West Maui Community Plan: 2023 Implementation Status

Status at a Glance

Status by Department

• 1. Department of Management0 of 4 actions complete
  • 1Conduct a detailed vulnerability assessment of all existing County infrastructure and facilities in West Maui that are within the State-recognized SLR-XA, and subject to other coastal hazards. Coordinate with the State on key State infrastructure and facilities such as highways and schools.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 2Integrate the State-recognized SLR-XA into West Maui capital improvement planning for all County departments and public facilities.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 3Incorporate appropriate sites on the ascription list in Appendix F into a cultural overlay established by the Council through a public process.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 4Amend the administrative rules of all applicable County boards and commissions to require meetings in West Maui throughout the entire decision-making process for issues or development in West Maui, or allow participation via teleconference or videoconference so that West Maui residents can more easily participate.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
• 2. Environmental Management0 of 6 actions complete
  • 5Work with the State Department of Health, Clean Water Branch to identify next steps in addressing the impact of sea level rise on on-site disposal systems (i.e., cesspool and septic systems), and develop remediation plans.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 6Identify and encourage potential new users of recycled water, including parks, golf courses, and agriculture, and expand recycled water storage and conveyance systems in West Maui to increase the reuse of recycled water.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 7Study and implement disposal methods and strive to eliminate the use of underground injection control wells, to transition to environmentally sound methods of wastewater disposal and promote beneficial use of wastewater effluent.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 8Improve odor control at the Lāhainā Wastewater Reclamation Facility and pump stations.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 9Propose amendments to the Maui County Code to allow for increased use of gray water for approved purposes in West Maui.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 10Identify locations and develop or partner to create recycling drop-off centers that would collect and transfer all viable recyclables and regulated (EPA and DOH) materials such as green waste, appliances, e-waste, tires, and lead-acid batteries.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
• 3. Finance0 of 1 action complete
  • 11Propose revisions to the real property tax structure to incentivize long-term rental and owner-occupancy of housing units, and to discourage short-term rental use.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
• 4. Fire & Public Safety0 of 5 actions complete
  • 12Develop a wildfire information campaign with signage to build public awareness of wildfire hazards. Improve community awareness of the human, economic, and environmental costs associated with wildfires caused by negligence or accident. Engage the community to create and maintain fire breaks, and to encourage native dryland plants in landscaping in the drier areas of West Maui.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 13Propose amendments to the Maui County Code to require developments to incorporate defensible space around structures and communities and require on-going maintenance of defensible spaces. Maui Fire Department recommendations for creating and maintaining defensible space must be easily accessible online.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 14Propose amendments to the Maui County Code to require landowners of large vacant land in high fire hazard areas to prepare and carry out a fuel management plan and ensure it will not impact historic properties.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 15Build a new fire station along Honoapi‘ilani Highway, south of Lāhainā and mauka of the sea level rise exposure area, extreme tsunami inundation zone, erosion hazard line, and SMA, to address increased call volume and improve emergency response time in that area.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 16Develop a plan to provide fire protection for homes on kuleana lands.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
• 5. Housing & Human Concerns0 of 4 actions complete
  • 17Propose amendments to Chapter 2.97, Maui County Code, to improve the County’s fast-track process to include sidewalks, multi-use paths, and access to public transit in affordable housing projects.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 18Develop a strategic plan to address and prevent houselessness.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 19Obtain funding and implement the expansion and capacity of proven housing programs that help residents attain sustainable housing.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 20Encourage the development of a wide array of housing and service options for seniors, including affordable options that provide for a continuum of care.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
• 6. Mayor's Office0 of 18 actions complete
  • 21Develop or partner to create resiliency hubs throughout the West Maui community.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 22Create open space in areas sensitive to flooding and around native forests as a protective buffer both for the forest and development.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 23Create a marketing program aimed at visitors to use multimodal transportation options for West Maui travel, including bus, shuttle, taxi, rideshare, bicycling, and walking to encourage a “car-free stay”.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 24Install pedestrian and bicycle wayfinding signage in Lāhainā Town that reflect the host culture incorporating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i, including maps, directional signs, moku signage, smartphone applications, and public art.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 25Identify opportunities to partner with larger employers such as hotels, to sponsor bus passes, shuttles, ferry passes, rideshare, or other shared ride programs to connect employees to jobs.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 26Support and expand funding for citizen science and environmental restoration programs in West Maui.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 27Continue and expand collaborative ecosystem restoration efforts between nonprofits, private entities, and County agencies.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 28Obtain funding and other support for Coral Reef Alliance’s stream gulch vegetation restoration and high flow diversion pond construction at Wahikuli Stream, mauka of Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park, to reduce sediment that reaches the ocean and create cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 29Implement recommended actions that are within the County’s jurisdiction from the West Maui Mountains Watershed Management Plan and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers West Maui Watershed Study, when complete.