Popular Launiupoko Beach Park reopens

Wailea Tree Trimming and West Maui Construction were instrumental to the reopening of Launiupoko Beach Park. PHOTO BY THE COUNTY OF MAUI.
LAHAINA — One of the most beloved surf and beach parks on the West Side reopened Saturday, thanks to a multi-agency effort. The opening was announced Friday at a Lahaina community meeting organized by the county that drew more than 600 people to the Lahaina Civic Center.
Launiupoko Beach Park, known for its family barbecues, surfing events and keiki parties, reopened ahead of schedule after the county Department of Parks and Recreation worked to ensure the park was cleared after Aug. 8 fire and wind caused downed trees and other damage that riddled the park with debris.
Eight staff in the Parks Department lost their homes to the Aug. 8 fire but worked to ensure the beach park could reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday, so families could enjoy it over the weekend.
“With the help of our county Parks Department employees — whose hard work made it possible to have our Launiupoko Beach Park accessible and safe for the community’s use sooner than expected — residents can now return and enjoy the park which has been an important park of Lahaina for generations,” said Mayor Richard Bissen.
There are currently no county water or wastewater utilities. The county deployed three portable toilets and handwashing stations.
Access to the park via Kai Hele Ku Street, which connects the Lahaina Bypass and Honoapiilani Highway, is unrestricted. Enter via Kai Hele Ku Street, and exit via Kai Hele Ku Street to Lahaina Bypass or turn right out of park to use Honoapiilani Highway toward Olowalu.
For the latest information on re-entry to impacted areas; safety information for returning to your property; drinking water and wastewater; maps and data; fire debris removal; recovery phases; financial and housing assistance; and business support, visit www.mauirecovers.org.