednesday announcement. This is estimated to help 636 properties speed up their recovery by about a year’s time, including 103 commercial and 533 residential structures.

“This is a crucial step to help survivors, including both residential and commercial property owners, move forward faster and rebuild their future,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “By streamlining the process, property owners within the SMA impact zone will be able to rebuild within their structure’s pre-fire footprint.”

The county will give refunds to homeowners and business owners who have already paid for an SMA assessment on their property. A representative from the county’s planning department said refunds can be expected in roughly two to three months.

All other rebuild requirements still apply, including flood protections, historic district building requirements and compliance with the West Maui Community Plan and Cultural Resources Commission review.