August is a time to reflect on Hawaiʻi’s history, community strength, and the importance of rebuilding with purpose. This month’s newsletter focuses on awareness and practical guidance, highlighting timely articles on rebuilding after a wildfire and structural assessments after fire damage, two critical topics for homeowners, property owners, and community leaders.

We also feature Lance’s book, Rebuilding Lahaina, which provides meaningful insight into wildfire recovery, lessons learned, emergency preparedness, and the rebuilding process. It offers readers a practical reminder that recovery is not just about replacing what was lost, but about planning carefully, rebuilding safely, and protecting communities for the future.

Happy Hawaii Admission Day!

Hawaii Admission Day is a time to recognize Hawaiʻi’s history, identity, and the strength of its people. This occasion reminds us that strong communities are built through preparation, responsibility, and the commitment to protect the places we call home.

This month’s newsletter focuses on rebuilding after wildfires and understanding structural assessments after fire damage, helping homeowners and property owners make safer decisions after disaster strikes. With Rebuilding Lahaina as the featured book, this issue highlights the importance of recovery, proper planning, and building back stronger for the future.

Featured Book

Lahaina Wildfire: Search & Recover. Then Plan & Rebuild offers a timely and practical guide to understanding the Lahaina wildfire, the lessons learned from the disaster, and the importance of rebuilding with safety, planning, and community protection in mind. This book walks readers through what happened, the warning signs, the series of errors, and the critical need for better emergency preparedness before, during, and after a disaster.

A must-read guide from National Building Expert Lance Luke, CCC, CCI, CCPM, this book shares practical insight on wildfire recovery, property protection, public safety, and the rebuilding process. It reminds homeowners, property owners, community leaders, and building professionals that rebuilding after a wildfire is not just about replacing structures — it is about planning carefully, inspecting properly, and building back stronger for the future.

Download available for 30 days only.

Rebuilding After a Wildfire: A Practical Guide

Structural Assessments After Fire Damage

Q&A: Ask the Building Expert

_Question: Lance, after a wildfire, everybody keeps saying “rebuild, rebuild, rebuild.” But if a homeowner lost their property, what should they actually do first?

Answer: First thing: slow down. I know nobody wants to hear that after a disaster, but rushing into construction is how people make expensive mistakes. Before anybody talks about new walls, new roofing, or hiring the first contractor who shows up with a truck and a business card, the property needs to be made safe, documented, and properly evaluated. Fire damage is not always obvious. Heat can affect concrete, framing, steel connectors, utilities, and the ground conditions around the structure. Take photos. Keep records. Get professional inspections. Find out what can be saved and what needs to go. Then plan the rebuild based on current codes, safer materials, better fire protection, and common sense. Rebuilding Lahaina, or any fire-damaged property, should not be about putting back the same problems in a cleaner package. The goal is to rebuild safer, stronger, and smarter. Otherwise, congratulations, you just rebuilt the risk.

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