Protecting Lahaina post-wildfires
Does Mayor Bisson need to declare an emergency moratorium on real estate sales in Lahaina and the affected Wildfire areas?
This might be necessary to prevent predatory real estate speculation and unscrupulous interests from taking advantage of wildfire victims.
Maui County should consider the future rebuilding and restoration of historic Lahaina town.
Historic properties and landmarks can and should be restored, and the historic and special nature of the town can be protected and maintained through restricted adherence to a specific local rebuilding code.
For example, keeping to a low profile home of one-story maximum of two stories to be rebuilt on original home sites.
Maui County can Fast-Track rebuilding permits for original owners restoring original-style dwellings to their original configuration where suitable.
However there may be a case for acquiring some properties in the interests of making wider roads and creating better fire access, and in order to create safer exit routes, that can be used in future natural disasters.
Maui County might also want to improve the fire code for Dwellings and Buildings and look at the mandated use of fire-resistant building materials.
Maui County might also want to consider not rebuilding some homes and non-historic buildings on the ocean side of Front Street, in order to account for future sea level rise. The open space created on the Makai side of Front Street can be used for the creation of a Memorial Park.
The cost of decontaminating home sites should be paid out of FEMA money.
The Lahaina Community needs to be protected and consulted on the future of Lahaina Town.
Disaster Proofing Our Community:
To provide for a safer community in the future, All TVR and B&B permits could be made conditional so that in a declared emergency, all TVR units and B&Bs must give priority to displaced local families. And provide those accommodations at the going HUD rate for up to 6 months. This would create a readily available inventory of emergency accommodations.
Protecting Lahaina post-wildfires: Does Mayor Bisson need to declare an emergency moratorium on real estate sales in Lahaina and the affected Wildfire areas?
Hawaii Governor Seeks Moratorium On Property Sales In Lahaina