Multiple sources report that the Maui County Department of Planning is inviting the public to attend a Maui Planning Commission meeting on July 14, 2026, to learn about an assessment of the island’s Special Management Area (SMA) boundary. The SMA governs development controls near the shoreline and has not been updated since 1979. The meeting marks the early stage of a broader review process that will consider coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and evolving land use priorities.
- The Maui Planning Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to present a status update on the SMA Boundary Assessment project.
- The meeting will be held both in person at the Kalana Pakui conference room, 250 S. High St., Wailuku, and online via Microsoft Teams.
- Maui’s current SMA boundary was first adopted in 1975 and last updated on December 28, 1979 — nearly 47 years ago.
- Hawaii state law (HRS §205A) authorizes counties to establish SMAs to protect and restore coastal cultural and natural resources.
- The assessment will evaluate whether the existing boundary still meets legal objectives given changes in coastal erosion patterns, sea-level rise projections, and community priorities.
- Planning Director Jacky Takakura emphasized this is an early-stage project and encouraged ongoing public participation throughout the process.
- Community members can submit written testimony and are encouraged to stay engaged as the project moves forward.
Sources
- Maui Now: Community encouraged to attend July 14 meeting on SMA boundary assessment project for Maui
- Maui County: Community encouraged to attend July 14 meeting on SMA boundary assessment project for Maui
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