Engineers express concern over structure’s condition

Structural evaluations of the Pioneer Mill smokestack documented concerns about its condition, prompting the County of Maui Department of Public Works (DPW) to close Lahainaluna Road between Honoapi‘ilani Highway and Kuhua Street, effective 3 p.m. today.

While evidence of cracking and spalling around the base of the structure was noted, DPW Director Jordan Molina said there is no imminent threat of collapse and the road closure is being implemented as a precautionary safety measure.

“There is no visual evidence that the smokestack was affected by fire damage, but the recommended action at this time is to establish an exclusion zone 1.5 times the height of the tower, while further structural evaluations are conducted,” Molina said.

The smokestack was built in 1928 and stands 225 feet tall.

DPW is coordinating with the landowner, Ka‘anapali Land Management Corp., and lessee, Lahaina Restoration Foundation, to schedule additional structural evaluations and develop a plan for monitoring the smokestack’s condition. No timelines have been established at this time.

More information will be released when it becomes available.

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