Lahaina Crisis Response: Safe & Rapid Restoration of Critical Places

ABSTRACT

Within days of the unprecedented firestorm crisis that engulfed Lahaina, the community prioritized the precious resource of stability for children. A critical expression of this priority was the collaboration of USACE, HI-DOE, and local leaders to act swiftly, ensuring the healthy and rapid return of students to in-person instruction. MKThink provided professional advisory services and environmental data management infrastructure to support the team. Rigorous environmental testing and communication of results allowed students and families to return to existing facilities with confidence in their health and safety, and the construction of a new temporary school was completed in just 95 days, successfully leveraging $78 million of FEMA funding. This innovative and collaborative effort set the stage not only for immediate educational continuity but also for the long-term rebuilding of a community that embodies the spirit and resilience of Hawai’i. Students, parents, and teachers are empowered with a clearer understanding of the environmental health of their learning spaces, providing a sense of reassurance as they move forward.