Maui Speeds Up Shoreline Permit Reviews for Lahaina Wildfire Rebuilds
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 […]
Maui County Fast-Tracks SMA Permits for Lahaina Shoreline Reconstruction
Maui County has created a streamlined administrative process for certain Special Management Area permit applications tied to 2023 wildfire reconstruction near Lahaina’s waterfront. Qualifying projects can now bypass the standard Planning Commission public hearing and be approved directly by the Planning Director. Recovery Coordination Directive No. 10, effective Oct. 7, 2026, allows the Planning Director […]
99th Maui County Fair Opens Oct. 1–4 in Wailuku with Free Sunday Admission
The Maui County Fair runs October 1–4 at the War Memorial Complex in Wailuku, offering four days of food, entertainment, and carnival rides. General admission is $10 for adults, with free entry for the first 2,000 guests on Sunday, Oct. 4. The 99th Maui County Fair takes place October 1–4 at the War Memorial Special […]
Maui County Seeks Public Input on First SMA Boundary Review Since 1970s
The Maui County Planning Department is holding five public meetings across the island to gather community input on redrawing the Special Management Area boundary, which hasn’t been reassessed since the 1970s. The review aims to modernize the boundary based on climate, environmental, and cultural factors while reducing permitting burdens. Five in-person meetings are scheduled island-wide […]
Makena State Park Gets Green Light for Restrooms and Expanded Parking
The Maui Planning Commission voted 6-1 to approve a Special Management Area permit allowing new restroom facilities and expanded parking at Makena State Park. The revised plan includes turtle-friendly lighting limits and a mix of paved and pervious parking surfaces. Two restroom buildings with showers and additional parking will be built at the 164.4-acre park, […]
Maui Commission Delays Vote on Makena State Park Bathroom and Fee Plan
The Maui Planning Commission deferred a decision on proposed upgrades to Makena State Park, including permanent restrooms, showers, and toll booths charging out-of-state visitors. Testimony ran nearly nine hours and was sharply divided between supporters and opponents of the changes. Proposed improvements include two permanent bathrooms, outdoor showers, a water bottle refill station, and paved […]
Maui Planning Commission Defers Vote on Mākena State Park Bathroom Project
Multiple outlets reported that the Maui Planning Commission deferred a decision Tuesday on a state proposal to build permanent restrooms and other improvements at Mākena State Park, following a marathon hearing that stretched from 9 a.m. to after 6 p.m. The project, put forward by the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, drew deeply […]
State Clarifies Big Beach Toll Booth Plans Amid Reservation System Concerns
Maui’s state parks administrator says toll booths planned for Makena State Park will only support existing fee collection, not implement reservation systems. This contradicts 2023 statements from DLNR about considering visitor controls at the popular beach. State parks administrator denies toll booths are for reservation systems or new access restrictions at Big Beach. Toll booths […]
DLNR Clarifies Makena State Park Upgrade Plans Amid Social Media Rumors
The state is clarifying its proposal to add restrooms, showers, and paved parking at Makena State Park after social media misinformation spread about the project. No changes are planned to beach access or visitor fees. Proposed upgrades include two restrooms, two showers, paved parking improvements, and staff infrastructure at Makena State Park. Access to the […]
County Begins Multi-Year Zoning Code Overhaul Process This Month
Maui County is starting a multi-year rewrite of its foundational zoning laws, beginning with presentations to the County Council and planning commissions in June and July. The County Council Housing and Land Use Committee will receive the first presentation on June 17 at 9 a.m. The rewrite aims to modernize zoning laws to reflect current […]