Steel tariffs have pushed up the cost of a new West Maui fire station, bad news for a community still rebuilding after the 2023 wildfires.

• The Olowalu fire station was ready to break ground when higher tariffs on Canadian steel hit.
• The $3 million price tag jumped by more than $300,000.
• The West Maui Improvement Foundation is now asking for donations and government money to close the gap.
• The trade war is showing up in local building costs, not just national trade numbers.

Outlook: Construction stays on hold until the foundation raises the extra money or secures public funding.