Ask the Mayor: Was a Permit Obtained for the Recent KIRC Construction?

Mahinaʻai Night to Restore Kahoʻolawe. Event flyer.

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Dear Mayor Arakawa:

Q: Was a proper county permit approved and obtained for the recent construction of a chain link fence with barbed wire and a plywood structure inside the fence at the Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission’s property located in the 2900 block of South Kīhei Road? Also, is there anything that can be done to improve the appearance of this property, which has become an eyesore in the middle of a very nice residential and tourist area of Maui?

A: Yes, the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission received a Special Management Area (SMA) exemption for its “Mahina‘ai Nights” events, which are scheduled to occur on or around each full moon. This program is intended to introduce our residents and visitors to the work that the KIRC is doing, as most people do not have the opportunity to visit Kaho‘olawe to see this work for themselves.

The first Mahina‘ai Nights were held on May 9 and June 2. The fencing is needed for these events (and their related supplies and equipment) to be kept secure; the structure is also used in support of these events. As these events are just beginning, the site will continue to be improved over time.

And yes, the public is invited to participate in the volunteer work days that KIRC hosts at the Kīhei site on the last Friday of each month–that would be a great opportunity to help improve the appearance of this area.

More information can be found online.

Want to Ask the Mayor?

Submit your questions about County of Maui programs, services, operations or policies to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email at [email protected], by phone at 270-7855 or by mail to 200 S. High St., 9th Floor, Wailuku, HI 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the Ask the Mayor column.