Even as rescue and recovery efforts proceed in Maui after the deadliest wildfire in modern U.S. history, it’s not too soon to start thinking about how to rebuild the lives and properties in the devastated town of Lahaina.
Naturally, there will be pressure to rebuild as quickly as possible. And economic instincts will drive residents and officials to slap up new structures that perhaps mirror the old ones. But that will only result in re-creating a place that is a lesser shadow of its former self. For instance, all new construction might be required to incorporate solar panels in this sun-blessed state. Town and county officials should consult urban planners who can offer cost-saving and design ideas that could create a vibrant city center, protected by a new fire-stopping ring to prevent another wildfire catastrophe. Because the fire wiped out the town’s vegetation as well as buildings, new plantings should largely use native Hawaiian plants and species.
for Maui even before the fires. Other advancements in the infrastructure should also be explored, including vertical farming concepts, new methods of water preservation, and emergency communications networks that could operate throughout any future disruptions. .