Op-Ed: Wastewater and wildfire: Māʻalaea’s dual fight for sustainability and safety
By Travis A. Liggett, M.S., president of Maui business Reef Power LLC

In the heart of Māʻalaea Village, nestled on Maui’s south shore, a community’s love for the land drives its dual battle against environmental degradation and wildfire risk. This close-knit village, a hub for marine research and education, is home to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, Keʻālia Pond National Wildlife Refuge, and visitor treasures like the Maui Ocean Center and the Pacific Whale Foundation.

Long ago, Māʻalaea’s reefs were vibrant, and teeming with marine life that rivaled the beauty of Tahiti. Peter Cannon, a lifetime resident, fondly recalls his childhood on dirt road Hauoli Street when the corals, limu, ʻōpae, sea shells and fish painted an incredible underwater tapestry. Today, those memories are distant as Hawaiʻi’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) reports a “total system collapse” of the reefs, a sobering reminder of what’s been lost.

The Coral Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program, alongside the Division of Aquatic Resources (DAR), documented a catastrophic decline in Māʻalaea reef cover from 50-75% in 1995 to a stark 8% back in 2005. This loss is primarily due to dirt sedimentation from mauka and pollution from 26 nearshore injection wells that discharge effluent from outdated wastewater systems into the ocean through groundwater. Beyond harming reefs, these systems pose health risks to recreational users with pathogens in Māʻalaea Bay, a US EPA-classified 303(d) impaired body of water.

Māʻalaea Bay struggles to meet state water quality standards, grappling with excessive chlorophyll a (algal overgrowth), Enterococcus (fecal indicator bacteria), turbidity (lack of water clarity), and nitrogen compounds that over-enrich the water. The Supreme Court’s Lahaina injection well decision amplifies regulatory risks for residents relying on these wells, urging the community to act decisively.

Heartbroken by decades of environmental degradation, residents ranked wastewater as their top concern in a Māʻalaea Village Association (MVA) survey. In October 2018, MVA leaders convened a town hall, mobilizing the community to confront this challenge. With the support of former Hawaiʻi Department of Health Wastewater Branch Chief Sina Pruder, the MVA Wastewater Working Group was born, setting the stage for proactive, transformative, community initiated and driven action.

In 2019, a Brown and Caldwell report, Māʻalaea Community Wastewater Feasibility Study, funded by the community and Maui County’s Office of Economic Development, explored solutions, identifying a regional wastewater reclamation system as the best path forward. This vision evolved into the Māʻalaea Regional Wastewater Reclamation System (MRWRS), designed to regionalize Māʻalaea’s wastewater treatment, allow irrigation reuse to conserve potable water for human consumption, and eliminate injection wells.

Momentum grew in October 2021 when Reef Power LLC began providing project management, backed by Born and Raised Earth and Maui Nui Marine Resource Council’s fiscal sponsorships. In 2022, Maui County Council Member Kelly King secured a $33,700 grant for the initial site surveys. By 2023, a $250,000 Hawaiʻi State Legislature Grant-in-Aid championed by State Sen. Angus McKelvey funded preliminary design work by EcoSolutions LLC, Maui Native Nursery and Sunshine Vetiver Solutions. Environmental assessments and surveys were conducted by Environmental Assistants LLC, Aecos, Pacific Legacy, and Fukumoto Engineering, with wastewater consultation from Oʻahu nonprofit WAI Org Inc. and Maui firm Water Quality Consulting Inc.

After the 2023 Maui wildfire disaster, the MVA Wastewater Working Group sharpened its focus on wildfire mitigation, centering the MRWRS on an R-1 irrigation reuse greenbelt fire break. Māʻalaea, one of Maui’s two most wildfire-prone communities, found a solution that addresses both environmental and safety concerns. Reuse water will irrigate landscaping and greenbelts to safeguard lives and property while removing the effluent’s impact on marine life and reefs, and saving six and a half million gallons of fresh water per year.

