The Maui News

After closing due to the Aug. 8, 2023, wildfire, the Lahaina Aquatic Center reopened on Saturday to dozens of swimmers.

The reopening followed the large-scale cleanup of debris and ash from the County of Maui facility including its eight-lane, 50-meter by 25-yard competition pool.

While the center at 245 Shaw St. did not sustain structural damage in the fire, it was without electricity and water for months. While the facility was closed to the public, the County Department of Parks and Recreation employees checked equipment to ensure it was safe and operable, tested water quality in the pool and installed a new chlorine system.

According to nonprofit Red Lightning, which coordinated the massive cleanup effort, nearly 100 volunteers provided more than 800 hours of labor, and other organizations provided support for the work including cleaning the accumulation of ash from the pool and repainting.

“We appreciate the assistance of so many hands in helping us to reopen this important facility for our West Maui community,” said Department of Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Shane Dudoit in a statement. “This pool is an important part of the daily activities of so many of our residents of all ages.”

The reopening of Honoapi’ilani Highway on Aug. 1 provided roadway access to the pool.