Description

On December 9, 2022 a Request for Service was filed by Vernon Kalanikau with Maui County to address the chronic problem at the vacant lot/wetlands on South Kihei Rd mauka between Welakahao Rd. and Halekaui St (just south of Pizza Madness). There was and continues to be an unsightly and unhealthy accumulation of garbage, human waste, discarded bikes, and other debris visible from the street at two entrances to the lot. One can only imagine what more is also piled up under the cover of trees and shrubs as you go further into the area. This land is owned by a mainland company. Once every 3-4 years this problem becomes untenable and the community is forced to ask the County for assistance cleaning it up in order to preserve Kihei’s diminishing wetlands. The last time the cleanup occurred four years ago, a private contractor was hired to do the work. Unfortunately, in the process, heavy equipment performed "grubbing" and all manner of toxic materials was pushed into the soil. It is time to once again get the landowner to clean up the property. At this point it’s been over five months. Repeated calls to the County for updates have gone unanswered. The County has the power to hold the mainland owners accountable for the public health hazard and wetland destruction occurring on their property.