The county plans to use 160 acres from Peter Martin for flood control, evacuation routes and other projects that could help the fire-torn town recover.

Maui County is preparing to buy more than 160 acres of mostly vacant land in Lahaina to use for long-planned improvements and projects that are central to the town’s post-wildfire recovery.

The Maui County Council Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee advanced legislation last week that would authorize a $20 million purchase of 120 parcels in and around downtown Lahaina.

Council members and county officials said during the two-day meeting that the county appeared to have a rare opportunity to take ownership of large swaths of contiguous land and expedite plans to implement new flood control measures and extend roads that c

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