Maui County Council Approves 5M Dollar for Property Acquisition by Lahaina Community Land Trust

Maui County Council Approves $5M for Property Acquisition by Lahaina Community Land Trust

In a historic move to support local communities and preserve the future of Lahaina, Maui County Council members unanimously approved the use of up to $5 million from the Managed Retreat Revolving Fund for property acquisition by the Lahaina Community Land Trust. The decision, made during a council meeting on Friday, February 23, marks a significant step forward in efforts to strengthen the resilience and self-determination of Lahaina residents.

The Lahaina Community Land Trust (LCLT) has been working tirelessly to safeguard the cultural and environmental heritage of the area while ensuring affordable housing for current and future generations. This funding will provide crucial support in acquiring properties in Lahaina, especially in light of ongoing challenges such as land development pressures and the threat of climate change impacts like rising sea levels.

What is the Managed Retreat Revolving Fund?

The Managed Retreat Revolving Fund, created by the County of Maui, is a key tool in addressing long-term climate change risks, particularly the impact of coastal erosion and sea-level rise. The fund’s purpose is to support projects that promote strategic land use decisions, such as relocating vulnerable structures, acquiring properties in high-risk areas, and preserving important community assets.

By allocating funds from this revolving pool, the Maui County Council hopes to proactively manage risks related to environmental changes, safeguard public safety, and protect the diverse heritage of Lahaina and its residents.

Why This Funding Matters

Lahaina, historically a center of Hawaiian culture and commerce, faces significant challenges in the face of climate change. As the community confronts rising sea levels, stronger storms, and other natural forces, the LCLT's mission to provide affordable housing and preserve local traditions is becoming increasingly vital.

The acquisition of key properties will help ensure that local residents—particularly those from historically underserved and indigenous communities—can remain in Lahaina and continue to thrive. Additionally, this investment is a crucial step in building a future where local communities can thrive amid climate change challenges, without being displaced by outside developers.

What’s Next for Lahaina and LCLT

This approval is just one piece of a much larger puzzle for Lahaina and its residents. The next steps will involve the Lahaina Community Land Trust working closely with county officials to identify specific properties for acquisition and to assess how best to incorporate community feedback into future planning efforts. LCLT’s work will also be informed by the needs of the people who have called Lahaina home for generations, ensuring that property acquisitions support local priorities, such as sustainable land use, cultural preservation, and affordable housing.

For the people of Lahaina, this resolution offers hope and progress in the fight to protect their way of life. The funding approval underscores Maui County's commitment to its residents’ long-term well-being while simultaneously recognizing the importance of adapting to our changing environment.

Looking Ahead

This unanimous vote by the Maui County Council is a beacon of hope for communities across the island who are working tirelessly to preserve their land, culture, and legacy. It sends a message that Maui is ready to prioritize the needs of its people, ensuring that future generations of Lahaina residents will be able to live, work, and thrive in the place they call home.

As this project moves forward, the eyes of the island and beyond will be watching closely to see how this $5 million investment helps to shape Lahaina’s future, and whether it can be a model for other coastal communities facing similar challenges. One thing is clear: this approval marks a meaningful step toward a more sustainable, resilient, and community-focused future for Lahaina.

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