The Lahaina community is set to receive thorough information regarding the transfer of its ash and fire debris. This Saturday, Feb. 15, a public open house will host residents keen on learning about the planned move from the temporary storage site in Olowalu to a new, permanent disposal site near the Central Maui Landfill. Hosted at the County of Maui's Lahaina Resource Center, community members can swing by from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to engage with officials and experts, as posted on the Maui County website.

The open house will be a chance to interface directly with representatives from the County, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Attendees can expect a series of information stations to be set up, offering details on operational plans, closure of the Temporary Debris Storage (TDS), and transport schedule. According to the Maui County announcement, the decision to move the estimated 400,000 cubic yards of material came after taking into account significant input from the community.

It is a notable opportunity for Lahaina residents to weigh in and understand the implications of relocating such a massive quantity of debris. The communicated plan is not merely a logistical operation but also a community-sensitive response to earlier suggestions that the Olowalu site ought to be temporary. The agencies involved appear committed to transparency and collective decision-making, in what has been a contentious issue for numerous stakeholders. The long-term impact of this transfer is of substantial significance to the area's environmental health and community welfare.

The Lahaina Resource Center is located at Lahaina Gateway Center, near Ace Hardware.