Urging The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Consult With The Kahana Bay Steering Committee, County Of Maui, Department Of Land And Natural Resources, And United States Army Corps Of Engineers Regarding A Path Forward For The Proposed Kahana Bay Erosion Mitigation Project.
Summary
SR59 is a Senate resolution urging the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to work with the Kahana Bay Steering Committee, Maui County, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to identify a path forward for the proposed Kahana Bay Erosion Mitigation Project. The resolution describes a long-running effort to restore eroded beaches at Kahana Bay, including prior engineering, planning, permitting, community consultation, and environmental review work that has stalled before completion of a final environmental impact statement.
The resolution specifically asks the parties to consider whether the Army Corps of Engineers would evaluate the project under Section 103 of the River and Harbor Act of 1962, what roles each entity would play if the Corps took over the project, and what financing options might be available with or without federal participation. It also directs the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development to report back to the Legislature on progress by December 31, 2025.
Impact
SR59 does not change state law or create new regulatory requirements; it is a nonbinding legislative request. Its practical effect is to encourage coordination among state, county, and federal entities on a coastal erosion mitigation project and to keep the project moving by seeking a possible federal role, clarifying responsibilities, and exploring financing mechanisms. The resolution also signals legislative interest in the status of Maui County’s community facilities district financing framework and the ownership/liability issues associated with the rock groins needed for the project.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests broad support and little opposition: the Senate Water and Land Committee passed the measure 5-0, including an amended version and then an unamended passage record. The resolution’s tone is collaborative and problem-solving, reflecting concern about stalled shoreline protection efforts and a desire to restore eroded beaches while protecting public resources. No committee transcript is available, but the measure appears to have been received favorably in committee.
Contention
The main points of contention described in the resolution are not ideological but practical and jurisdictional. Maui County has reportedly been unwilling to assume the liability risks of owning the rock groins and has not adopted rules to implement the community facilities district financing approach, while the Kahana Bay Steering Committee seeks a funded path forward. Another issue is whether the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers would agree to evaluate or assume control of the project, and how responsibilities and financing would be allocated if it did. These concerns center on liability, permitting, financing, and which public entity should take the lead.
Same As
Urging The Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development To Consult With The Kahana Bay Steering Committee, County Of Maui, Department Of Land And Natural Resources, And United States Army Corps Of Engineers Regarding A Path Forward For The Proposed Kahana Bay Erosion Mitigation Project.