In March 2024, Sen. Brian Schatz secured a $1,000,000 Congressional Directed Spending earmark for the project that was signed into law by President Biden. As of December 2025, MVA received a $250,000 private donation for initial site preparations. Sandia National Laboratories has partnered with Reef Power LLC, Fykor LLC, and HydroMentia Technologies LLC to enhance sustainability by developing an attached algae tertiary treatment solution that integrates freshwater macroalgae, or stream limu, into the reuse system for nutrient polishing.

The MRWRS project showcases what’s possible when a community takes action. The
collaboration of residents, County, State and Federal governments, donors, experts, and
volunteers exemplifies laulima, working together. This initiative is not only a solution for
Māʻalaea but a replicable model for Hawaiʻi, proving that advanced regional community-scale
systems can replace cesspools and injection wells, improve water quality, restore reefs, and
mitigate wildfire risks statewide.

Maui County’s Bill 52, signed into law in January 2024, mandates that all municipal wastewater effluent meet R-1 reuse standards by 2039, reinforcing the MRWRS as a pathfinder. As 2025 begins, MVA plans to break ground, advancing detailed design, permitting, and site preparation while pursuing additional funding to realize this vision of sustainability and resilience.

To donate, join the effort or learn more, contact MaalaeaVillageAssociation@gmail.com

*****Views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.*****  

Op-Ed: Maui eyes glass recycling revival after decade-long hiatus authored by JD Pells

The County of Maui is considering recycling glass on Maui again. One of the least recycled materials in the US, glass bottles are produced three times faster than they are being recycled, according to the EPA.

On Maui, commercial glass recycling operations halted over a decade ago. The Aloha glass processor would roll over bottles in a cement bunker, run the glass through a crusher multiple times and then submerge the aggregate in water to remove contamination, such as paper from labels and residue. But it was unsustainable due to several operational logistics and end-use issues, according to Cecile Powell, Maui County’s recycling grant manager.

The issues were plentiful: Salty air eroded machine parts; glass consistently tore pits in the cement; and glass was being stockpiled at the recycling facility because of push back from end users.

With a new Request for Proposal, “RFP 24-25/P-30 for Glass Recycling on Maui,” expected to get posted this winter, the County’s Recycling Section believes these challenges can get ironed out and glass processing on Maui can resume again.

According to the Maui County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability Recycling Section, glass pulverizing technology has come a long way in the past decade and should lead to more success in a bid to recycle glass locally.

Recycled glass can be used as aggregate for covert fill, and can be incorporated into asphalt. When finely ground to a sand, recycled glass can be used for filtration — or even made into fertilizer. Powell says there are more relevant use cases for Maui County, such as using recycled glass in new septic tanks, as more than 10,000 kamaʻāina transition away from cesspools. Recycled glass has also been applied in agriculture and pool sand filtration systems.

The project to crush glass is slated to begin as early as August 2025, pending budget approval by the Maui County Council.

Local processing may also help the County meet compliance on a state mandate to use glass in all public construction projects, which was enacted in 2011 but has been skirted since 2016. 

HRS Title 9 §103D-407 specifies that all highway and road construction projects funded by the state or counties must utilize at least 10% crushed glass aggregate, as long as it is available at a competitive price. Also, nonstructural backfill for public projects must use 100% crushed glass when it is available at a price equal or lower to traditional aggregates. 

The mandate has not been strictly enforced due to a shortage of the material in its usable form, according to the County’s Recycling Section.

“Now that we are moving towards recycling glass on Maui again, we are revisiting enforcement procedures and developing a re-implementation plan,” said Powell.

Presently, residential recycling operators on Maui have a contract to ship glass to Strategical Materials, Inc. in Oakland, CA. According to its website, the facility recycles glass into new containers, fiberglass and aggregate. This year, Maui County has collected and shipped over 496 tons of glass to Oakland – or nearly two million standard bottles. The total FY23 budget of Maui’s glass recovery program for glass containers not in the Deposit Beverage Container Porgram, like wine bottles, was over $170,000, per the Office of Solid Waste Management. More information on Maui County recycling can be found here.

