*NEW* Updated expedited SMA process

The State of Hawai’i Office of the Governor issued the Nineteenth Proclamation Relating to Wildfires on December 7, 2024. The Proclamation included the following suspension of law:

‍“Chapter 205A, HRS, coastal zone management, to the extent necessary to respond to the emergency, which includes the reconstruction of previously existing multi-family residences that were destroyed by the Lahaina Wildfire (except those identified as shoreline parcels, as defined by the Maui County Planning Department); provided the reconstruction does not change the structure’s previous footprint and/or overall dimensions, Also included are single-family residences that were destroyed by the Lahaina Wildfire (except those identified as shoreline parcels, as defined by the Department) where the structures are less than 7,500 square feet cumulatively on the lot, and in the case of structures located within the Lahaina National Historic Landmark does not change the structure’s previous footprint and/or overall dimensions. Minor changes that do not have a substantial negative impact on the Special Management Area may be permitted with approval of the Maui County Planning Director.”

‍Therefore, any multi-family or single-family residence(s) that meets the parameters of the proclamation do not need Special Management Area review or approval as long as the above-referenced suspension of law is included in the Governor’s proclamation. If you have already applied for an SMX or SMXF application and you meet the criteria of the above proclamation, your application will be voided, and you will receive a Closure letter and refund.

To find out whether a parcel is located within the SMA, county historic districts, NHLD, and flood zones, visit the County’s Land Use Viewer in the following link:

About Permanent Housing

As you begin planning for the rebuilding of the permanent structure on your property, the following is important information you should know. Our County’s Office of Recovery is committed to continuously updating this information, ensuring you have access to the latest resources and support during this permitting and rebuilding phase.

Emergency Building Permits

The Development Services Administration has launched a streamlined process for building permits for emergency reconstruction in fire-affected areas. The Disaster Recovery Building Permit is for alterations, repairs, reconstruction, and new construction of structures.

Expedited Permitting Outside of Burn Area

Homeowners affected by the August 2023 Wildfires may request for expedited permitting for a property outside the burn area that they will occupy as their primary residence.

Tips for Plan Reviews

Reviewing the first 40 plans submitted for Maui Disaster Recovery Permits revealed that several comments occur frequently. Here are many of the most common comments and how to satisfactorily incorporate the required information into plans: