Multiple outlets reported that Maui County has introduced a faster permit review path for certain Lahaina wildfire reconstruction projects near the shoreline. Effective October 7, 2026, the county’s 10th Recovery Coordination Directive allows qualifying Special Management Area Major Use Permit applications to be reviewed administratively by the Planning Director rather than going through a full public hearing before the Maui Planning Commission. All existing shoreline setbacks, environmental regulations, and historic preservation requirements remain in effect.
- The streamlined process took effect October 7, 2026, under Recovery Coordination Directive No. 10, issued by the Maui County Office of Recovery.
- Qualifying applications for SMA Major Use Permits can now be reviewed by the Planning Director instead of requiring a public hearing before the Maui Planning Commission.
- The directive applies to reconstruction of structures damaged or destroyed in the 2023 Maui wildfires on certain properties makai (seaward) of Front Street in Lahaina.
- Location alone does not guarantee eligibility — projects must meet specific criteria to use the expedited process.
- To qualify, the reconstructed structure must be located entirely outside the applicable shoreline setback, or the parcel must not abut the shoreline.
- Rebuilt single-family homes must have a floor area of less than 3,500 square feet; other structures and uses must remain substantially similar in size, footprint, intensity, and purpose.
- The directive does not eliminate SMA requirements, shoreline setbacks, environmental regulations, historic preservation requirements, or coastal resource protections.
- The process is described as a temporary administrative measure, not a permanent rule change. (Hoodline)
- Mayor Richard Bissen stated the directive ‘creates a more streamlined path for qualifying reconstruction projects while maintaining the protections that are important to Lahaina’s shoreline, cultural and historic resources, and community.’
Sources
- Hoodline: Maui Streamlines SMA Permits for Lahaina Wildfire Rebuilds
- Maui Now: Maui County streamlines SMA permit process for qualifying post-wildfire Lahaina reconstruction
- Yahoo: New permit path speeds up Lāhainā rebuilding efforts
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