KAHULUI, Hawaii — The Maui County Office of Economic Development has published the results of its Maui Business Health Check survey that was conducted from January through February.

What You Need To Know

  • Out of 290 businesses, 37.6% are still evaluating the impact of the wildfires on their business plans while 36.2% have significantly scaled back but plan to rebuild on Maui

  • Financially, 43.8% of businesses described themselves as “critical, on life support” with only 3.1% reporting “doing great, feeling great”

  • Most Lahaina businesses desire to stay in West Maui, emphasizing the need for accessible office spaces and an environment conducive to business operations

  • There was additional feedback on topics such as commercial leases, financial assistance, taxes, marketing, communications, infrastructure and rebuilding

According to a news release, 290 businesses responded, sharing their experiences and challenges following the Aug. 8 wildfires, and offering insights for progress. The report is available to view on the Maui Nui Strong website (scroll down to Maui Business Health Check and click on “View Report”).

The survey’s goal was to gather feedback from businesses that were directly and indirectly affected by the wildfires with the objective to facilitate a deeper understanding of the challenges businesses have encountered and pinpoint areas where support and resources are needed.

Of the 290 participants, 106 businesses representing a diverse range of industries were from Lahaina. Top sectors were from tourism and hospitality (27.6%), retail (22.8%), food and beverage (14.5%), and arts, culture and entertainment (11.4%).

The Office of Economic Development noted some key findings:

• 52.4% of respondents reported no change in their business location, while 27.8% currently lack a physical space and 19.8% have relocated.

• The top reasons for businesses relocating are that their building was lost in the fire (75%), unaffordable leases (8.9%) and fire damage/necessity for renovation (3.6%).

• Out of 290 businesses, 37.6% are still evaluating the impact of the wildfires on their business plans while 36.2% have significantly scaled back but plan to rebuild on Maui.

• Financially, 43.8% of businesses described themselves as “critical, on life support” with only 3.1% reporting “doing great, feeling great.”

• Over half the businesses faced challenges in retaining or hiring employees resulting in 1,936 job losses.

• A few businesses were able to expand and hire new employees with 788 hired since the wildfires.

• Most Lahaina businesses desire to stay in West Maui, emphasizing the need for accessible office spaces and an environment conducive to business operations.

There was additional feedback on topics such as commercial leases, financial assistance, taxes, marketing, communications, infrastructure and rebuilding.

“A heartfelt mahalo to the businesses that contributed to this vital Maui Health Check survey,” said OED Director Luana Mahi in the release. “The wildfires have reshaped the operations of many local businesses, and surveys like this are instrumental in helping county and community stakeholders have a better understanding of the impact. Recognizing our businesses’ current needs and welcoming their feedback for potential solutions are crucial steps in advancing our island’s recovery efforts now and in the future.”