DRIP Committee advances zoning change for 1448 Front Street in Lahaina, limits uses to parking and solar canopies

The Disaster Recovery, International Affairs and Planning Committee recommended passage on first reading of Bill 131, a zoning change request for property at 1448 Front Street in Lahaina that would rezone about 14,467 square feet from R-1 residential to B-2 community business (conditional zoning) to allow a parking structure or lot and related uses. The committee acted during its Sept. 24 meeting and approved an amendment that limits permitted uses on the site to parking structures or lots, including solar-energy facilities on overhead canopies or structures.

Chair Tamara Poulton, who initiated the zoning request in July 2023, said the item was scheduled because the transmittal from the Planning Commission had been delayed and because the parcel has historically been used as a parking lot. "In all my memory of how long I've lived here, it's always been used as a parking lot," Poulton said. She told the committee she scheduled the measure to keep the property's practical use aligned with community expectations and to avoid creating an expansive set of future uses the community did not request.

Applicant Alexa Caskey, who is pursuing the Moku Roots use for the site, said the goal is continuity: "We just wanna continue using it as what it's always been known to be," Caskey told the committee.

Wilton Leawanai, Planner V in the Department of Planning, summarized the Maui Planning Commission recommendation to approve the change in zoning without conditions while forwarding six comments to the council. Leawanai said the commission supported the local business and parking use; recognized the potential for solar canopies; and urged that future development not impede natural beach processes. He also noted the commission relied on the SMA (Special Management Area) permitting process to address coastal hazards and sea-level-rise concerns.

Members discussed the timeline and oversight. Poulton said the Planning Commission's recommendation came outside the 120-day timeframe specified in the county charter, and that the parcel’s recovery from the 2023 fire will mean a future SMA permit would be required if a restaurant or other structure is reconstructed on the site.

The committee moved to recommend passage of Bill 131 on first reading with non-substantive clarifying revisions and to amend Exhibit C to read: "The only uses permitted on the property are parking structures or lots, which may include solar energy facilities that are installed on overhead canopies or structures, and may provide power to other lots and related accessory uses." The amendment was moved by Council Member Gabe Johnson and seconded by Council Member Cook. The motion to advance the item out of committee carried with seven ayes and two excused.

Staff and the chair advised the applicant that a signed unilateral agreement (UA) would be required prior to first reading and that the UA must be recorded at the Bureau of Conveyances before second reading. Committee members did not add other conditions at committee; the planning and SMA processes would apply to any later development proposals.

Votes at a glance: the committee vote to advance Bill 131 on first reading with the Exhibit C amendment was recorded as 7 ayes, 0 noes, 2 excused. The amended permitted uses are limited to parking structures or lots and solar canopy installations. The committee did not take final action on second reading or adoption.