Council Blocks Hotel Rezoning for Four Condo Complexes in West Maui and Māʻalaea
The Maui County Council voted 5-4 to reject resolutions that would have sent hotel-rezoning proposals for four oceanfront condo complexes to the Planning Commission. Without rezoning, these properties cannot continue short-term vacation rentals past the Bill 9 phase-out deadlines. The four properties — Nohonani, Hoyochi Nikko, Māʻalaea Kai, and Island Sands — were denied a […]
Space Weapons Disclosure Fuels Opposition to New Haleakalā Telescopes
The Air Force Secretary’s confirmation that the U.S. has deployed orbital weapons has intensified community opposition to plans for up to seven additional military telescopes atop Haleakalā. Native Hawaiian and community groups argue the telescopes are part of a weapons-targeting chain on sacred land. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink publicly confirmed the U.S. has deployed […]
Maui Liquor Control Launches Flexible Umbrella Permits for Entertainment Activities
Maui’s Department of Liquor Control is offering a new umbrella permit that allows licensed establishments to hold live entertainment, dancing, and portable bar activities anywhere on their premises. An open application event is scheduled for October 12–13 in Kahului, with on-site approval available. The new umbrella permit replaces area-specific permits, giving licensees flexibility to host […]
South Maui Growth Plan Stalls Again Over Infrastructure and Density Concerns
The Maui County Council is unlikely to finalize the South Maui Community Plan before the current council term ends, as residents and lawmakers clash over developer-friendly provisions and unresolved infrastructure gaps. Key disputes involve affordable housing requirements, evacuation routes, flooding, and water availability in Kīhei, Wailea, Mākena, and Māʻalaea. The South Maui Community Plan, already […]
Maui’s Workforce Housing Code Called Ineffective, Reform Urged
A Maui News opinion piece argues that Maui County’s workforce housing ordinance has structural loopholes that allow developers to avoid building any affordable units within a given community plan area. The county faces a shortfall of nearly 10,000 affordable units with no clear path to meeting the goal. Maui County needs an estimated 9,742 new […]
Maui Council Sends 32 Shoreline Condo Complexes’ Hotel Rezoning to Planning Commission
The Maui County Council voted 5-4 to refer proposed rezoning of 32 vacation rental condo complexes in Māʻalaea, Kīhei, and West Maui from apartment to hotel districts to the Maui Planning Commission for hearings. No rezoning has occurred yet; the commission must hold hearings and issue a recommendation before the Council can take final action. […]
Maui County Seeks Public Input on Updating 1970s Coastal Boundary Lines
The Maui County Planning Department is holding public meetings in October to gather community input on redrawing the Special Management Area (SMA) boundary, which has not been reassessed since the 1970s. The project aims to create a science- and culture-based boundary that accounts for climate change while reducing unnecessary permitting burdens. The SMA boundary review […]
Maui Planning Commission Pushes Back on Hotel Rezoning for Most STR Properties
The Maui Planning Commission recommended denial of hotel rezoning for most of the 3,402 apartment-zoned units seeking exemption from Maui’s upcoming short-term rental ban. Only a handful of properties — primarily full timeshares or those with existing variances — received favorable recommendations. The Maui Planning Commission largely rejected proposals to rezone roughly 3,400 STR units […]
Maui County Seeks Public Input on Coastal Boundary Redraw This October
Maui County’s Planning Department is holding three public meetings in October to gather community input on redrawing the Special Management Area (SMA) boundary, which hasn’t been updated since the 1970s. The updated boundary aims to better reflect current environmental and climate conditions while balancing permitting burdens. The SMA boundary, which governs development and permitting near […]
Maui County Seeks Public Input on Coastal SMA Boundary Redesign
The Maui County Planning Department is holding three October public meetings to gather community input on redrawing the island’s Special Management Area boundary. The SMA boundary, unchanged since the 1970s, is being reassessed to reflect current environmental and climate conditions while reducing permitting burdens. Meetings are scheduled for East Maui (Oct. 7), North Shore (Oct. […]