Maui on the comeback trail
By Tom Cook
Planning for Lahaina’s reconstruction is top of mind for both Maui residents and the Maui County Council.
Many tough decisions lie ahead, but Maui County continues to demonstrate resilience.
We are fortunate to have numerous dedicated partners in the rebuilding effort. The county has been working with many organizations and agencies since the evening of Aug. 8, and we are grateful for every contribution to aid those affected.
Last month, the county’s administration announced a residential-lease program for wildfire survivors, which includes tax waivers as an incentive for property owners. More information on housing programs for displaced residents can be found at helpingmaui.org.
The council met to discuss options for a permanent debris disposal site. The public identified key factors through an online survey on a permanent site. In late February, county officials announced that the Central Maui landfill will serve as the final disposition site for the wildfire debris.
The rebuilding trail ahead will be long and challenging, but my colleagues and I will continue doing everything possible to support the administration’s efforts to move forward.
At the same time, we must also address the other major issues confronting our county. Each time rain approaches, there is a possibility that the inclement weather will bring flooding and damage.
I met with the Department of Public Works’ flood-engineering specialist to discuss flood-mitigation plans in North Kīhei, where Waiakoa Gulch intersects the road. I’m pleased to report that funding in the current budget will be used to conduct a hydrological study to examine how conditions were influenced or altered in the past and by newer construction in the area.
Additionally, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation approved a $354,000 grant to the Mālama Haleakalā Foundation to fund a site assessment and preliminary design for a stormwater-detention basin in Kūlanihākoʻi Gulch. The state and county have also appropriated $2.5 million toward the project, with my office initiating the county’s $1.25 million contribution.
In parallel, the administration is exploring the acquisition of several land parcels that could be useful in implementing flood-mitigation measures. We look forward to receiving an update on their efforts.
Another issue that has vexed the county for many years is the time taken to process permit applications. As chair of the Water and Infrastructure Committee, I asked department representatives to attend the committee’s Jan. 11 meeting to explore bottlenecks in permitting procedures and ways in which the council and the departments can work cooperatively in streamlining the overall permit process.
In some instances, these concerted efforts may require new legislation, but in other instances, it may be appropriate for the council to let engineers resolve technical issues.
The committee may also be able to assist the departments in isolating specific categories of applications that may be processed more expeditiously. Accordingly, we asked departments to provide flowcharts of their current process for reviewing both commercial- and residential-permit applications.
By guiding the council through the permit-review process, we can identify practical solutions to reduce turnaround time and ensure standards for health and safety are still followed—enabling people to build the homes we so desperately need.
The South Maui Community Plan Advisory Committee completed its review of the South Maui Community Plan late last year. The draft plan provides a long-term vision for South Maui and serves as a policy guide for the county regarding projects and decisions that impact Maʻalaea, Kīhei, Wailea and Mākena. Upon the Maui Planning Commission’s approval, the report will proceed to the council for final review, perhaps before the end of the year.
In South Maui, my office and the state Department of Transportation are taking direction from the fire department on firebreaks near residential neighborhoods and schools. To provide a true firebreak, all trees must be removed to reduce the path that a wildfire can spread.
Under the emergency-proclamation umbrella, the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation is working in areas other than the highway rights-of-way. For the long term, the state DOT plans to maintain the cleared areas only within their jurisdiction.
With every business that reopens and every home that is rebuilt, together we move a step closer to recovery. The council will continue to keep you apprised of our work on your behalf.
*Tom Cook is the chair of the Water and Infrastructure Committee. He holds the council seat for the South Maui residency area. “Council’s 3 Minutes” is a column to explain the latest council news on county legislative and community matters. Go to mauicounty.us for more information.
