New Lahaina marketplace aims to boost local economy

LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) – Nearly three years after the Maui fire disaster, plans are moving forward to rebuild Lahaina’s business area with a new marketplace called ‘Ulu O Lele.

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The site, formerly known as the Outlets of Maui, is located between Front Street and Wainee Street adjacent to Papalaua Street.

Courtney Lazo, who owns Henohea Hawaii, said she envisions the space as Lahaina’s main gathering place for locals and visitors.

“We can use this as a piko, someplace where our families can come and share a meal together or go and grab coffee,” Lazo said. “Listen to ono music and support local businesses … as a local business, this represents hope.”

What the marketplace will include

‘Ulu O Lele Marketplace will welcome 17 retail units, eight food trucks, and a stage for live entertainment.

Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said the marketplace represents only the beginning of a broader recovery effort.

“It will open up opportunities for more businesses to come back,” Bissen said. “It’ll be the first phase. I just want to stress that as well. It’s the first phase among many phases that will continue to come back.”

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Businesses will rotate out to give others a chance to participate. Rents range from $800 to $1,500 a month depending on the size of the unit. Priority will be given to Lahaina companies impacted by the disaster.

Funding and leadership

The approximately $8 million project is funded by Hawaiian Council and Hawaiʻi Community Foundation.

Kuhio Lewis, CEO of Hawaiian Council, said the marketplace is intended to address the needs of businesses affected by the disaster.

“‘Ulu O Lele is intended to help meet the needs of those businesses, and we’ve lost many already,” Lewis said. “So, it’s a small and a beginning effort to bring energy, to bring hope, to help families and businesses to start feeling a degree of normalcy in Lahaina.”

Permitting and buyout program

County officials say five commercial permits have been issued for Front Street properties. One is under construction, two others are in the process, and more than a dozen more are in pre-application consultation — all on the mauka side.

Businesses on the makai side face additional complications.

“We did set up a buyout program for folks that are challenged to be able to rebuild,” Deputy Managing Director Erin Wade said. “So, what would happen is they would let us know if they were interested and willing to be bought out, and then we would, as the County of Maui, dedicate it to open space and public access.”

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‘Ulu o Lele Marketplace is expected to open in September.