Multiple sources report that the Maui County Department of Planning will present a Special Management Area (SMA) boundary assessment project at the July 14 Maui Planning Commission meeting. The SMA governs development controls along the shoreline, and Maui’s current boundary has not been updated since 1979. The meeting is an early-stage public introduction with no decisions expected.
- The Maui Planning Commission will hold a public meeting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, to introduce the SMA boundary assessment project
- The meeting will be held both online via Microsoft Teams and in person at the Kalana Pakui conference room, 250 S. High St., Wailuku
- Maui’s SMA boundary was first adopted in 1975 and last updated in 1979 — nearly 50 years ago
- The assessment will evaluate whether the existing boundary still meets coastal zone management goals, factoring in erosion, sea-level rise, land use changes, and cultural resources
- No formal action will be taken at the July 14 meeting; it is an informational and public engagement session
- The consultant team from SSFM International will be introduced at the meeting (Maui News)
- Future project phases will include geospatial analysis, potential new boundary criteria, a draft technical report, and additional public review before any recommendations go to the Planning Commission (Maui News)
- Community members can submit testimony and watch the meeting remotely; the agenda is available at tinyurl.com/3deca9jr
Sources
- Maui County: Community encouraged to attend July 14 meeting on SMA boundary assessment project for Maui
- Maui News: County to discuss Maui shoreline planning boundary on July 14
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