Olowalu Temporary Debris Storage site Enters Restoration Phase as Lahaina wildfire Debris Transfer Concludes
OLOWALU, MAUI – Oct. 17,2025 – The final truckload of Lahaina wildfire debris has departed the Olowalu Temporary debris Storage (TDS) site and arrived at the Permanent debris Storage (PDS),marking the completion of debris removal and the beginning of site restoration,officials announced today.
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and its contractor, Environmental Chemical Corporation (ECC), will now focus on dismantling the temporary infrastructure at the TDS site, including the liner, leachate system, and other components. Restoration efforts aim to return the site to its original condition, incorporating road repairs, drainage improvements, and safety features. Temporary infrastructure along the haul route will also be removed.
Approximately 400,000 tons of ash, soil, and fire-related material from 1,390 residential and 149 commercial properties in Lahaina were processed at the Olowalu TDS, which began operation in early 2024 as an interim holding location. The site was engineered with environmental safeguards, including geotextile layers, a welded liner, leachate collection systems, and groundwater monitoring wells.
While trucks will continue to operate at the site for approximately 10 weeks hauling restoration materials, the distinctive blue-and-white “Maui Wildfire Debris” identification stickers will be removed or covered.
USACE and ECC will conduct soil and groundwater testing to verify the effectiveness of the protective systems and ensure no contamination impacted the surrounding habitat. The wildfire debris was covered with clean soil during storage to minimize dust.
Debris transport to the PDS commenced in June 2025,with an average of 50 local trucks completing four trips daily during daylight hours.
Residents can track the progress of the TDS restoration at www.mauirecovers.org/debris-containment. Additional data regarding the debris transfer and TDS restoration is available at www.mauirecovers.org/debristransfer.
