This project involves preservation,  restoration, rehabilitation, and/or reconstruction of historic buildings in Lahaina lost to the fire, as well as cultural spaces and stories.  Key efforts include: restoration of historic structures; creation of a Lahaina historic corridor that aligns with the establishment of the Lahaina cultural corridor; a multicultural center and museum to create space for community members to gather and celebrate culture and heritage; 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; and potential feasibility study to designate Lahaina as a National Heritage Area by NPS. 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 preservation and restoration such as Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

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 the historic structures. Community members and leaders have expressed interest in restoring historic structures and establishing a historic corridor in Lahaina. The fires also destroyed Lahaina’s museum, Na ʻAikane o Maui (Maui’s only Native Hawaiian cultural center), as well as 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 much-needed space to learn, practice culture and strengthen the spiritual, mental and physical health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. It would prepare next generations to become contributing people in their communities, families and nations and provide access to recordings of oral histories which provides opportunities to document stories, traditions and experiences and share these with the broader community. Oral histories are significant traditions to Native Hawaiians and other cultures to pass down information from generation to generation.

• Establish connections within the community and identify community leads, funding opportunities, planners and contractors for the rebuild planning
• Scope, plan and complete oral history project and multicultural center and museum with community and supporting agencies