Despite efforts to recycle glass, the contracts in place impact the footprint of Maui residents through necessitating overseas shipping and the costs associated. It has also proven to be a logistical challenge for the Material Recovery Facility, the local sorting and baling center, and for contract holders. Last year, a funding delay also led to some stockpiled glass getting dumped in the Central Maui Landfill, where it was applied as Alternative Daily Cover, a productive but unforeseen use, according to Powell.

Commercial glass pulverizing technology is being adopted in some communities across the nation. The Andela GP-1HD Glass Pulverizer machine is capable of processing up to 10 tons of glass per hour, which is approximately the tonnage Maui County collects each week now, according to County data. The Andela’s price tag is well-under a quarter of one million dollars.

JD Pells is a news writer and reporter for Maui Now. He is also co-founder of Upcountry Curbside, a curbside recycling service for those who want a curbside option in Kula, Pukalani and Makawao. The program receives partial funding from the County of Maui Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability.

*****Views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.*****  

Op-Ed: Perspective on rebuilding King Kamehameha III closer to its original location
co-authored by Howard Kihune Sr. and Howie Kihune Jr.

“The Hawai‘i Department of Education is deciding whether to rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Lahaina or to rebuild near Kapalua Airport, an 18-minute drive away. The school should be rebuilt in Lahaina because this location is best for families and it respects the will of the people of Maui.

First, rebuilding near Kapalua Airport is a transportation disaster for families.

There are 180 days in the school year. With 72 minutes driving from Lahaina to Kapalua Airport and back each school day, parents will spend 216 hours commuting each year. That’s nine whole days that could be spent with family, volunteering in the community, or getting civically engaged. This cost to quality of life can’t be underestimated, especially for families still rebuilding from the tragic fires.

And not all parents have cars. Many rely on public transit or multimodal transportation to pick up their children from school. The Kapalua Airport site doesn’t work for these families because there aren’t reliable transportation options.

• Honoapiʻilani Highway is unsafe for bicyclists, as it does not have any protected bike lanes and motorists drive more than 40 mph. Plus, it’s a 30-minute bike ride each way from Lahaina to the Kapalua Airport site.
• The Maui Bus Route 29 runs once an hour. It takes 45 minutes to get from Lahaina Cannery Mall to the Kapalua Airport site. And then another 45 minutes to get home to Lahaina.
• Walking is not an option, as it would take you about 2 hours to walk one way.

Advocates for the Kapalua Airport site argue that students can rely on school bus service, but is that really an option? Just this year, the DOE canceled school bus routes statewide because of a bus driver shortage. And even when school bus service is running, students must wake up 45 minutes early and get home 45 minutes later than they might otherwise. Do we want our children spending an hour and a half each day sitting on a bus? Some parents in Lahaina still have trauma of being separated from their children on the day of the fire. Locating the school far from their homes is unconscionable.

Second, rebuilding near Kapalua Airport violates the will of the people of Maui.

A recent DOE survey found that 67% of respondents wanted the school to stay at the original location. This isn’t possible because of environmental concerns, so rebuilding the school nearby in Lahaina is the second best option. It’s also the option that accords with the will of Maui’s citizens.

The will of the people of Maui is expressed in many plans and official government documents. For example, the Maui General Plan 2030 promotes “Smart Growth” which includes walkable neighborhoods with a variety of transportation choices. Locating Kamehameha III near Kapalua Airport violates these principles that the people of Maui County have written into their plan for the future.

The West Maui Community Plan was recently adopted in 2022. It promotes “walkable, mixed-use community centers” with increased “multimodal transportation options.” It’s hard to justify locating a school where there are few multimodal transportation options, given that the people of West Maui have made clear that they value multimodal transportation.

Finally, the new King Kamehameha III school site could serve as the center of a new community that creates housing options for the people of West Maui.

