The path to rebuilding Lahaina remains fraught with challenges, as the community strives to recover from the devastating wildfires of August 2023. A critical piece of legislation is currently under consideration by the Maui County Council, and Jonathan Helton, a policy analyst with the Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi, is urging the council to broaden its scope to ensure a more inclusive and effective recovery.
Helton's op-ed, published by Maui Now, focuses on a bill that proposes to exempt certain properties destroyed by the fires from existing county zoning height limits. According to the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, the initial proposal aims to allow buildings in the Lahaina National Historic Landmark District to reach a height of 35 feet, effectively modifying the 30-foot limit outlined in the 2021 West Maui Community Plan. However, Helton stresses the importance of extending this exemption to encompass all affected property owners, not just those within a specific district.
The implications of this legislation are significant for Hawaii's business landscape, especially for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals involved in real estate and development in Lahaina. As the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii has noted in previous testimonies, the current zoning regulations can present major obstacles to rebuilding efforts. By limiting the scope, the Council risks creating a disparate impact, potentially favoring a select group of property owners, thereby slowing down the recovery process for many. Helton's call to action is a plea for equitable treatment and a more streamlined recovery process for all those affected.
The council’s decision carries considerable weight for the future of Lahaina, and for the local economy. Broader exemptions could incentivize investment, spur job creation, and accelerate the revitalization of the town. Without comprehensive relief, many property owners may struggle to rebuild, which would stall economic recovery and prolong the community's suffering. The Council is scheduled to vote on the measure on Friday and it has the opportunity to make an impactful decision.
Helton emphasizes that while any step towards removing recovery obstacles should be lauded, a failure to include all impacted properties would be a missed opportunity. He calls for a comprehensive vision that supports the restoration of Lahaina to its former glory. The decision made on Friday will be critical in deciding the pace of recovery for the town. The Council is urged to consider the wider implications of the bill.
