Plans to demolish most of the historic sugar mill structures in Lahaina won't include the 200-foot smokestack. Advertiser library photo • 1999

"We hope to entertain ideas from groups who are willing to preserve it," said Jeff Rebugio, project manager.

Three years ago the company proposed to flatten the old mill — including the brick smokestack — to make way for either commercial or industrial development.

But the community objected, urging the firm instead to turn the factory into a museum or retro-use commercial center. At the very least, they wanted the smokestack preserved as a historical landmark. The plantation was established in 1861.

The new plan, unveiled at a Lahaina Civic Center meeting yesterday, calls for spending nearly $2 million to demolish the sugar mill buildings and secure the site at Lahainaluna Road and Honoapi'ilani Highway with fencing. A few buildings used by the firm's former coffee operation will not be demolished.

"Right now it's just an attractive nuisance," Rebugio said. "It's a haven for rats and mosquitoes, and there's a lot of loose industrial material about. We have to make the place safe."

Applications for demolition permits have been filed with Maui County.

As for the smokestack, saving it will likely be a costly endeavor. A consultant three years ago estimated it would cost $200,000 just to repair the obvious damage.