New Maui rules
set distance of buildings
from shorelines
WAILUKU >> The Maui Planning Commission has passed new rules to determine how close structures may be built to sandy shorelines.
The commission voted 6-1 on Tuesday to adopt a method based on the historical erosion rate of specific shorelines, rather than continue a method based on the size and length of a property.
Planning Director Michael Foley said the new method is based on examining aerial maps and studies conducted by University of Hawaii coastal geologist Charles "Chip" Fletcher.
"It's based on scientific data and not arbitrary numbers," Foley said.
Foley said county planners may return to the commission to seek changes if they find the method has created unforeseen problems. But he said the method is used in other jurisdictions on the mainland.
A number of residents said they were worried the plan would reduce the value of their properties by preventing them from building near the ocean.
Ezekiela Kalua, executive director of the West Maui Taxpayers Association, said new method is a "good draft" but fails to come up with a solution for shoreline erosion.
Kalua, whose association represents 3,000 members, said the rules should have focused on beach management and replenishing sand on the shoreline.
