Re-entry to Impacted Areas
For planning purposes, the restricted areas in Lahaina have been organized into zones. As areas are opened for access, visitation or re-entry, the County will utilize the zones identified on this map to communicate changes in the status of each zone.
New updates to zones in Lahaina
Park zone opened 9/23/23
- 16C – Launiupoko Beach Park
Residential zone opening 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 9/25/23 and 9/26/23
- 1C – Kaniau Road
IMPORTANT: A re-entry vehicle pass will be required at checkpoint. Vehicle pass applications and on-site distribution for Zone 1C will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23; and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Lahaina Civic Center. Please note that vehicle passes are available for announced re-entry zones only. Refer to information on Re-entry Vehicle Passes below.
Business zones opened 9/13/23
- 5B - Lahaina Cannery Mall parcel
- 5E - Business area of Kupuohi and Ulupono streets
Business zones opened 9/5/23
- 5D - Lahaina Gateway parcel
- 5H - Walgreens parcel
Residential zones that have been unrestricted
- 1A – Aipuni, Ainakea, Kaniau, Wahinoho – unsafe water advisory remains
- 1B – Hooli, Aa, Hanohano, Aipuni – unsafe water advisory remains
- 9K – Liloa, Hokeo, Hakau, Hopoe, Kana, Kuialua, Kulalau,Laalo, Niheu, Kumukahi, Laalo, Niheu – no water advisory
- 10G – Kuialua, Hookahua – no water advisory
School zone that has been unrestricted
- 9L – Lahainaluna High School – no water advisory
Some portions of the above zones in the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster area sustained fire and wind-related damage and may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Many residents remained in these areas, and no government barriers to guard against hazardous debris had been placed in many parts of these zones.
Click on zone for your street and address details
Click here to download re-entry guide.
Re-Entry Vehicle Pass
A re-entry vehicle pass will be required at checkpoint on the days your zone is lifted. Two vehicle passes will be available per property owner, and two vehicle passes will be available per rental dwelling. See below for details. Also, optional personal protective equipment (PPE) kits will be provided during vehicle pass distribution.
The following documents may be used to verify property ownership or occupancy to receive a re-entry vehicle pass:
- Property Deed or Title: A property deed or title in your name is one of the most direct ways to demonstrate ownership. This document should clearly show your name as the property owner.
- Utility Bills: Utility bills such as electricity, water, or gas bills that are addressed to your name at the property address can serve as proof of residency. These bills should be recent and show consistent usage.
- Property Tax Records: Property tax records from the county’s Real Property Tax office that list you as the property owner are strong evidence of ownership. Visit: www.mauipropertytax.com
- Lease Agreement: If you have been renting, a lease agreement with your name, the landlord's name, and the property address can establish your residency.
- Hawai‘i Driver's License: A valid Hawai’i driver's license with your current address is a widely accepted proof of residency.
- Vehicle Registration: If your vehicle is registered at the property address, it can indicate your residency.
- Voter Registration: A voter registration card listing your address in Lahaina can be used to confirm your residency.
- Financial Statements: Financial statements sent to your Lahaina address can help establish residency, especially if they cover an extended period. Driver’s license or identification card,
A high level of support will be provided to returning residents during the first two days of re-entry including water, shade, washing stations, portable toilets, medical and mental health care, Maui Bus transportation from local hotel shelters and language assistance.
For Maui Residents Re-entering Areas Impacted by the Wildfires
Hawai‘i State Department of Health Information
- Hazardous area. Not recommended for high-risk individuals.
- Wear protective gear. Bring extra clothes and bags for recovered belongings.
- After visiting the impact area, dispose of used gear. Wash hands and change clothes.
Take precautions when temporarily entering the impacted area
- Signs of heat stress
- Be aware of emotional impacts
- Exercise caution around ash and other hazards
Disclaimer: The recommendations from Hawai’i State Department of Health (DOH) on this page are informational and general in nature. The contents herein are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. It is DOH’s goal to provide information to assist the largest number of people based on current environmental conditions; however, for direction specific to you and any pre-existing medical conditions you may have, please contact a licensed medical professional. Enter at your own risk.
Considerations that go into deciding when to allow re-entry into an impacted area
A great deal of work is underway to ensure the health and safety of community members when disaster area restrictions are lifted for fire-impacted areas.
The more damage from the fire in a neighborhood, the more complex and lengthy the effort is to make the area safe for re-entry. That’s why some areas may take longer than others to clear.
Please know that the County of Maui is dedicated to getting you back to your property as soon as it is safe to do so. Below are the areas of considerations that help to determine when to lift disaster area restrictions for a zone, or area, which allows re-entry:
1. Safety:
Although an area may have burned weeks ago, there are still many hazards to mitigate and issues to address, such as unstable trees that could fall over, and debris hazards on the ground and overhead.
