County’s temporary Safe Parking Program in Central Maui launches with 20 individuals

The County of Maui has completed its three-day coordinated cleanup of Pūlehu Road and launch of its temporary Safe Parking Program in Central Maui. The project transitioned individuals living along the roadway to a designated site in Puʻunēnē while addressing longstanding public health, safety and environmental concerns.

Led by the County’s Department of Human Concerns, the multiagency effort from Nov. 4-6, 2026, resulted in 20 individuals moving from Pūlehu Road into the new Safe Parking site, along with another three individuals moving into shelter. Nearly 48 tons of trash, debris and other materials were removed.

“Maui County’s Safe Parking Program represents a new approach to addressing homelessness in Hawaiʻi, establishing the state’s first of its kind dedicated safe parking site created specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness who are living in their vehicles,” Mayor Richard Bissen said. “What distinguishes the initiative is its low-barrier, person-centered approach, recognizing that traditional program requirements can create additional obstacles for people already experiencing housing instability.”

The new Safe Parking Program launch Nov. 4-6 resulted in the following:

• Individuals transitioned to safety: Twenty individuals relocated to the Safe Parking site, along with 23 vehicles. Three additional people moved into shelter.
• Vehicles addressed: 45 operational, abandoned or inoperable vehicles were removed from Pūlehu Road.
• Cleanup efforts: 47.57 tons of trash, debris and other accumulated materials were cleared from Pūlehu Road, including 37.40 tons of trash, 3.78 tons of metals, 6.26 tons of tires and 0.13 tons of propane tanks (trash total now includes 13 loads removed by Department of Public Works on Nov. 6).
• Roadway access: Safe roadway access was restored to Pūlehu Road between Hoʻokele Street and Hansen Road on Nov. 7.

With the new Safe Parking Program now in place, outreach teams will continue working with individuals at the site to connect them with available social services, housing assistance and other resources as we maintain safety and access in the area.

“What makes this program unique is its person-centered, trauma-informed approach. We are meeting people where they are, removing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for individuals to access the support and resources they need to move toward housing stability,” County Department of Human Concerns Director Margaret “Maggie” Willis said. “Developed with input from individuals living along Pūlehu Road and community service providers, the program combines a safe place to park with essential amenities, 24-hour security, outreach and connections to supportive services and housing resources. The initiative provides an opportunity to address immediate needs while building a longer-term pathway toward housing stability.”

The Safe Parking site includes the following:

• Up to 50 vehicles
• 24-hour security
• Food
• Camp stoves and cooking area (new addition)
• Access to potable water
• Portable toilets and handwashing stations
• Outreach teams to connect individuals with available social services, housing resources and other assistance
• Resources in coordination with community partners
• Showers and laundry coming soon

The County will continue working with community partners to support individuals residing at the temporary site while advancing plans for a permanent Safe Parking Program location and other long-term housing solutions.

The three-day Safe Parking Program launch involved the County Department of Human Concerns, Office of the Mayor, Maui Police Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Environmental Management and multiple community partners.

The Safe Parking Program was developed with input from community partners and individuals living along Pūlehu Road. In September, the County surveyed occupants to assess their interest in relocating and identify amenities, services and conditions that would make the new site a viable option. Outreach continued throughout September and October to address concerns, provide information and prepare individuals for the transition.

For more information about the County Department of Human Concerns and available services, visit www.mauicounty.gov/humanconcerns.