The Maui County Council on Nov. 7 voted to advance Bill 110 CD1, which exempts certain properties destroyed or severely damaged by the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires from the county requirement to undertake or improve public streets during rebuilding. The CD1 narrows the exemption to properties located along Front Street between Shaw and Baker Streets in the Lahaina Historic Districts 1 and 2.

During the meeting Member Tom Cook moved an amendment to add three additional parcels immediately north of Baker Street (identified by address in the committee record). The Office of Recovery supported the amendment, saying the change promotes consistency and fairness among contiguous parcels. The amendment was adopted and the main motion carried; the transcript records unanimous council votes on the amendment and on the amended main motion.

Committee materials and staff emphasized the measure is intended as targeted relief for property owners whose repair costs exceed 50% of replacement value as of Aug. 8, 2023, and that the exception will not alter enforcement of rights‑of‑way encroachment rules or the county’s policies on undergrounding and roadway improvements.

Why it matters: The exemption reduces rebuilding obligations for certain Lahaina property owners and is intended to facilitate recovery while balancing public‑right‑of‑way and infrastructure concerns.

The committee voted 7‑0 to recommend the measure on first reading; the council approved the item as amended.

Speakers quoted in the article come from the meeting transcript and committee record.