Maui County offers buyouts to iconic Lahaina properties as owners struggle to rebuild

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Three years after a wildfire destroyed the historic business district along Lahaina’s shoreline, Maui County is seeking $50 million in federal recovery funds to offer buyouts to owners of some of the most iconic waterfront properties. Meanwhile, other businesses ready to rebuild remain without permits.

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Shoreline properties face uncertain future

The county is targeting roughly 10 owners of shoreline parcels — including the sites of former businesses such as Bubba Gump’s, Kimo’s and Lahaina Fish Company — located on a narrow peninsula makai of Front Street. The area is considered at high risk from sea level rise and subject to restrictive state laws.

Tristan Jones, who owns the small shoreline parcel where Cheeseburger in Paradise once stood, said the path forward has been difficult.

“We knew that this process of trying to rebuild, or whatever options were presented to us, would be very daunting,” Jones said.

Jones said he appreciates that the county is providing options, and noted that owners are in different states of mind about rebuilding.

“We certainly appreciate that they are helping to provide some options and understanding that everybody is in a different state of mind as to how keen they are to go through the rebuilding process,” he said.

Rebuild progress slow across Front Street

For the broader historic district, progress has been minimal.

Realtor Lee Potts and Front Street property owners said the county has publicized improvements such as new sidewalks and reopened roads, while commercial properties remain barren.

“You can see, there are no buildings on Front Street and there’s no construction going on,” said Warren Freeland, whose family owns the site of the destroyed Pioneer Inn.

Potts said more support from elected officials is needed.

“There’s a lot to do. We have a long way to go and we could use more help, more muscle from our politicians,” Potts said.

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Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said federal funding for county infrastructure projects came slowly, but has now positioned the area for commercial redevelopment.

“By waiting for us to get the funding and let us put the infrastructure in, you don’t have to bear that cost. And it will make it more convenient for you to be able to rebuild,” Bissen said.

Owners resist outside investors

Most property owners outside the restricted shoreline zone are now approaching their first permits.

Freeland’s family plans to rebuild the old Pioneer Inn as it was before the fire.

“I think with their connection to Lahaina and the line of community and their love for Lahaina, I just want to bring back what was there before,” Freeland said.

Property owners have also largely resisted selling to outside investors, according to Potts.

“I think people, they love this place, they want to protect Lahaina,” Potts said. “Talking to other realtors that I know, there aren’t a lot of outside investors coming in trying to buy things here, and when they do, it’s — we really don’t want to deal with you.”

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