Sea-level rise and shoreline protection requirements for new hotel zones
Maui County
Summary
Testifiers clashed over whether sea level rise justifies hotel rezoning or instead demands managed retreat, buyouts, and removal of shoreline structures. Advocates cited the county's hazard mitigation plan ($1.2 billion in at-risk replacement value) and urged conditions like no further shoreline armoring and bonded removal obligations.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Aug 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
The county's hazard mitigation plan pegs roughly $1.2 billion in replacement value for buildings in the coastal erosion hazard area.
Better coastal policy would protect beaches, public access, and taxpayers who otherwise shoulder cleanup when seawalls fail.
Shoreline property owners would bear costs of retreat plans, armoring prohibitions, or eventual removal of their buildings.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Housing and Land Use Committee (2025-2027) — August 27, 2026
Testifiers clashed over whether sea level rise justifies hotel rezoning or instead demands managed retreat, buyouts, and removal of shoreline structures. Advocates cited the county's hazard mitigation plan ($1.2 billion in at-risk replacement value) and urged conditions like no further shoreline armoring and bonded removal obligations.
Housing and Land Use Committee (2025-2027) — January 5, 2026
Two competing amendments would attach conditions to the new zones: Paltin's requires public shoreline access and 10% of parking during daylight, plus liability waivers for erosion costs; Rawlins-Fernandez's bans new shoreline armoring and plans for phased removal of coastal structures. Testimony urged climate safeguards before the zones are finalized.
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