Alarming statistics show that most people displaced by the fire were renters. Building rental housing around the new school could provide a stable foundation for these families to rebuild their lives in Lahaina.

Moku‘ula is the piko of Lahaina and was the royal residence of King Kamehameha III. It is only right to keep the school that bears the King’s name near his home.

The Department of Education is hosting a meeting on Nov. 19 at 5 p.m. in the cafeteria of the King Kamehameha III Elementary School temporary site at 100 Akahele St. I encourage all community members to show up and make their voices heard. If you can’t make it in person, you can submit your feedback online at bit.ly/KKIII-site.

This decision should be made in the interest of the people of Maui and our future generations.

We should rebuild King Kamehameha III Elementary School in Lahaina.”

Howard Kihune Sr. is a businessman, alumni of King Kamehameha III, and former chair of the Maui County Council.
Howie Kihune Jr. is President of ʻĀina Lani Pacific, a workforce housing developer.

*****Views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.*****  

Op-Ed: Kuleana – Gen Z’s Voting Power
By Reece Dean, senior at Kamehameha Schools Maui

Kuleana means responsibility, but it also means a right and a privilege. As a Gen Z young adult who is often consumed by social media, I know my peers have lots to say about anything and everything. We have been raised in a world where we have the technology and ability to tell the world about all the details of our lives. We also use technology to persuade and influence. At 18 years old, I now have the right and privilege to persuade and influence through the power of my vote.

Imagine your ideal Hawaiʻi. What does that look like? My vision of an ideal Hawaiʻi looks different from what I see as I drive around Maui or travel to the neighboring islands. The very first issues I see are homelessness coupled with vulnerable individuals who suffer from a range of issues. Those are just the people who are visible on the highways, side streets, and parking lots in our communities. What about the unseen individuals and the working parents who cannot earn enough income to provide a stable home environment for their families? The cost of living in Hawaiʻi is ridiculous. What can you do about it?

Become an informed voter. This is your chance to influence decisions that affect your daily life. Make your voice heard in local elections because the priorities and decisions of those locally elected officials have a direct impact on you and your immediate community. Invest the time and energy to learn about the candidates. Do their values and priorities align with yours? Do they have evidence of engaging in community matters and supporting or protesting issues that are important to you? Your vote is a powerful endorsement for the issues that matter most to you. Your vote for or against a candidate directly influences policies and decisions that shape our community.

My parents have always taught me and my siblings to stop complaining and to do something if we don’t like the way things are. This is a call to action to the youngest voters in our community. What issues matter to you? What would make life in Hawaiʻi better for you and your community? Engage in conversations with your friends, family, and those in your community. Spread the workload by researching different local candidates. Share the ‘ike, kūkākūkā, then encourage one another to cast ballots in the upcoming election. Embrace this kuleana. If we can influence others on social media to engage in frivolous TikTok trends, we can certainly use our power in much more productive ways.

*****Views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.*****  

Op-Ed: Supporting a balanced approach to Maui’s housing crisis
By Lynette Pendergast, REALTORS Association president 

Housing affordability is one of the most critical issues facing our community today. As the president of the REALTORS Association of Maui, I want to emphasize our commitment to fairness, transparency, and responsible practices in the real estate industry. We understand the challenges residents face and are dedicated to being part of the solution to Maui’s housing needs.

At the REALTORS Association of Maui, we uphold the highest ethical standards. We do not engage in price manipulation and are fully committed to fair market practices. Our association does not use price-fixing technologies, such as RealPage, and we stand firmly against anything that undermines the integrity of our market.

Our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) focuses primarily on real estate sales, with minimal involvement in the rental market. Home prices are determined by various factors such as supply and demand, economic conditions, interest rates, and buyer behavior. The market price is set by what buyers are willing to pay and what sellers are willing to accept, with appraisals and comparative market analyses informing fair pricing.

Maui’s housing is part of a larger nationwide challenge, with a shortage of 3.4 million homes. Affordable housing is essential, and we are committed to working alongside lawmakers and local leaders to find solutions. This includes supporting policies that will increase housing supply, streamline development processes, and address barriers to homeownership, all while preserving the unique character and culture of our island.

