Maui County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Maui County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
HRS Chapter 179D dam and reservoir safety barrier
Member Cook warned that state law makes liability so 'toxic' that detention basins to stop South Maui mud floods aren't being built. The committee agreed to raise it in future legislative lobbying.
Adopt-A-Street litter and stormwater program
Volunteers adopt stretches of road, pick up litter twice a year, and keep trash out of storm drains and the ocean. The county supplies gear and hauls the bags; the program has three groups but capacity for about ten.
Wastewater disinfection concerns at Wailuku-Kahului facility
Testifier Travis Lincoln proposed a novel donation-funded model to accelerate 100% R-1 disinfection at the Kihei and Kahului plants, citing elevated fecal bacteria in UIC reports; Mike Moran pressed for clarity on whether South Maui's injection well water is actually UV-treated given poor water quality at Cove Park.
Restoring Hawaiian place names and history in the plan
Historian Lucienne de Naie warned that big detention basins and developments are planned over poorly-surveyed archaeological sites — repeating past mistakes like the Wailea hotel zone built atop a major burial ground.
Protection of Wahi Kupuna and cultural resources
The committee approved policies ensuring Native Hawaiian access to kuleana lands, preserving historic roads like the King's Trail with restoration encouraged where practicable, using Ike Kupuna in development design, and supporting a South Maui cultural center and museum.
Gulch and drainage-way protection policies
Proposed policies would bar new permanent structures in or within 100 feet of gulches and drainageways, but Public Works Director Molina warned the blanket restriction could kill needed flood mitigation and drainage projects. Deferred for more work.