LAHAINA — The historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui, which was devastated by a deadly wildfire that killed at least 100 people, has reopened its heart to residents and business owners with day passes. This marks an emotional milestone for the victims of the Aug. 8 fire, but there is still much work to be done to clear properties of debris and rebuild.
The reopened areas include Banyan Tree Park, home to a 150-year-old tree that burned in the fire but is now sprouting new leaves, Lahaina’s public library, an elementary school and popular restaurants. On Friday, an oceanfront section of Front Street, which was engulfed by the fire, also reopened.
Authorities are still urging visitors to wear protective gear when entering scorched lots, and the state Department of Health has released test results confirming that the ash and dust left by the fire is toxic. The tests revealed high levels of arsenic, a heavy metal that adheres to wildfire dust and ash, and lead, which was used to paint houses built before 1978.
The clean-up is still in its early stages. For the past few months, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has been removing batteries, propane tanks, pesticides and other hazards from the town’s more than 2,000 destroyed buildings. Residents and business owners have been able to visit their properties after the EPA has finished clearing their lots, often wearing white full-body suits, masks and gloves.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin hauling away the remaining debris and take it to a landfill after it gets permission from property owners. The EPA and the state’s health department have installed 53 air monitors in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui, where a separate fire burned homes in early August. The department is urging people to avoid outdoor activity when monitor levels show elevated air pollution and to close windows and doors.
The reopening of Lahaina is a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Maui. Despite the tragedy, the community is determined to rebuild and recover. The town is slowly coming back to life, with the Banyan Tree Park, the public library and the restaurants providing a much-needed sense of normalcy. The EPA and the state health department are working hard to ensure the safety of the area, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is helping with the clean-up.
For the people of Lahaina, the reopening of the town is a sign that they can overcome the tragedy and start anew. It is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, hope is still alive.