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 30Maintain funding and implementation of Lāhainā’s Clean & Safe Program as part of the proposed Parking Action Plan to include revenue generation.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 31Obtain funding and install ahupua‘a signs throughout West Maui.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 32Work with resorts in Kā‘anapali to provide shared parking and shuttle services during canoe races, especially state races, at Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach, or develop off-site parking and shuttle services.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 33Obtain funding and implement cultural and educational programs to perpetuate Hawaiian heritage.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 34Develop and implement a West Maui Agriculture Strategic Plan.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 35Support best practices for tourism management in West Maui to protect the residents’ quality of life, and the area’s environment, culture, and character.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 36Develop and implement an economic development strategy of diversification for West Maui and coordinate with the Department of Planning on required land use changes to implement the strategy.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 37Support farmers through increased funding for education and investment.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 38Create programming, marketing, and investment to assist the community in developing a food hub, to help farmers and makers of value-added products with production and distribution, and to increase the number of locally made products bought and sold in the community.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
• 7. Maui Emergency Management Agency3 of 7 actions complete
  • 39Develop a community-based disaster preparedness plan for West Maui.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 40Develop a long-term post-disaster recovery and reconstruction plan for West Maui.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 41Obtain annual funding for maintenance of a GIS database of all emergency management infrastructure and collection of post-incident monitoring data.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 42Identify and maintain a current inventory of additional emergency shelter facilities that include storage of supplies and are located in the safest identifiable areas given the risk of natural or human-made disasters.Reported as “Completed”Completed
  • 43Identify additional emergency evacuation routes to access West Maui and isolated neighborhoods.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 44Develop and implement a more robust and extensive communications system with alternative backup systems for use during emergencies.Reported as “Completed”Completed
  • 45In the event of an emergency, alert the public of dangerous road conditions, closures, hazards, or disasters by implementing appropriate safety measures such as temporary staging of electronic messaging signs on either side of the Honoapi‘ilani Highway, near D.T. Fleming Beach Park, and in Waihe‘e.Reported as “Completed”Completed
• 8. Parks1 of 10 actions complete
  • 46Prepare and implement an acquisition strategy for parks in West Maui, considering potential sea level rise and climate change.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 47Prepare a management plan, with review by the Cultural Resources Commission, for County-controlled properties in County Historic District No. 1, to provide for the long-range stewardship of these sites and protect their historical and cultural significance. Consider the installation of a flagpole at Kamehameha Iki Park for King Kamehameha’s Royal Standard.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 48Establish a code of conduct for visitor use of County parks with cultural sites in West Maui and install signs explaining the code of conduct at appropriate locations.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 49Identify County parks and properties in West Maui that have historical, cultural, or environmental significance and install interpretive signs incorporating ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i explaining this information at appropriate locations. Encourage the development of new cultural parks.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 50Create an off-road motor vehicle park in an area that will not damage critical watersheds or native forests, and encourage landowners to decommission existing off-road motor vehicle trails in areas that damage watersheds or native forests.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 51Develop parks management policies and practices to ensure park usage aligns with the Department of Parks and Recreation’s vision, and does not threaten the parks’ environmental or cultural integrity or create safety issues.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 52Obtain funding, design, and build additional County facilities that augment the Lāhainā Civic Center.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 53Obtain funding and prepare an acquisition strategy for Park/Open Space areas identified on the Community Plan Map for parks and recreational facilities in West Maui. The strategy will address planning, development, acquisition, and maintenance of park and open space areas, with a priority on beach park expansion.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 54Work with other public agencies to develop a coordinated strategy to address sea level rise at beach parks in West Maui.Reported as “Completed”Completed
  • 55Plan, develop, and maintain the 50 acres of land identified as Park/Open Space on the Community Plan Map north of Pulelehua, referenced in Areas of Change as Kahana Mauka.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
• 9. Planning0 of 24 actions complete
  • 56Conduct a feasibility study on managed retreat of at-risk developments in West Maui, to include an analysis of alternatives and interim steps to achieve managed retreat, identify incentives for proactive retreat, and support developing programmatic environmental documents to assist in implementing managed retreat.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 57Coordinate the establishment of special improvement districts and community facilities districts for areas in West Maui threatened by coastal hazards, meeting appropriate criteria set by the County Council, such as committing to implement managed retreat programs as the long-term plan.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 58Work with affected property owners to create and implement beach management plans for beach cells in West Maui, and conduct any necessary environmental assessments.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 59Develop an inventory of natural and cultural resources and practices impacted by sea level rise, along with preservation plans.