Urging The Maui County Planning Department To Retain The Word "require" In The South Maui Community Plan As It Relates To Infrastructure To Ensure That Development Does Not Occur Without Adequate Supporting Infrastructure.
Summary
SCR39 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution urging the Maui County Planning Department to keep the word “require” in the South Maui Community Plan when describing infrastructure obligations tied to development. The resolution is aimed at preserving a stronger, more enforceable planning standard so that new development in South Maui does not proceed without adequate roads, drainage, wastewater, water, and other supporting infrastructure in place.
The measure frames infrastructure-first planning as necessary to avoid overdevelopment, traffic congestion, strain on public services, and environmental impacts in a region experiencing rapid growth and tourism pressure. It also points to the risk of costly retrofits if infrastructure is not required before occupancy, and asks the county to look to similar policies used in other states as models.
Impact
SCR39 does not directly amend state law or county code; instead, it expresses the Legislature’s position and urges the Maui County Planning Department to preserve stronger language in the South Maui Community Plan. Its practical impact would be advisory but potentially influential for county planning policy, especially in how future development approvals are conditioned on infrastructure readiness. The resolution targets county planning officials and, indirectly, developers and residents affected by South Maui growth management.
Sentiment
The general sentiment reflected in the bill text and available vote history is supportive of maintaining strict infrastructure requirements. The resolution passed the Senate Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee 3-0, indicating unanimous committee support at that stage. The framing of the measure emphasizes sustainability, public safety, and responsible growth, suggesting broad agreement among supporters that infrastructure should keep pace with development.
Contention
The main point of contention is the proposed removal of the word “require” from the South Maui Community Plan, which supporters argue would weaken enforceability and allow development to outpace infrastructure. Advocates for the resolution, including concerned Wailea and South Maui residents referenced in the findings, want stronger safeguards against overdevelopment and service strain. While no opposing testimony or committee debate is provided, the resolution clearly anticipates disagreement over whether infrastructure conditions should be mandatory or more flexible in the planning process.
Same As
Urging The Maui County Planning Department To Retain The Word "require" In The South Maui Community Plan As It Relates To Infrastructure To Ensure That Development Does Not Occur Without Adequate Supporting Infrastructure.