A wildfire risk-reduction project on county-owned land in West Maui led to the removal of 123 vehicles, more than 1,200 tires, 10 drums of oil, at least two pieces of heavy equipment and other debris.

According to the Maui Emergency Management Agency, the Ukumehame wildfire risk reduction project was completed Nov. 28, wrapping up work on about 42 acres just off the Honoapiilani Highway at mile marker 13.5.

MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett said the project’s completion marks a significant step toward safeguarding the community, and he commended the county, state, federal and private partners who collaborated on it.

“Their commitment reflects the shared responsibility we all carry in building a more resilient Maui,” Lonokailua-Hewett said.

MEMA reported the workers removed 176 tons of solid waste, 76 tons of scrap metal, 2.5 tons of recycled metal, 13 tons of damaged EV batteries, 1,226 tires, 34 Freon and non-Freon appliances, 123 vehicles, 35 non-EV batteries, 10 drums of waste oil, two boats, a front-end loader and an excavator.

The work began Aug. 4. MEMA is now in the process of developing a maintenance plan.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife is also scheduled to start a wetland restoration project at the site in summer 2026.

For more information on MEMA’s hazard mitigation efforts, go to www.mauicounty.gov/mema.

Invasive vegetation was cleared out and the area was covered with mulch. Photo courtesy MEMA

Workers remove vehicles during a project to clean up county-owned land in Ukumehame. Photo courtesy MEMA

Workers remove vehicles during a project to clean up county-owned land in Ukumehame. Photo courtesy MEMA

Workers remove EV batteries during a project to clean up county-owned land in Ukumehame. Photo courtesy MEMA