First homes rise in Lahaina’s historic district more than three years after fire

LAHAINA (HawaiiNewsNow) – More than three years after the Lahaina fire disaster, the first homes are going up in the town’s historic district.

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Right now, the area off Front Street is a gravel lot.

Construction is expected to begin this month and is scheduled to be completed in 18 months.

Rebecca Wimmer, a Lahaina Residential homeowner, pointed out landmarks near her property.

“This is Front Street. There’s the Seaman’s Hospital. Right there is my parking spot and right there is my home,” she said.

Wimmer retired as a teacher at King Kamehameha III Elementary School, which was also destroyed in the 2023 inferno.

That horrific day is still vivid in her memory.

“I made it out in my Mini Cooper to the Cannery Mall,” Wimmer said. ”I want to publicly thank the Samaritan who let me in the cue on Front Street, otherwise I would not be here.”

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Her home is one of 60 that will be rebuilt at the complex.

AOAO president Thomas Ravey said residents who live there are working-class families who love their community.

“Lahaina Res is a unique eclectic mix of folks who live and work in Lahaina. Teachers, firefighters, tradesmen, plumbers, electricians, surf instructors, service workers, you name it, we cover all the facets that make Lahaina run,” said Ravey.

Maui’s Arita Poulson General Contracting will restore the six two-story buildings to their original size and layout with improvements that include fire-resistant siding and roofing, defensible space and fire-safe landscaping with native plants that reduce water use.

“Everybody on our team knows what this town has lost. Everyone on our team knows someone who has yet to be able to come home. That is who is rebuilding your homes, and thank you for trusting us with that,” said Shannon Robinson with Arita Poulson General Contracting.

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Next year, Wimmer will be 80 years old. She said she is excited for her future.

“I can’t wait!” Wimmer said.