Advocating for the real estate industry allows us to represent the interests of local homeowners, buyers, and renters, helping shape policies that strengthen our housing market and economy. This ensures that the voices of those who live and work in our community are heard when decisions are made that impact our housing future. Our goal is not to oppose regulation, but to ensure laws and policies benefit everyone.

Over the years, the REALTORS Association of Maui has achieved several significant advocacy victories, demonstrating our commitment to supporting the community. In 2010, we helped secure $1 million in affordable housing funding for Nā Hale O Maui, enabling the organization to acquire, renovate, and resell foreclosed properties. In 2011, we successfully lobbied for the removal of the Hamakuapoko Well Use Prohibition, opening the door for the potential issuance of 500 new Upcountry water meters. And in 2017, our efforts led to an increase in the Real Property Tax (RPT) homeowner exemption from $110,000 to $200,000, providing much-needed tax relief to local homeowners.

At the state level, the Hawaiʻi REALTORS Association has consistently worked to protect homeowners and uphold fair housing policies. One notable achievement was the defeat of a bill that would have prohibited landlords from screening potential tenants based on their credit history or creditworthiness. In another significant win, the association prevented a proposed increase in capital gains tax, and they stopped 11 bills that sought to double or triple conveyance taxes on properties over $2 million, protecting homeowners from excessive financial burdens.

Our commitment is to a balanced approach that protects consumers, fosters fair competition, and promotes sustainable development. We understand that a thriving real estate market benefits everyone, and we will continue working with policymakers to ensure that the housing market remains fair and accessible to all. Realtors are part of the fabric of Maui’s community—your neighbors, friends, and partners in building a future where families can find homes and local businesses can thrive. Ultimately, our goal is to build a stronger, more resilient Maui.

*****Views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.*****  

Op-Ed: Op-ed: Confronting the Hunger Crisis — A Call to Action During Hunger Action Month
By Lisa Paulson, CEO of Maui Food Bank

September marks Hunger Action Month—a time to raise awareness about hunger, advocate for change, and take meaningful action to combat food insecurity. This year, the significance of this month is particularly profound for us here on Maui. In the wake of the devastating wildfires, the demand for food assistance has surged by over 65%, pushing our community to the brink.

Before the fires, food insecurity was already a major challenge across our islands. A recent report highlighted the severity of the issue: nearly one-quarter of all households in Hawaii faced food insecurity, with Maui County experiencing 31% of households struggling to put food on the table.

At the Maui Food Bank, we see the real faces behind these statistics. Monthly food distribution has skyrocketed from 250,000 pounds to nearly 800,000 pounds—an unprecedented increase that reflects the severe and immediate need. The distribution of fresh produce has also doubled, from 78,000 pounds to 160,000 pounds each month, as we strive to provide nutritious options for families struggling to rebuild their lives.

The road to recovery is long, and the challenges are immense. The wildfires not only destroyed homes and livelihoods but also exacerbated the pre-existing issues of hunger and poverty on our island. Many of our neighbors, who never imagined needing food assistance, now find themselves in lines at distribution centers, seeking help to feed their families.

At the Maui Food Bank, we are committed to serving our community during this critical time. But we cannot do it alone. This Hunger Action Month, we are calling on every resident of Maui to join us in this fight against hunger. Here are some ways you can make a difference:

• Donate: Every dollar counts in our efforts to provide food to those in need. With the demand for food assistance growing exponentially, financial contributions are more important than ever. A donation of just $25 can provide enough food for a family of four for a week.
• Volunteer: Our volunteers are the backbone of our operations. Whether it’s sorting donations, packing food boxes, or assisting with distribution, your time and dedication are crucial.
• Advocate: Use your voice to support policies that address the root causes of hunger. As our community rebuilds, we must ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need, including food, housing, and healthcare.
• Educate: Share the reality of hunger on Maui with your friends, family, and social networks. The more people understand the scope of the problem, the more likely they are to get involved.