Also, some of the infrastructure that provides drinking water within the fire-impacted area was damaged by flames and heat, affecting services to many properties and creating the potential for contamination to some service lines. Unsafe Water Advisories are currently in place in the fire-impacted areas. The County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) is working closely with the Hawai‘i State Department of Health and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore and safeguard drinkable water. This will take several tests and a lot of patience. In the meantime, county DWS crews are working quickly to isolate areas of the system impacted by the fires from the rest of the infrastructure.
Some wastewater infrastructure was also damaged during the fires. County DWS crews have been working to secure these compromised areas and determine which structures lack wastewater service in order to protect the health and safety of the community and of the environment.
2. Completion of Search and Recovery:
Search and recovery efforts within some of the fire-impacted areas are still underway. Re-entry to these areas will not proceed until this anthropological evaluation is complete.
3. Roadway Access
The fire caused piles of structural fire debris and ash in roadways throughout impacted areas. Crews are working to clear roadways to ensure survivors are able to safely travel back to their properties. Eventually, services and businesses in the impacted area will be able to reopen if roadway access is clear.
4. Removal of Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials remain on properties following wildfires. These materials can contain hazardous substances and require special handling and disposal. Exposure to hazardous materials may impact human health, animals and the environment. Therefore, in coordination with the County of Maui and the State of Hawai‘i, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has assigned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to survey, remove and dispose of household hazardous material from properties affected by the wildfires in Lahaina, Kula and Olinda.
The County of Maui has determined that hazardous materials removal must be completed in order for an impacted area to reopen.
The EPA’s hazardous materials process involves assessing properties, identifying hazards and removing them. Hazardous materials include items that can catch fire, react or explode under certain circumstances, or items that are corrosive or toxic, such as paints, cleaners, chemicals, oils, pesticides, fertilizers, asbestos siding, propane tanks, compressed fuel cylinders and ammunition, as well as lithium-ion batteries and battery storage on homes and businesses. The EPA’s effort initiates important fire cleanup work in the impacted areas and is considered Phase 1 of the Fire Debris Removal process. The EPA initiated its work Upcountry on Aug. 26, 2023.
Disaster area restrictions are lifted for an area
The County of Maui will notify people that restrictions have been lifted in certain areas, or zones, using the County of Maui website, Instagram and Facebook pages, along with news media and this new Maui Recovers website, www.MauiRecovers.org. Sign up to receive important updates on this website.
A link to a map showing the perimeter of areas, or zones, where restrictions have been lifted will be included in public announcements and published to this website.
Health risks of burned debris and ash removal
The County of Maui understands the desire for our community members to return to their properties, “clean up” the burn site and start rebuilding. However, improper handling and disposal of hazardous ash and materials may impact you, your children and the general public for the following reasons:
- Ash and debris contain hazardous materials, which may include asbestos, heavy metals, by-products of plastic combustion and various other chemicals.
- Ash that isn’t handled properly can impact people who are handling and transporting it. Ash that is transported can become airborne, which could impact the general public and the environment, including schools and other public areas.
- Because of its hazardous nature, ash and debris cannot be disposed of without proper approvals and authority, and it is ILLEGAL to dispose of ash and debris along roadsides or on public or private lands.
The County of Maui is working with state and federal partners to develop a program for the safe removal and disposal of structural ash and debris from properties (Phase 2 debris removal). Initial information on this process is available on the fire debris removal information page and additional program details will be announced soon.
Re-entry to fire-impacted properties will occur between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the debris removal process.
FAQ for
Re-entry to Impacted Areas
Lahaina Re-entry
What is re-entry?
Re-entry is the process of supporting Lahaina fire-impacted property owners and residents, including renters, so they can have assistance when returning to their homes. For the Lahaina zone map with streets and addresses, please visit www.mauirecovers.org.
What are re-entry zones?
Zones have been created to facilitate a systematic and organized return to the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster Area while prioritizing public safety and the security of the community. Ahead of re-entry, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) household hazardous material removal must be completed in each zone. Household hazardous material includes paint, solvents, fertilizers, cleaning solutions, propane tanks and other items.
Who can access zones that have been cleared for re-entry?
Re-entry is for those who have a direct legal affiliation to the property: owners and residents, including tenants (renters). Property owners and residents/tenants may bring others: insurance agents, family members, friends and faith, spiritual and/or health support persons. Following the two days of supported re-entry, owners and renters may continue to access properties from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. seven days a week. Local Traffic Only signs will be posted.
Should keiki or pregnant people visit the property?
