Creation of a Lahaina Memorial
Hoʻūlu Unity Gathering Unity March on January 20, 2024
“Make Lahaina EDUCATIONAL and make a MEMORIAL in honor of all who have lost their lives on August 8, 2023!”
Community Quote from Long-Term Planning Recovery Survey
Purpose
The August 8, 2023 Lahaina wildfire tragically took the lives of at least 102 loved ones and displaced thousands of people. The fire destroyed approximately 2,207 structures, of which 95% were homes and businesses - an entire town that was beloved by many across Maui, Hawai’i and the world. The fire has had immeasurable reverberating effects across the pae ‘āina o Hawaiʻi, and the creation of a Lahaina Memorial is necessary for the healing of the community and remembrance of those lost.
Project Description
This project creates a Lahaina Memorial that honors the lives of loved ones lost and the experiences of survivors and community members. The Lahaina Memorial will serve as a healing space for the community to gather, remember, and reflect. Planning for the memorial will heavily involve community members and survivors and will also serve as a step in the healing process for the community. The location choice and design of the memorial will be community-led to ensure that the space properly honors those lost and serves as an appropriate long-term space for the community.

Hoʻūlu Unity Gathering Unity March on January 20, 2024
Interdependencies and Roadblocks
Challenges include funding, consensus among community and finding a location in Lahaina.
Next Steps
- Work with community to do initial planning for memorial
- Identify funding opportunities
- Plan memorial
- Design and construct memorial with community leading efforts
Latest Updates
Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan
The County of Maui Department of ʻŌiwi Resources is currently working with Group 70 International, Inc. (G70) to develop the Lahaina Royal Complex Master Plan. The project scope includes hydrology and water policy; wildfire resiliency and risk planning; biological and ecological assessment; cultural landscape architecture; community engagement protocol; transportation circulation planning; topographical survey; cultural and archaeological studies; soils and geotechnical studies; and boundary mapping.
Provide your comments on the draft Action Plan online, by mail or in-person at the Lahaina Resource Center or Kāko‘o Maui Relief & Aid Services Center.
Contact
Project Details
Cost Estimate:
TBD
Existing Funding Sources:
Project Lead:
- County Office of the Mayor
- Local community groups
Potential Funding Sources:
TBD
Project Partners:
- U.S. Economic Development Administration
- Community Leaders and Members
- Hawaiʻi Community Foundation
- Maui Economic Recovery Commission
- National Endowment for the Arts
- National Endowment for Humanities
Alignment with West Maui Community Plan (WMCP)
- Goal 2.3 Responsible stewardship of resources, culture, and character