Vendor applications now open for new Lahaina marketplace

MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Vendor applications are open for a new marketplace planned for Lahaina, aimed at helping stimulate the town’s economy after the 2023 fires.

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Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s Director of Community Recovery Dustin Kaleiopu said the vision is for Ulu O Lele to be a gathering place where families reconnect and local businesses prosper.

“We’re really just looking to have maybe a piko where people can gather back in the center of Lahaina town,” Kaleiopu said.

The location off Front Street is the former site of the Outlets of Maui, which was destroyed in the 2023 fire.

It will span approximately three acres and will accommodate up to 50 local vendors and help sustain an estimated 90 jobs during the interim recovery period.

Courtney Lazo, owner of Henōhea and a Lahaina fire survivor, said the town needs this.

“Truly local families rooted here in Lahaina from here, like generations deep here in Lahaina, a chance to see what it’s like to have a store and to do the things that we hear about in stories when the old okazuyas were open and the small mom and pop shops were open,” she said.

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Priority for fire-impacted businesses

Organizers says priority will be given to businesses directly impacted by the 2023 fire, but all Maui businesses are encouraged to apply.

“We’re looking for, professional services, massage, nail techs, hair. We’ve had a tattoo artist reach out to us as well. But we just want to support as many local businesses as we can,” Kaleiopu said.

Rent subsidized by partner organizations

Rent for the temporary structures is estimated at up to $1,500 a month, subsidized by CNHA, the Hawaii Community Foundation and the County of Maui.

“This is basically like a hug from the outside to Lahaina being like, ‘We got your guys back … this is what you guys want, we’re gonna build it,’” Lazo said.

Kaleiopu said the application process is not like a typical lease application. They want to know applicants’ connection to Lahaina and how their involvement will create a positive impact on the town.

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To learn more or to apply, go to uluolele.com.