Maui United Way, in partnership with Hā Sustainability and Environmental Science International (ESI), invites our community to participate in our Environmental Recovery Initiative. Two Community Outreach sessions will be held September 10th (Kahului) and September 11th (Lahaina) to teach community members about brownfields and allow them to suggest priority sites for environmental assessment and future revitalization.

The Brownfields Environmental Recovery Initiative, a two-year, community-first initiative, will identify and assess underutilized, potentially contaminated sites and build a shared vision for their reuse. The effort is supported by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Brownfields are properties where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental concerns. These may include old gas stations, industrial sites, or vacant lands, including lands previously affected by wildfire. Many such sites exist in Lāhainā, Kahului, and Wailuku, and this project aims to evaluate them while centering local knowledge and vision in planning for what comes next.

“We’re not just mapping contaminated land, we’re opening the door for long-term solutions shaped by the people who live here,” said Jeeyun Lee, Executive Director of Maui United Way. “This project is about reclaiming space, addressing health and safety, and investing in what our communities want to see for themselves.”

The project kicks off with public workshops in Lahaina and Kahului/Wailuku where residents will help to identify sites of concern and share ideas for their future use. This input will guide which sites move forward for environmental assessment. The first workshop will focus on the Kahului and Wailuku target areas and will take place at Imua Family Services (161 S. Wakea Ave, Kahului), on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM (doors open at 5pm), register here: https://bit.ly/MUWbrownfields.

The second workshop will focus on the Lahaina target area and will be held at Lahaina Intermediate School Cafeteria (871 Lahainaluna Rd, Lahaina, HI 96761) on Tuesday, September 11, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM (doors open at 5pm), register here: https://bit.ly/MUWbrownfields. Dinner will be provided at both events, and a keiki corner will be available to support families with children who wish to participate.

“We believe in planning with the community, not for the community,” said Hannah Shipman-Peila, Co-founder and Principal Consultant of Hā Sustainability. “Residents know the history and needs of these places best; this is about lifting up that knowledge and turning it into action.”

Following the September workshops, a second round of events in November will focus on prioritizing which sites should move forward for Phase I and II environmental assessments. The project will then support early-stage reuse planning, creating pathways for future cleanup and redevelopment resources.

From safer neighborhoods and green space to housing or cultural hubs, the end goal is a shared, community-informed plan to revitalize sites that have sat idle for too long.

To learn more or get involved, visit https://bit.ly/MUWbrownfields or contact info@hasustainability.com.

About Maui United Way

For nearly 80 years, Maui United Way (MUW) has been a trusted community champion, working diligently to forge connections and build a network of trust across Maui, Lānaʻi, and Molokai. In response to the August 2023 fires, MUW has intensified its efforts to provide critical support to survivors and aid in recovery. MUW commits to ensure that every member of the Maui County community has access to the resources they need to thrive. By collaborating with local nonprofits, businesses, and community members, MUW is a catalyst helping to fund essential programs that promote ʻohana health, wellness and resiliency building, while bridging resources to enhance education, workforce development, and stable housing.

For more information, visit www.mauiunitedway.org or contact us at (808) 244-8787 or info@mauiunitedway.org.