The challenges we face are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. By coming together as a community, we can ensure that no one on Maui goes hungry. Hunger Action Month is a reminder that the fight against hunger is ongoing—and it’s a fight we must win.

As we move forward, let’s remember that every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement. Whether through donations, volunteerism, advocacy, or education, you have the power to make a difference. Together, we can help Maui recover, rebuild and thrive.

*****Views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.*****  

The Grassroot Institute of Hawaiʻi released today a second policy brief regarding how to speed up homebuilding on Maui in the wake of the deadly August 2023 wildfires that killed 102 people in Lahaina and left thousands of people homeless.

The brief — sent directly to Gov. Josh Green, Mayor Richard Bissen, FEMA Region 9 Administrator Robert Fenton Jr. and members of the Maui County Council and Hawaiʻi State Legislature — is titled “Six ways to speed up the recovery and rebuilding of Lahaina,” and was written by Grassroot staffers Jonathan Helton, Malia Hill and Jasmine Rocha. 

It outlines four actions to assist with the rebuilding of destroyed housing or the construction of new temporary housing in the Lahaina burn zone, and two reforms that it says would increase Maui County’s housing stock in general.

Specifically, the document recommends that lawmakers:

• Waive building permit fees for the rebuilding of destroyed housing or construction of new temporary housing.
• Waive special management area fees and create an expedited process for approving SMA permits.
• Allow nonconforming buildings to be reconstructed and nonconforming uses to be restored.
• Emphasize existing laws that provide liability protections for the county and builders of temporary housing.
• Grant nonprofit builders exemptions from certain county zoning and building rules through a “Yes, in God’s backyard” law, as urged by the 2024 Legislature’s House Concurrent Resolution 122.
• Legalize more dwellings in residential zones. 

Keli’i Akina, Grassroot president and CEO, said today the organization’s new brief “identifies steps policymakers could take to remove many of the legal barriers that have been preventing our friends and family on Maui affected by the fires from quickly rebuilding their homes, businesses and communities.” 

In a foreword to the new brief, Akina said: “It is my hope that these detailed proposals will make it easier to build new housing and contribute to a revived Lahaina that respects the past and the visions of the area’s property owners for the future. 

“The recovery process still has a long way to go,” he says, “but we owe it to our Maui ohana to stay engaged in those efforts, and we at the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii remain committed to helping in every way we can.”

To read Grassroot’s first policy recommendations in response to the Lahaina tragedy, “Maui Interim Housing Plan,” distributed to leading government officials in January, go here.

A vacation rental advocacy group has released a statewide poll it says shows that Mayor Richard Bissen’s proposed ban on short-term rentals is “unpopular” with most Hawai‘i registered voters.

The online survey conducted May 23-26 by SMS Research & Marketing Services on behalf of the Maui Vacation Rental Association polled 500 registered voters in the state, including 57, or 11.4%, in Maui County.

The survey questions were broad. The survey did not ask respondents, specifically, about Bissen’s proposed bill to phase out approximately 7,000 of 13,000 vacation rentals located in apartment-zoned districts meant for residential use.

The most direct question about vacation rentals was titled “Policy Preference for STRs.” The question asked: “Residents have different viewpoints about government policies regarding short-term rentals. Some people believe all short-term rentals should be banned, some people support legal short-term rentals and believe illegal rentals should be banned, and others feel there should be no restrictions at all on these types of properties. Which of these come closest to your view on policies towards short-term rentals?”

Most respondents, 73%, said they “support legal short-term rentals and believe illegal rentals should be banned.” Ten percent of respondents said they believe all short-term rentals should be banned, and 10% said they oppose restrictions on them. Six percent said they didn’t know.

