Hawaii state officials have released $8 million in Capital Improvement Funds to rebuild a key section of the Lahaina Small Boat Harbor. The funding will go toward reconstructing the outer marginal wharf, which was destroyed in the devastating wildfires of August 2023.
State Senator Angus McKelvey, who represents West Maui, Maalaea, and Waikapu, described the funding release as a positive step for Lahaina’s recovery. At the same time, he acknowledged local concerns about moving too quickly.
“There’s a concern that as things rush forward, with so many entities that are gone and lost, outside entities, many who are very well financed, will rush in and the harbor will change, and the community could be displaced,” McKelvey said.
The senator stressed the need to keep the community engaged throughout the process. He said regular updates and open communication are essential to ensure residents’ voices are heard and considered in all decisions.
The harbor reopened for business about a month ago, but local activist groups protested the decision, citing worries that reconstruction might prioritize outside investors over local needs. McKelvey emphasized that lawmakers are committed to balancing reconstruction efforts with community input.
“My commitment with my colleagues, like Sen. Lynn DeCoite and others, is to work with our community to ensure that as these things move forward, everybody is engaged and we come forward with a harbor that everybody can be proud of,” McKelvey said.
He also plans to introduce legislation in the coming month aimed at restoring Lahaina Town to its pre-fire state. The proposed bills would formalize community engagement and oversight in the rebuilding process.
“As we go forward on this and other rebuilds of Lahaina, we work hand-in-hand with the community, the county, and all our partners, to get the Lahaina we deserve, that we nearly lost, and the Lahaina that could be,” McKelvey said.
The focus on community concerns highlights a broader effort to ensure that rebuilding does not displace residents or alter the character of the town. Local leaders are pushing for a process that balances investment and infrastructure improvements with the needs and voices of the people who call Lahaina home.
State officials say the $8 million in funding will allow work on the outer marginal wharf to begin in earnest, providing a boost to local businesses and the harbor economy. Careful planning and collaboration with residents are expected to guide the reconstruction over the coming months.
Lawmakers emphasized that transparency and public engagement are key priorities. The community will be kept informed on timelines, project details, and opportunities for input.
The Lahaina Boat Harbor rebuild is part of a larger effort to restore critical infrastructure and public spaces after the 2023 wildfires. By prioritizing community voices alongside federal and state funding, lawmakers aim to ensure that reconstruction supports both economic recovery and the town’s cultural and social identity.
Residents and local stakeholders remain involved in discussions about design, usage, and future development to maintain Lahaina’s character and accessibility. Officials are optimistic that, with the new funding and careful collaboration, the harbor can be fully restored while reflecting the community’s needs and vision.
The next steps include detailed planning, securing contractors, and coordinating with state agencies to move forward while keeping local voices at the center of decisions. Lawmakers say they are committed to ensuring the rebuilt harbor will serve both residents and visitors and become a source of pride for Lahaina for years to come.