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 60Evaluate shoreline access locations to be impacted by sea level rise, and identify solutions to preserve shoreline access.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 61Propose amendments to the Special Management Area (SMA) boundaries to account for sea level rise and other hazards, as well as other SMA criteria.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 62Obtain funding for additional sea level rise exposure modeling incorporating local data to use in vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure and facilities in the event of six feet or more of sea level rise.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 63Update and implement the Traffic Impact Fee Study and proposed ordinances.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 64Propose amendments to the County Historic District Ordinances to allow existing hotels, prohibit new vacation rentals, and phase out existing vacation rentals that are not hotels or inns. Phasing out could be accomplished by counting vacation rentals towards short-term rental home permit caps or by attrition.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 65Propose amendments to expand the boundaries of the Historic Districts to include both sides of Front Street, from Shaw Street to the southern terminus of Front Street, once new transient vacation rentals are prohibited.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 66Expand the boundaries of the Historic Districts, and propose companion amendments to the National Historic Landmark District, should new cultural assets be identified.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 67Develop a cultural overlay map identifying the location of important historical events, known burial sites and archaeological resources, and known above-ground resources. Create a cultural overlay district to protect cultural assets and establish an efficient review process for property owners.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 68Propose amendments to the Maui County Code to prohibit new development within gulches as identified in Figure 2.3, and within wetlands, and implement a 100-foot buffer around gulches, wetlands, and streams where no structures will be allowed.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 69Inform property owners with swimming pools within the SMA of Policy 2.3.6, prohibiting draining of pool water directly to the ocean.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 70Develop new design guidelines for Lāhainā Town that provide detailed guidance on the following: rehabilitation of historic buildings, additions to historic buildings, construction of new buildings, landscape and streetscape elements, and treatment of archaeological properties and cultural sites.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 71Create a County Historic District officer position or ensure that enforcement personnel are sufficiently trained to be responsible for enforcement and education in the Lāhainā Historic Districts.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 72Obtain funding, design, and build a canoe hale structure for storage of canoes at the proposed Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach mauka expansion.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 73Work with the State Department of Land and Natural Resources to document and map existing government trails and identify missing links to improve connectivity and function, with the ultimate goal of developing an active and usable network of public trails throughout West Maui.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 74Initiate changes in zoning based on community plan designations for growth areas identified as high priority for 100 percent affordable housing.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 75Propose legislation to amortize the short-term occupancy list and phase out short-term rental use to make more housing units available for long-term occupancy.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 76Identify and propose amendments to remove existing barriers in laws, rules, and processes that prohibit the construction of safe, sanitary, and affordable on-farm employee housing for farmworkers, with special consideration given to non-permanent, modular housing solutions.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 77Prepare a feasibility study and implement recommendations for repurposing or conversion of commercial and industrial buildings into multi-use residential areas.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 78Propose amendments to the zoning code to increase density for infill developments outside of the shoreline setback or sea level rise exposure areas and the Historic Districts, to reduce urbanization of agricultural and open space lands.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 79Develop a monitoring, enforcement, and public reporting system to ensure increased transparency and compliance with conditional zoning.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
• 10. Police1 of 1 action complete
  • 80Identify and implement appropriate safety improvements such as traffic controls to improve the use of Kahekili Highway and Honoapi‘ilani Highway as alternate routes for West Maui during times of emergency.Reported as “Completed”Completed
• 11. Public Works0 of 30 actions complete
  • 81Propose amendments to the building, fire, and zoning codes that promote resilient structures and communities.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 82Identify and implement temporary safety measures such as signage and lane shifts to alert the public of dangerous road conditions due to sea level rise and climate change, especially during extreme high tides or large surf in the area.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 83Update the Lāhainā Town Drainage Master Plan with consideration given to Low Impact Development solutions, and develop an implementation plan.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 84Support the implementation of flood control projects and siltation basins mauka of Honoapi‘ilani Highway, including the remaining phases of the Lāhainā Watershed Project, to address problem areas.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 85Maintain a current inventory of drainage facilities in West Maui for use in developing long-term plans to address stormwater issues.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 86Improve stormwater management systems along Lower Honoapi‘ilani Road to minimize stormwater runoff to the ocean.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 87Prioritize regular maintenance and clearing of sediment basins in West Maui.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 88Implement the County’s Storm Water Management Plan in West Maui with consideration of Low Impact Development objectives.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 89Educate the public on existing policies related to maintenance of drainageways.Reported as “Ongoing”Ongoing
