Despite Catastrophic Destruction, Hope for Many Historic Lāhainā Structures
NEWS RELEASE, DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES 9/29/23 (LĀHAINĀ, MAUI) – A team from the DLNR State Historic Preservation Division (SHPD), joined by the Lead Environmental Advisor from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have made preliminary conclusions that some of the most notable historic structures burned in the Lāhainā fires can be rehabilitated. Maui County has placed small signs in front of at least 12 buildings, noting that “This site has been identified for the highest level of care…access to this site without a cultural monitor is prohibited.” Chelsea Klein, FEMA’s lead environmental planning and historic preservation advisor for the Lāhainā disaster said, “I’m impressed by the fact that particularly the stone, masonry and concrete buildings appear to have a lot of structural integrity.” Klein has been with FEMA for 17 years and has responded to hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and fires. “The historic fabric seems to hold up better through some of these disasters than more modern construction,” she explained. “I guess there was more time and care associated with building public buildings or infrastructure in times gone by, rather than modern planned obsolescence,” Klein added. Those who built structures like the Old Lāhainā Courthouse, the Baldwin House and Master’s Reading Room, and the Seamen’s House and Hospital used a level of effort that Klein said we don’t spend these days. “The structures were built better and stronger back then. It is highly likely that these structures can be rehabilitated, as the historic fabric is still there, and should continue to endure for [...]