When Maui Now asked about the survey’s broad questions and how they don’t address Bissen’s proposal, specifically, MVRA Executive Director Caitlin Miller said: “Because each county has its unique set of zoning laws, the goal of this poll was to gauge whether voters support banning existing, legal short-term rentals, such as the units on the Minatoya List in Maui. The results couldn’t be clearer — voters are resoundingly against banning legal short-term rentals.”

“The Minatoya List units have been legal for decades,” she said. “They’ve been protected under the County’s own legal advice, codified as such under the zoning ordinances, and owners have always paid taxes as legal short-term rentals. Mayor Bissen’s bill now aims to change the rules and ban these legal short-term rentals — and that is clearly unpopular.”

On Thursday afternoon, County of Maui spokesperson Laksmi Abraham said: “While we welcome all feedback, Maui Vacation Rental Association’s poll citing 57 Maui respondents does not represent the sentiment of Maui Nui as a whole. Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi Planning commission members heard their communities and recently voted to advance the proposal to phase out specific transient vacation rentals in apartment districts. As the proposal moves to Council, we look forward to diverse testimonies and studies that reflect what’s best for all Maui County residents and the future of our community.”

The phase-out bill has been recommended for approval by the Maui and Molokaʻi planning commissions, with no position taken by the Lānaʻi Planning Commission. The measure now advances to the Maui County Council for final review.

It’s not known when economic impact studies and planning commission reports and minutes will be completed before the bill comes before the Council for its review.

According to the MVRA, regulation of short-term rentals is “not among the issues that Hawaiʻi voters consider most pressing.”

For a question titled “Magnitude of County issues,” the survey asked: “Residents have expressed concerns about various problems in Hawai‘i. How much of a problem, if at all, do you think each of the following is on (your island)? Would you say a big problem, a moderate problem, a small problem, or not at all?”

For each “magnitude of county issues” question, the breakdown was:

• Cost of living: 75%, a big problem; 18%, a moderate problem; 6%, a small problem; and 1%, none.
• Homelessness: 67%, a big problem; 23%, a moderate problem; 6%, a small problem; and 4%, none.
• Political corruption: 34%, a big problem; 36%, a moderate problem; 20%, a small problem; and 10%, either none or don’t know.
• Short-term rentals: 28%, a big problem; 32%, a moderate problem; 26%, a small problem; and 13%, either none or don’t know.

A frequently cited reason for not restricting vacation rentals has been the impact on government revenue. A study commissioned and released in June by the Travel Technology Association forecast that, following Maui’s proposed ban on short-term rentals in apartment districts, Maui County would lose $53 million to $91.8 million in annual real property, transient accommodations and general excise taxes.

The MVRA-commissioned poll asked: “Drops in visitors to Hawai‘i have put pressure on State and County government finances in the past. Would you say that you are very concerned, somewhat concerned, not that concerned, or not at all concerned about State and County governments’ current ability to fund services and programs?”

The responses were: 56% “somewhat concerned,” 21% “very concerned,” 14% “not that concerned,” 5% “not concerned at all,” and 3% “don’t know.”

The poll also gauged statewide support for short-term rentals, asking: “Generally speaking, do you support or oppose allowing property owners to rent out their housing units as short-term rentals?”

Forty-two percent of respondents said they “somewhat support” short-term rentals. Another 28% “somewhat oppose” them, followed by 18% “strongly support” and 12% “strongly oppose” them.

When 302 respondents were asked why they support vacation rentals, they could give multiple reasons: 56% said “it’s their property to do as they wish”; 54% said “they provide lower-cost alternatives to hotels”; 51% said “can keep money in hands of locals”; 37% said “more/better selection of accommodations”; 32% said “generates tax revenue for the state”; 26% said “produces jobs for locals”; and 2% said “other reasons.”

In a news release statement, Miller said: “By phasing out existing, legal short-term rentals as Mayor Bissen seeks to do, leaders in Maui and Hawaiʻi are gambling both their political careers and the economic well-being of their communities. The poll confirms that the overwhelming majority of Hawaiʻi voters don’t support overly restrictive short-term rental policies, while numerous studies illustrate how such policies jeopardize billions in economic activity and tens of millions in tax revenue. Since counties can’t legally mandate short-term rentals be converted to long-term housing, it’s shocking to watch local leaders pursue risky, unpopular policy proposals without any guarantee that they will address housing concerns.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated from a version posted earlier.

