Work underway on Safe Parking temporary site to address urgent concerns with Pūlehu encampment

The County of Maui is expediting preparations for a temporary safe parking site in Central Maui to address urgent health and public safety concerns associated with the encampment along Pūlehu Road, while work continues on a permanent safe parking facility. 

The temporary site is being designed to accommodate approximately 50 vehicles and will provide a safer and accessible location for individuals currently living in their vehicles until the permanent facility is ready. Paving is expected to begin later this week. Barring unforeseen weather conditions or other circumstances requiring the County of Maui Department of Public Works (DPW) to redirect resources, site preparation is expected to be completed by the end of October.

“While we continue moving forward with a permanent solution, we cannot wait to address the immediate health and safety concerns along Pūlehu Road,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “Our responsibility is to protect the well-being of everyone involved, including those living in their vehicles and the surrounding community. This temporary site allows us to take action now while we work toward a lasting solution. And when the permanent facility is ready, we’ll be able to put this property to another important use, helping address the abandoned vehicles impacting communities across Maui.”

The temporary site is expected to include support services, 24-hour contracted security, portable toilets, handwashing stations and access to potable water. The County is coordinating with community agencies to provide shower and laundry trailers on a regular schedule, and to continue assisting individuals in accessing available services.

Road improvements are being made to accommodate vehicle access, and the County is working to coordinate transportation to and from the temporary site.

Mayor Bissen and County of Maui Human Concerns Director Margaret Willis submitted a proposed bill on Sept. 17, 2026, requesting floor action by the County Council to amend County Code Chapter 10.75 to expand the types of County parcels eligible for safe parking and reduce barriers to access for the intended population of unsheltered. Consequently, Bill 133 (2026) is scheduled for a presentation at the Council’s Water Authority, Social Services and Parks (WASSP) Committee, and is expected to be taken up at the full Council meeting next Friday, Oct. 23.

“Addressing the Pūlehu Road encampment has been a priority for many months, and we’ve worked closely with community stakeholders, service providers and individuals living in the area to develop a solution,” said Willis. “Although the work may appear to be moving quickly, it reflects months of planning and coordination. The temporary site allows these individuals to stabilize and creates a safe space for community agencies to engage with them on next steps.”

DPW is conducting site preparation work, with the engineering assessment and site planning provided by contracted consultant CDF Engineers. Site preparation is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $600,000.

Once the permanent safe parking facility is completed and occupants are transitioned, the temporary site will be repurposed for County uses. The coordinated approach allows the County to address immediate health and public safety concerns along Pūlehu Road, continue developing a permanent safe parking solution and make long-term use of public infrastructure.