As commercial rebuilding efforts gain traction in Lahaina, the County of Maui’s Office of Recovery will host another workshop on Thursday, May 7, 2026, to help property owners navigate the complexities of rebuilding within the Lahaina Historic Districts.
The upcoming Commercial Property Workshop: Historic District Recovery, held from 3-5 p.m. at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Morgado Hall, will provide targeted guidance for commercial property owners in Lahaina Historic Districts 1 and 2, architects, engineers and business owners with coastal or culturally sensitive properties.
“We’ve heard clearly from commercial property owners that historic district requirements remain one of the biggest areas of uncertainty,” County Office of Recovery Administrator John Smith said. “This new workshop is designed to cut through that confusion. We’re not rehashing basics – we’re giving owners the specific tools and pathways they need to move from planning to permitting.”
The workshop comes as the County continues to improve communication and coordination with commercial property owners. The County has finalized design guidelines, established streamlined pathways for certain cultural reviews and is developing policies for a voluntary land buyout program that will provide eligible owners with a clear option to sell to the County for public open space.
May’s workshop builds on momentum from the County’s first Commercial Permitting Workshop, held February 18, 2026. The workshop drew more than 60 commercial property owners, architects, engineers and other industry professionals. Attendees received step-by-step guidance on the 4Leaf electronic permitting system, updates on emergency proclamations and information on the Rebuild Lahaina Plan, including mobility and streets planning.
For commercial rebuild resources, or to view the video from the February 18th Permitting workshop, view below.
Rebuilding a commercial property following a disaster of this magnitude involves significant complexity, but property owners and developers do not have to navigate that process alone. Through the Mayor’s Emergency Proclamation, Maui County has established interim Recovery Coordination Directives (RCDs) to streamline approvals, reduce administrative barriers, and provide a clear, predictable pathway for commercial recovery and rebuilding while preserving Lahaina’s historic character.
These directives are designed to:
Maui County remains committed to reducing complexity wherever it arises and to supporting the community through every stage of recovery.
This guide provides a high-level overview of programs and permitting pathways. For full details, applications, and updates, please visit the websites listed below.
Your permitting pathway depends on where your property is located.
Properties may fall into one of the following categories:
Key Takeaway:
Confirm your property location first. This determines what permits and reviews apply.
A comprehensive rebuild plan guiding the commercial core, streets, public space, mobility, and design standards.
Includes:
Key Takeaway:
The Design Guidelines are intended to make review faster and more predictable.
New post-fire design guidelines developed for Historic District rebuilding.
Intended to:
Key Takeaway:
Projects that align with the guidelines may qualify for an administrative review pathway (RCD6).
Properties within the SMA may require:
Required for properties located in:
Issued by the Department of Public Works.
Key Takeaway:
Flood requirements may require structure elevation adjustments.a
“Like-for-Like” generally means:
All building permits are subject to reconstruction determination by the Director.
Key Takeaway:
Like-for-like projects are typically the fastest pathway.
Required for commercial parcels within the National Historic Landmark District under HRS §6E-10. The state uses an intake platform called HICRIS. You will need to create a login and password to submit your project.
May occur during:
Key Takeaway:
Submit SHPD materials early for faster processing.
Recovery Permitting is responsible for:
Intake timeline: 1–3 business days
Building code review: 5 business days
Additional agency timelines vary.
Key Takeaway:
Separate permits may be required for grading, driveway, electrical, or plumbing work.
An optional recovery program is under review to be funded by CDBG-DR for certain commercial properties, primarily makai of Front Street and within Historic Districts.
Program features:
Key Takeaway:
The commenting period for the CDBG-DR Action Plan amendment to include a buyout program is open until March 3, 2026. If the program is approved, participation is voluntary. Other recovery pathways remain available.
Maui Recovers is the official County of Maui website providing residents, businesses, and the community with updated disaster recovery information and support resources.
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County of Maui
support@mauirecovers.org
200 S. High Street, Wailuku HI 96793
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