Swimmers in Lahaina were greeted with the long-awaited reopening of the Lahaina Aquatic Center last Saturday, following a year-long closure due to a widespread wildfire, as reported by Maui County's official announcement. The aquatic center, an integral part of the West Maui community, underwent an extensive cleanup and overhaul, including the installation of a new chlorine system.
The facility at 245 Shaw St. suffered no structural damage in the fire but was located in the Lahaina Impact Zone, resulting in months without essential utilities like electricity and water. This situation forced the aquatic facility to close, impacting the community, which relies on the pool for social and wellness activities. During cleanup, employees from the County Department of Parks and Recreation worked to ensure equipment safety and conducted water quality tests in preparation for the facility's much-anticipated reopening.
Nearly 100 community volunteers from the nonprofit Red Lightning contributed over 800 hours to help remove ash from the pool and apply a fresh coat of paint. "We appreciate the assistance of so many hands in helping us to reopen this important facility for our West Maui community,” said Shane Dudoit, Deputy Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation, as noted on the Maui County website.
The reopening of Honoapiʻilani Highway last August 1, restored crucial access to the Lahaina Aquatic Center, allowing not just vehicles and commerce, but also a sense of excitement among residents eager for the pool's return. The center's reopening is a significant milestone in Maui's recovery from the wildfire's devastation, enhancing the daily lives of residents, as shown by the large turnout of swimmers on reopening day.
