In partnership with Hā Sustainability and Environmental Science International, Maui United Way is hosting workshops for the Maui United Way Environmental Recovery Initiative, a community-first initiative to assess and revitalize underutilized lands in Lahaina, Kahului and Wailuku.

In September, residents joined workshops to help identify potential properties where reuse may be complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination concerns, such as former gas stations, industrial facilities or lands affected by wildfire.

Community members contributed local knowledge, added new sites, and shared which locations they felt passionate about moving forward or removing from consideration.

Since then, the project team has met with several property owners and narrowed the list to those interested in participating. The November workshops will now focus on prioritizing which sites should move forward for an environmental assessment.

“The community’s voice has shaped this process from the beginning,” said Jeeyun Lee, executive director of Maui United Way. “Now, we’re asking residents to take the next step: Help us decide which sites should be prioritized for testing and future revitalization.”

Workshops will be:

• 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Lahainaluna Cafeteria. Doors open at 5 p.m.

• 5:30-7 p.m. Nov. 13, 2025 at Imua Family Services. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Dinner will be provided at both events, and a keiki corner will be available.

“The first workshops gave us valuable insight into what matters most to the community,” said Hannah Shipman-Peila, co-owner and principal consultant of Hā Sustainability. “This next step is about putting that knowledge into action, working together to prioritize the sites that can help create safer, healthier spaces for everyone.”

The final list of prioritized sites will guide the next phase of environmental site assessments and reuse planning, paving the way for pursuing future cleanup and redevelopment funding.