Request for Architectural Proposals

Rebuilding Lahaina United Methodist Church and Children of the Rainbow Christian Preschool

On August 8, 2023, the Lahaina Fire destroyed Lahaina United Methodist Church and the Children of the Rainbow Christian Preschool. These buildings were not only places of worship and learning, but longstanding anchors in the Lahaina community, serving generations of families and keiki.

Through FEMA disaster recovery funding, we have been given the opportunity to rebuild both facilities. In accordance with FEMA procurement requirements, we are seeking proposals from at least three qualified architects to assist in developing architectural designs and construction drawings for these projects.

Lahaina United Methodist Church

The original church building was a historic structure, with the sanctuary located above a semi-basement approximately four feet below ground level. While the new building must comply with current codes and safety standards, we are seeking a design that preserves the historic exterior appearance of the church as closely as possible.

Interior upgrades should include:

• Improved insulation and climate responsiveness

• Accommodations for modern sound and media equipment

• Full wheelchair accessibility

We invite designs that thoughtfully integrate modern building practices with sensitivity to Lahaina’s history, scale, and cultural context. Consideration of natural light, airflow, durability, and respectful use of materials appropriate to Hawaiʻi’s environment is encouraged. The church is intended to remain a place of worship, refuge, and community gathering for the people of Lahaina.

Our hope is to rebuild structures that honor the past, serve present needs, and reflect the cultural, environmental, and communal values of Lahaina.

Children of the Rainbow Christian Preschool

The Children of the Rainbow Christian Preschool has served Lahaina families for generations and continues to be a vital early childhood education resource in the community. The rebuilt preschool must be designed to accommodate up to 30 students in a safe, flexible, and developmentally appropriate environment.

The proposed design should include:

• Classroom space capable of subdivision through partitions

• An administrative office

• Restrooms designed for both children and adults

• A staff/teachers’ room

Designs should reflect best practices in early childhood education, safety, and accessibility, while also considering Hawaiʻi’s climate, natural ventilation opportunities, and the creation of warm, welcoming spaces for keiki and their families.

We invite architects who are interested in historic preservation, community-centered design, and post-disaster rebuilding to review the Request for Proposals linked below.

We are grateful for your interest in partnering with us as we work toward healing, restoration, and renewed service to the Lahaina community.

See the above documents for instructions, and completed proposal may be submitted electronically in PDF format to: lahainaumc@gmail.com

Inquiries: All questions must be submitted in writing by April 1, 2026, to John Crewe, Pastor, Lahaina UMC at the email address provided above

FEMA Procurement Notice

This Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued in compliance with FEMA Public Assistance procurement requirements.

• FEMA funding has been awarded for the replacement of Lahaina United Methodist Church and the Children of the Rainbow Christian Preschool, both destroyed in the August 8, 2023 Lahaina Fire.

• FEMA policy requires solicitation of proposals from a minimum of three qualified architects through an open and competitive process.

• Architect selection will be based on qualifications, relevant experience, responsiveness to the RFP, and ability to meet FEMA documentation and compliance standards.

• All proposals must comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including accessibility and building code requirements.