While you may want to include all family members in the delicate, sensitive return to your property, health officials recommend that children and pregnant people should not enter the impacted area or help with cleanup because they are at higher risk from debris hazards. After leaving the impacted area, it is also best practice to shower before being in contact with sensitive groups like keiki, pregnant people, people with asthma or COPD, and kupuna. For environmental and hazard concerns, visit https://health.hawaii.gov/mauiwildfires.
What are the safety risks of re-entry?
The impacted area and its surroundings are hazardous with unstable structures, sharp metal objects and ash with potentially toxic substances. Preliminary air sampling and air monitoring conducted in Lāhainā do not show evidence of poor air quality or any hazardous levels of contaminants in the air at the time the samples were collected. For full details on reducing exposure to ash and hazardous materials when returning to the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster Area, view the DOH handout, “Take Precautions When Temporarily Entering the Impacted Area: For Maui Residents Impacted by Wildfires.” Also, the County of Maui Water Department Unsafe Water Advisory remains in effect for many parts of Lahaina.
When will I be able to access my property in the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster Area?
The County of Maui will notify people that restrictions have been lifted in certain areas, or zones, through news releases, social media including Instagram and Facebook pages, and on the county’s recovery website: www.MauiRecovers.org.
Who can apply for a re-entry vehicle pass?
Only property owners, residents/tenants of the property in the re-entry zone can apply for a vehicle pass. Vehicle passes will not be issued to the general public or anyone not legally affiliated with the property as the owner or tenant.
How do I apply for a re-entry vehicle pass?
Applications will only be processed for the specific re-entry zones announced and not for the entire fire-impacted area. Applicants should bring proof of ID and documentation of property ownership, occupancy or tenancy, such as a utility bill, rental agreement, property tax statement, etc. Much of this information may have been previously provided to other agencies, such as the American Red Cross and Federal Emergency Management Agency and those agencies will be assisting with pass registrations. For more details, visit www.mauirecovers.org.
Do I have to wait for my zone to be announced to apply for/pick up a vehicle pass?
Yes. Vehicle passes are available for announced re-entry zones only.
How many vehicle passes can I get?
Two vehicle passes will be available per property owner, and two vehicle passes will be available per rental dwelling.
What can I expect during the first two days of re-entry in my zone?
A high level of support will be offered when you re-enter your property, including water, shade, washing stations, portable toilets, medical and mental health care, MauiBus transportation from nearby hotel shelters and language assistance.
Who can I bring with me when I visit my property once my zone is open?
When you visit your property, you may bring anyone you choose. Consider your emotional needs, practical requirements and the well-being of your neighbors and the environment as you make your decision. There are no restrictions on who you can bring. However, you may want to consider the following:
1. Supportive Companions: It can be emotionally challenging to return to your property after a significant event like a fire. Bringing a relative, friend or clergy member can provide emotional support and comfort.
2. Insurance Agent: If you're working through insurance claims or need to assess the damage for insurance purposes, having your insurance agent with you can be beneficial. They can help document the extent of the damage and provide guidance on the claims process.
3. Compassion for Others: While there are no restrictions on the number of people you can bring, it's important to be mindful of your neighbors who may also be dealing with the aftermath of the fire. Keeping the group size reasonable out of compassion for your neighbors can help maintain a respectful and considerate atmosphere.
4. Environmental Consideration: Additionally, for the sake of the land and the environment, it's advisable to limit the number of people you bring to your property. This can help reduce the impact on the area as it begins its recovery process.
Can I let someone else use my pass? Do I have to use the same vehicle every time I enter my zone?
Your vehicle pass is tied to your identity as the property owner, and it's essential that the driver's license matches the name on the pass. This ensures security and proper access to your designated zone. However, you have the flexibility to use different vehicles when entering, as long as you are the pass holder.
What personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided?
PPE items have been donated, and kits are being assembled by local volunteer organizations. These kits will be made available when people register for entry passes. Visitors to the area should wear sturdy boots or other closed-toe shoes (no slippers) with thick soles, and eye protection. Adults should use the materials provided in the Re-Entry kit or similar forms of protective gear, including face masks, goggles and gloves, long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes (including disposable shoe coverings) to avoid skin contact with ash. Cloth masks will not protect you from ash. Instead, state DOH recommends wearing a tight-fitting respirator or mask – look for words NIOSH or N95 printed on the mask. Remember, no mask is effective unless it fits and is worn properly.
What is the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster Area?
The Lahaina Wildfire Disaster Area holds hazardous debris and includes the area delineated by government-placed barriers. This area was determined by Mayor Richard Bissen’s Third Emergency Proclamation Relating to Wildfires effective Aug. 15. Entry into the Lahaina Wildfire Disaster area remains prohibited unless authorized by law, due to health and safety risks and to protect against criminal property damage. Properties damaged by fire and by wind in this and other Maui areas may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
FAQ for
Re-entry to Impacted Areas
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