County Planning Department highlights emergency activities temporarily allowed in SMA

The County of Maui Department of Planning is informing property owners and residents within the Special Management Area (SMA) throughout Maui County of limited activities that are permissible due to the state emergency proclamation for Tropical Storm Lala.

The SMA is a designated coastal zone established to protect natural, cultural and recreational resources. To check if a property is within the SMA, go to the County’s Land Use Viewer webpage and select “Special Management Area (SMA)” at https://tinyurl.com/3cccmmju.

“The Department recognizes that property owners and public agencies may need to act quickly to address storm damage and protect public health and safety,” County Planning Director Jacky Takakura said. “The Governor’s proclamation provides flexibility for necessary emergency work while we continue to encourage everyone working along the coast to minimize impacts to neighboring properties and Maui County’s natural and cultural resources.”

Gov. Josh Green issued a statewide emergency proclamation on Aug. 13, 2026, in anticipation of Tropical Storm Lala and its potential impacts from damaging winds, heavy rain and surf. The proclamation suspends HRS Chapter 205A to the extent necessary to allow government agencies to prepare for, respond to and recover from the emergency.

The suspension is intended to facilitate necessary emergency response and recovery activities. It is not a general suspension of SMA requirements for unrelated development.

Examples of activities that may qualify under the emergency proclamation when necessary to respond to or recover from Tropical Storm Lala include:

• Removal and disposal of storm debris without unnecessarily expanding the area of disturbance.
• Temporary stabilization or protection of storm-damaged structures and property.
• Emergency repairs to roofs, windows and other storm-damaged portions of structures.
• Repair, replacement or protection of damaged public infrastructure and utilities, including roadways, bridges, drainage facilities, water systems and electrical infrastructure.
• Other activities necessary to address damage or hazards caused by Tropical Storm Lala.

The suspension of HRS Chapter 205A does not automatically waive other permits or approvals required under applicable County, State or federal laws. Building, electrical, plumbing, flood-development and other permits may still be required depending on the work proposed.

The Governor’s proclamation applies statewide and the disaster emergency relief period is currently scheduled to continue through Aug. 27, 2026, unless terminated or superseded by a separate proclamation. Standard HRS Chapter 205A and SMA requirements will again apply when the suspension is no longer in effect.

For more information, contact the County Department of Planning at 808-270-8205 or planning@mauicounty.gov.