Lahaina, the historic town on Maui, Hawaii, deeply affected by a devastating wildfire that claimed at least 100 lives, reopened its heart to residents and business owners with day passes on Monday.
This reopening signifies a significant step in the emotional recovery for those impacted by the August 8 blaze. However, extensive efforts are still required to safely remove the burnt debris and initiate reconstruction.
Key areas that are now accessible include Banyan Tree Park, featuring a 150-year-old tree that, despite being scorched in the fire, is showing new growth, as well as Lahaina’s public library, a local elementary school, and several well-known dining establishments.
A segment of Front Street, facing the ocean and notably affected by the fire as it engulfed vehicles in a traffic jam, was reopened last Friday.
Authorities continue to advise individuals venturing into fire-damaged areas to wear protective clothing to safeguard against potential hazards.
On Sunday, the Hawaii Department of Health confirmed through test results that the residual ash and dust from the fire contain toxic substances, with arsenic being the primary concern. Arsenic, a heavy metal, tends to cling to the particles left by wildfires.
These tests, conducted on November 7-8, analyzed ash from around 100 properties varying in age from the 1900s to the 2000s. Elevated levels of lead were also detected, particularly in samples from houses painted before 1978.
Cleanup efforts are still in the initial stages. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been actively removing hazardous materials like batteries, propane tanks, pesticides, and more from over 2,000 devastated structures in Lahaina.
Residents and business proprietors have been allowed to visit their properties once the EPA completes hazard removal. In some instances, they have donned full-body protective suits, masks, and gloves to sift through the remains, occasionally uncovering personal keepsakes amidst the ruins.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to transport the remaining debris to a landfill, pending approval from property owners.
Additionally, the EPA and the state health department have set up 53 air monitoring stations in Lahaina and Upcountry Maui, where another fire in early August damaged homes. The health department recommends limiting outdoor activities during times of elevated air pollution and keeping windows and doors closed as per monitor readings.