  • 90Propose amendments to the Maui County Code to require permeable surfaces or other Low Impact Development standards to be used in new or redeveloped parking lots and streets, to mitigate runoff and help with groundwater recharge.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 91Develop guidelines and incentives for landowners to retain stormwater runoff and include more permeable surfaces on their property.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 92Retrofit existing streets with pedestrian and bike facilities, where appropriate, throughout West Maui neighborhoods and commercial areas, including along Lower Honoapi‘ilani Highway from Kahana to Nāpili.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 93Provide multiple convenient and safe pedestrian crossings on Keawe Street mauka of Honoapi‘ilani Highway.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 94Develop and implement a Lāhainā Town Master Plan to integrate land use and multimodal transportation planning that includes a mobility and circulation study, considerations for relocation of the transit hub, and creation of a bus transit corridor on Honoapi‘ilani Highway through Lāhainā Town.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 95Promote travel demand management strategies such as staggered start times and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) message signs to reduce congestion on Honoapi‘ilani Highway and the Lāhainā Bypass.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 96Complete the West Maui Greenway multi-use path to provide a safe, off-road path for walking and bicycling between parks, neighborhoods, and businesses.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 97Implement Safe-Routes-to-Schools and Safe-Routes-to-Parks projects throughout West Maui.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 98Redesign mauka-makai streets in Lāhainā Town to enhance pedestrian and bicycle movement, including enhanced sidewalk facilities, bicycle lanes, shade trees, planters, and street furniture, with particular attention to Lāhaināluna Road, mauka of Honoapi‘ilani Highway.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 99When intersections are required, encourage safe, pedestrian-friendly intersections along the planned Lāhainā Bypass Road, with priority given to kuleana access, and safe passage of agricultural equipment and vehicles, where appropriate.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 100Propose updates to the subdivision and zoning code to expand the types of multimodal facilities associated with new development and to require roadway and multimodal connectivity among existing and future developments. Updates to include different types of sidewalks or walkways to provide flexibility in building the pedestrian network.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 101Establish a regional network of multi-use bicycle and pedestrian paths and protected bike lanes in West Maui.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 102Establish a short-term plan to protect key roadways from sea level rise and storm events, to provide alternatives that prevent shoreline armoring as the default emergency action.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 103Work in partnership with the State Department of Transportation to prioritize and facilitate realignment of Honoapi‘ilani Highway out of the coastal hazard zone, and manage public lands makai of the realigned highway as wetlands, public parks, and open space.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 104Coordinate the creation of a Transportation Improvement District, per the 2018 Parking Action Plan, to manage parking in Lāhainā Town and reinvest paid parking revenues in local transportation improvements such as a transit hub, improved bus service, street improvements, multi-use paths, and sidewalks.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 105Install street signs identifying traditional Hawaiian street names in County Historic District No. 1.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 106Propose amendments to the Maui County Code to include Low Impact Development requirements on new and redevelopment projects.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 107Propose amendments to the Maui County Code to require property owners with swimming pools to follow the County’s Discharging Swimming Pool Water best practices for maintaining pools.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 108Work with other public agencies and the community to identify and protect wetlands, and implement the Pali To Puamana Parkway Master Plan.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 109Conduct a baseline study of West Maui’s urban tree canopy and establish a goal for canopy cover increase and a strategy to achieve the goal.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 110Work with appropriate agencies to develop a veterans’ cemetery and a memorial park in West Maui.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
• 12. Transportation0 of 5 actions complete
  • 111Relocate the West Maui Transit Hub to a dedicated facility close to a transportation corridor, with adequate space for parking and room for future expansion.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 112Work with the West Maui community to identify locations where Maui Bus shelters and park and rides are needed, and provide covered shelters, lighting, benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, and ADA compliant waiting areas at all bus stops.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 113Provide a frequent direct Maui Bus route between Kahului Airport to West Maui and hotels. Increase the baggage allowance on these buses and provide appropriate storage to ensure safety.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 114Increase bus service frequency and hours of operation, with priority given to service for high-ridership routes and between low- to moderate-income neighborhoods in West Maui and community services such as shopping, education, health care, and recreation.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
  • 115Identify a corridor for future multimodal transportation use extending from existing developed areas in Kapalua to Central Maui, and amend the West Maui Community Plan to include policies and actions that will ensure this corridor remains undeveloped until it is ready to be developed as a multimodal transportation corridor.Reported as “Not Begun”Not Begun
• 13. Water0 of 5 actions complete
  • 116Preserve and maintain existing reservoir and water storage infrastructure within West Maui for fire protection capabilities and agricultural uses.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 117Develop basal groundwater sources in West Maui to timely serve planned population growth and offset decreased surface water diversions.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 118Improve interconnection between Department of Water Supply subsystems in West Maui.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 119Develop contingency agreements between the County and private water purveyors in West Maui.Reported as “In progress”In Progress
  • 120Continue to support the allocation of water resources to Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), as identified in the 2019 Water Use and Development Plan (19.0 Lāhainā Aquifer Sector Area), to ensure there is ample water resources allocated for DHHL projects.Reported as “In progress”In Progress