This webinar presentation provides an introduction to draft commercial design guidelines and explains their purpose, scope, and key details for rebuilding commercial properties in Lahaina.
Community members can provide written or oral testimony at the following meetings:
- Urban Design Review Board Meeting – January 6, 2026
- Maui County Cultural Resources Commission Meeting – January 8, 2026
To submit a question for the project team, click on the Blue speech bubble sidebar icon the Design Guideline document. Direct comments to the Urban Design Review Board and/or Maui County Cultural Resources Commission.
What is planned for safety in regard to power lines in the commercial area, just presented?
Front Street and potentially on other streets, including portions of Luakini. Due to the
sensitivity of ground disturbance in the area, the section of Front Street between
Dickenson and Shaw may take longer or may not be feasible. However, the goal
remains to pursue underground installation of infrastructure and facilities from
Dickenson toward Baker.
Is there an estimate when the first buildings will be completed along the Front Street waterfront area?
There is no set timeline for rebuilding along Front Street. Progress will depend on
when permits are submitted and processed, as well as individual property owners’
construction schedules. The Design Guidelines are intended to help streamline
permitting and support a more efficient process.
When will design guidelines be available for use?
The Design Guidelines must first be approved by the Maui County Cultural
Resources Commission (CRC). Approval may occur as soon as February.
Are the design guidelines regulatory?
The design guidelines are not regulations. They are recommendations that are
meant to help projects comply with requirements in historic districts.
If I need help understanding the guidelines and how they apply to my project, who can I talk to?
The Maui County Planning Department will provide assistance once the Design
Guidelines are approved. Contact information will be included in the approved draft.
Why do we need these design guidelines?
The Design Guidelines have been prepared to provide clarity, consistency and
efficiency. By consolidating design guidance into a single document, the Commercial
Design Guidelines clarify expectations in historic districts. These guidelines provide
consistent review and approval criteria for the Maui Cultural Resources Commission
(CRC) to review and approve projects in historic districts in Lahaina. By clarifying
expectations and providing consistent review criteria, these guidelines support a more
efficient approvals process for building in Lahaina’s historic commercial districts.
How are decisions being made without the design guidelines currently?
The Maui Cultural Resources Commission (CRC) currently uses a variety of
guidance documents, including guidance from the Secretary of the Interior, to review
and approve projects in Lahaina’s historic districts.