Debris removal from all commercial properties devastated by the August 2023 wildfires in Lahaina has been completed.

The announcement about the completion of debris removal came Wednesday from Maui County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who are working in partnership with federal, state, and local contractors and agencies.

According to the county, the property owners are now able to apply for building permits as part of the next phase in the rebuilding process.

Debris was cleared from 148 commercial lots in Lahaina ahead of schedule after officials had expected for all lots to be cleared by Feb. 26.

The clearing of the commercial lots follows the clearing of residential properties at the end of August. In total, 1,538 residential and commercial properties have been cleared of wildfire debris.

Soil sampling and erosion-control measures will be implemented on the final two commercial properties before the end of the month to ensure environmental safety before transferring the properties back to the county.

“The completion of debris removal from Lahaina’s commercial properties marks another critical milestone in our community’s recovery,” Mayor Richard Bissen said in a statement. “This milestone not only paves the way for rebuilding businesses but also restores hope for owners, workers and families who depend on them. We remain committed to supporting our residents as we rebuild Lahaina together.”

The focus will now shift to moving approximately 400,000 tons of debris from the West Maui temporary disposal storage site in Olowalu to a permanent disposal site at the Central Maui Landfill.

The county is slated to complete the first of a two-phase plan to construct the permanent disposal site at the Central Maui Landfill on March 17.

Based on the March completion date, moving material to the permanent site is expected in June, and officials expect it to take about five months to safely complete the hauling of the nearly 400,000 tons of debris.

Additionally, the Army Corps of Engineers is coordinating with the U.S. Navy to remove concrete pilings along Front Street later this year and estimates it will take three months to complete. According to the county, removing the pilings will increase safety near the seawall and along Front Street.