A second season of “Breaking Bread with Alexander” will feature Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green, M.D., and US Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI).

Host and creator Alexander Helmer delves into conversations with various lawmakers, leveraging food as a starting point for discussion.

“The Doctor Governor” features Gov. Green at the picturesque Kualoa Ranch. The duo embark on a coastal exploration, before settling down to enjoy a meal of tropical fruit and poke.

“Dreams of Aloha” presents an intimate dialogue with Sen. Hirono. At her favorite local restaurant, she and Alexander share classic Japanese fare. The episode continues with a visit to her high-school alma mater in downtown Honolulu, offering viewers a glimpse into Hirono’s formative years.

The episodes with Green and Hirono were filmed this past fall.

The season will premiere on Bloomberg Originals on July 4.

In its second season, “Breaking Bread with Alexander” extends its reach to US governors and senators from states including Georgia, Wyoming, Maryland, Alaska, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Arizona, Kansas and Colorado.

The series was conceived during the pandemic and considers how to solve problems, promoting a better understanding of American democracy, important state and local issues, and federal policymaking.

Op-Ed: Op-ed: Bird flu… Where are we and do we need to worry?
By Dr. Norm Estin, Medical Director of Doctors On Call Urgent Care

Wow. We are just getting over reeling from coronavirus (COVID), and now we start to see and hear about the Avian or Bird Flu. There is a new story daily. What gives? Should we be concerned?

First, a little background. This Avian Flu or Bird Flu, scientifically known as the H5N1 type of influenza virus, was first detected in some poultry in Asia is 1996. The poultry got sick and some of the workers got very sick also. Since then, this strain of virus has spread around the world and infected millions of various birds and dozens of types of other animals as well. There have been many news reports about infected cattle in at least nine of the United States, especially in Texas. 

The problem is that this virus, like many viruses and other germs, can spread to humans. A few USA workers in dairy and cattle industries have been affected.

It is very difficult to catch this virus from infected animals without frequent close direct physical contact. Also, there has been no documented person-to-person spread in this country. And the virus has not yet evolved or mutated to the point where humans are easily affected.

At this point, it is mostly an animal health issue. The CDC and other Federal agencies have a surveillance system in place to pick up any indications of spread. The danger here is if the the virus evolves or mutates in a way that it can more easily spread both to people and between people.

On Maui and in the whole state of Hawaiʻi, we are fortunate—the virus has not reached here; no bird flu has yet been detected in any species of birds or animals. But as a precaution, Hawaiʻi is not importing any cattle from areas on the mainland where the virus has been found.

So the current recommendations for those of us here on Maui, both residents and visitors, are simply:

1. Avoid exposure to sick or dead birds or other animals, and wear PPE (respirators, goggles, gloves, etc) if in direct contact with them.
2. Eventually, do not prepare or consume unpasteurized or undercooked foods from potentially contaminated animals.
3. Otherwise, there is no risk to the general public here right now.

There is a vaccine, and about 5 million doses have been stocked up. More specific vaccines for new variants are being worked on rapidly, and may be available by the end of summer. No vaccination or other specific action is recommended right now.

Doctors On Call Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics take care of Maui visitors and residents, including Kaiser, HMSA, UHA, Medicare, etc., at any of their Maui Offices. DocMaui.com. Dr. Norm Estin is the Medical Director of Doctors On Call Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinics, in Kāʻanapali and at the Shops at Wailea. He has been a physician for the Maui hospitality community since 1987, taking care of residents and visitors.  Dr. Estin has worked extensively with many infectious diseases on Maui, especially the recent Coronavirus pandemic. 

*****Views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author’s alone and do not reflect or represent the opinions, policies or positions of Maui Now.*****