LAHAINA, Hawaii — The Maui Emergency Management Agency announced the Lahaina neighborhoods of Wahikuli and Mala will open at noon Sept. 3 as the removal of debris nears 100% completion.
The opening of zones 1C, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B and 4C will allow residents clear access to their properties. As zones reopen, security checkpoints will be moved to other areas in the Lahaina Impact Zone.
At the Aug. 21 Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting, Wahikuli residents had raised concerns about the reopening, worried that people would enter the area “without good reason,” according to a news release. At this past Wednesday’s meeting, Maui County Director of Public Affairs Mahina Martin addressed these concerns.
“The concern was that now that the checkpoints will open, people can come, be a little nīele around the place, mahaʻoi, go where they don’t belong, do things they shouldn’t be doing,” said Mahina in the release. “We are going to rely on all of you helping each other.”
She said the county is also taking steps to help with the transition:
- Maui Police Department will have increased patrols in the area
- Lt. Audra Sellers of the MPD’s Community Relations section will discuss how to set up a neighborhood watch program in the community at the Sept. 18 Disaster Recovery Community Update Meeting
- County officials are encouraging neighbors to connect with one another and keep an eye out for each other
Martin said that since health and safety issues have been alleviated and areas cleared, the county has no legal jurisdiction to restrict public roads.
