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:
where to begin
Shoreline Permitting
1. View Shoreline Map
First, let’s confirm that your property in the shoreline using this map. You will need your Tax Map Key (TMK) number or your address. If the red Erosion Hazard Line (EHL) is on your parcel or you are located along the shoreline, in order to redevelop, you will need to go through our shoreline permitting process.
2. Watch the Video
Before making an appointment, please watch the following short video to prepare you for your meeting with our planners. For more information about the County's new Special Management Area (SMA) and Shoreline Rules for the Maui Planning Commission, visit the link below.
3. Schedule a Meeting
You may contact the Planning Department at planning@co.maui.hi.us or call 808-270-8205.
If you do not have a shoreline property in Lahaina and the EHL is not located on your property, please do not use this form to request a meeting with a planner.
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