Volume 2, Number 9
FREE
May, 2026
New Plantings Spark Lahaina Renaissance I
By Taryn Kama
n Lahaina, restoring trees after the August 2023 wildfire has become about much more than replacing what was lost. For residents, trees represent memories, shade, gathering places, cultural identity, and a connection to ‘āina. Across West Maui, nonprofits, volunteers, arborists, hospitality groups, government agencies, and cultural organizations are working together to rebuild Lahaina’s landscape in a way that is both beautiful and more resilient for the future. One of the strongest symbols of that resilience is the Lahaina banyan tree. According to Duane Sparkman, founder and president of Treecovery Hawai ‘i, the banyan has shown “remarkable resilience” since the fire. About 40 percent of its damaged sections were removed so the tree could direct energy to healthier areas. Restoration efforts have included daily watering, composting, soil aeration, and long-term monitoring. New aerial roots and fruit production are now visible, giving the community hope that recovery is possible. That same spirit of restoration is happening across Lahaina neighborhoods, public spaces, and historic sites. Treecovery Hawai‘i has become one of the leading groups in the effort, helping families replace lost trees and creating grow hubs for native and culturally significant species. “We are proud of all of it,” Sparkman said. “What means the most is seeing so many restoration efforts and collaborations move forward together in ways that are helping make our community stronger and more resilient.” Among the most visible projects is the planting of endemic lō‘ulu palms at Lahaina Harbor. The effort brought together Treecovery, the Kā ‘anapali Operations Association, and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation to restore native species in a highly visible public space. Raphael Wellerstein, presidentgeneral manager of the Kā ‘anapali Operations Association, said his organization supported the project because of its long relationship with Treecovery and its importance to Lahaina’s recovery. “Supporting this effort at Lahaina Harbor was another meaningful way to contribute to Lahaina’s continued recovery,” Wellerstein said. “Our landscaping team was glad to provide on-the-ground assistance with planting.”
“What means the most is seeing so many restoration efforts and collaborations move forward together in ways that are helping make our community stronger and more resilient.”
shaded by trees. Morrison also said reintroducing native species like lō‘ulu palms is important because Lahaina’s original landscape was far more diverse than many With a new kukui tree planted in the background, Duane people realize. Sparkman and James Sempliciano of Treecovery and Johnny She added that the County of Klassen of Micro Bio restore a Lahaina Harbor planter with Maui’s Office of ‘Ōiwi Resources is helping guide a master plan for the Ai'ai ground cover. Royal Complex area that includes Wellerstein said the hospitality industry can landscape restoration and future development, play an important role in long-term recovery by ensuring Native Hawaiian perspectives remain part of contributing staff, resources, and expertise to projects the planning process. that restore important places and reintroduce native Community support will continue to be essential. species. He noted that 14 Treecovery grow hubs are Residents can help by donating to the Lahaina already located across Kā ‘anapali resort properties. Restoration Foundation and Treecovery Hawai‘i or Future tree restoration is also closely tied to fire volunteering during future planting efforts.The public safety. Experts increasingly recognize that rebuilding can participate in upcoming benefit events, including Lahaina’s landscape cannot mean simply replanting the annual LRF Benefit Lū ‘au, where community the same vegetation in the same places. participation directly help fund restoration and Native and drought-tolerant plants are becoming preservation work in Lahaina. Visit the LRF website a priority because they require less water, reduce for details. runoff, and can create healthier, more fire-resilient For Lahaina, restoring trees is not simply about landscapes. Wellerstein said his organization is what was lost. It is about building a healthier, safer, also promoting reef-safe landscaping practices by and more culturally grounded future—one tree at a reducing synthetic fertilizers and pesticides and time. Y improving soil health. Theo Morrison, executive director of the Lahaina Restoration Foundation (LRF), said Upcountry Heros Offer Aid and Goodwill.....3 restoring the landscape is just as important as restoring Lahaina’s buildings. Leoda's Food Review....................................................5 Morrison emphasized that trees are essential Partnership Protects Watershed Forest.................6 to preserving Lahaina’s historic identity and sense Events Calendar .........................................8-9 of place. She noted that Lahaina has long been a community where life happened outdoors, in parks, Classified Ads................................................12 along Front Street, and in shared public spaces
What's Inside: