Halama Wetlands
The Halama Wetlands in Kīhei are part of the greater Welakahao wetland system, fed by Kēōkea Gulch and the Kula Kai aquifer. As a cryptorheic wetland separated from the ocean
Environment
The Role of the Ewa Wetland in Kihei’s Drainage System
The Ewa Wetland is not just a low-lying parcel of land—it is one of the most critical natural drainage assets in all of South Kihei. According to the County’s drainage
Ewa Wetland – Kihei
The Ewa wetland is an example of a landlocked wetland. With no obvious overland outlets to the ocean this wetland is still a catchment and detention basin and performs a
Waipuilani Gulch Greenway Bridge: What Actually Needs to Be Built
Waipuilani Gulch is not a single crossing problem. It is a continuous mauka-to-makai flood system that collects both upcountry runoff and localized rainfall across Kihei before converging into a constrained
Extreme Weather Is Not the Disaster
The extreme floods of March 2026 revealed a system that was never built to handle the full watershed. The damage was predictable—and preventable.
Centipedes in Kihei After the Rains
After storms and heavy rain in Kihei, centipedes often appear indoors as floodwater drives them from their hiding places. This article explains why they come inside, why they help control
Rezoning Could Affect Swimmers, Surfers, and Fishermen in Kihei
Maui County Planning Commission has recently approved rezoning to allow More Commercial/Industrial use of the land around the Kihei Wastewater Plant. This
Kulanihakoi Gulch is Being Devastated
Gulch Destruction: This natural gulch is being gutted in the name of debris removal, the project is turning it into a deep
Kalama Wetlands
The Kalama Wetlands at Kalama Park in Kīhei are one of South Maui’s last remaining perennial estuary wetlands. Fed by groundwater springs and connected to the Haleakalā watershed, they help
South Maui Sand Dunes
The South Maui Sand Dunes are remnants of ancient coastal processes, primarily shaped by sea-level fluctuations during the Pleistocene epoch. These dunes
Landowner Shamefully Clears 7-Acre Forest without Permits
For the past several generations, a well-known Kihei forest has provided one of Kihei’s last green spaces, and also a habitat for
Storm Surge and Its Potential Damage in South Maui
Understanding Storm Surge A storm surge is a rise in sea level that occurs during tropical cyclones, hurricanes, or other intense storms.
Importance of a Viable Drainage Plan for the South Maui Flood Plain
Importance of a Viable Drainage Plan for the South Maui Flood Plain A viable drainage plan for the South Maui floodplain is
The Dual Nature of Kiawe Trees in South Maui
The Impact and Benefits of Kiawe Trees in South Maui Introduction Kiawe trees (Prosopis pallida), also known as mesquite trees, are a
Preserving Paradise The Maui County Wetlands Protection Bill and Its Impact
Preserving Paradise: The Maui County Wetlands Protection Bill and Its Impact Maui County, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, has
South Kihei Road is Built on Shifting Sands
Perpetual Repairs: The Challenges of South Kihei Road’s Infrastructure Introduction South Kihei Road, a vital thoroughfare in Maui, serves as a lifeline
Waipuilani Wetland 16E
The 16E Waipuilani Road wetland site is one of the last undeveloped parcels within Kihei’s larger wetland complex. This low-lying site provides stormwater detention, floodwater infiltration, groundwater exchange, and habitat
Waipuilani Wetlands
This area once contained many permanent freshwater lagoons that were used for bathing. This area also once supported a large fishing and agricultural community. Today much of this area is
Ancient Hawaiian Fishponds of Kihei
The ancient fishponds of Kīhei form a sophisticated royal aquaculture system integrating freshwater springs, wetlands, and reef ecosystems. At least four major fishponds—and likely more—still leave visible traces along the
The risks of driving electric vehicles through flood waters
Driving electric vehicles (EVs) through floodwaters poses specific risks and challenges, which should be taken into consideration to ensure both the safety
Driving through flooded areas, Fast or Slow?
Driving through flooded areas requires careful consideration and adherence to safety guidelines. The following points highlight the best techniques for driving through
Climate change and global warming are indeed affecting the weather in South Maui
Climate change and global warming are indeed affecting the weather in South Maui, leading to increased rates of evaporation and higher water
The Government’s Inaction on Climate Change: A Critique Focused on South Maui
The Government’s Inaction on Climate Change: A Critique Focused on South Maui Climate change is a global issue that requires immediate and
Preparing South Maui for a Future with Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
South Maui, Hawaii, is facing the imminent threats of climate change and sea level rise. These threats pose significant risks to property,
Preserving Green Spaces in the South Maui Floodplain
The Importance of Preserving Green Spaces in the South Maui Floodplain Abstract The preservation and maintenance of green spaces in the South
How to Protect Your Property from Flooding
How to Protect Your Property from Flooding: Practical Tips and Strategies Flooding is a common and costly disaster that can strike anywhere.
Why gulch’s are important to Aquifer recharge
Gulches: Hidden Pathways for Hawaiʻi’s Aquifer Recharge Abstract Hawaiʻi’s unique landscape, shaped by volcanic activity, harbors a network of gulches—deep, narrow valleys
Fast-tracking Development after Wildfires is Harmful to our Communities
Our island community needs to step forward to protect victims and wildfire survivors, for their immediate short-term needs, as well as their
Developers are still bulldozing Kihei wetlands in 2023
The year is 2023 and developers are still bulldozing wetlands in Kihei. South Maui only has a fraction of its once-extensive Wetlands
Maui’s Views are Disappearing
Maui is losing a lot more than its land to development, we are also losing our beautiful views. Our magnificent views and
Save Waiehu from Overdevelopment
Maui’s unique environment needs protection! Our group, Protect Waiehu Ahupua’a (PWA) was formed in July of 2022 in response to a California
Sharks of Kihei
Sharks are Real. Take care out there. #sharksofkihei This is Shark Season in Hawaii: This season is known by Hawaiians to be
Water usage guidelines for Maui County
Water usage guidelines for Maui County Maui’s Water Future Needs a Plan we Can all Understand with Best Data Available. To Maui
Maui county should ban non-biodegradable laundry soaps
Maui county should ban non-biodegradable laundry soaps Maui county should create a new rule, to use biodegradable laundry soaps only: Mandating that
Contaminated Drinking Water
Access to Safe Drinking Water One of the biggest issues that we humans are facing is access to a reliable source of
South Maui is suffering from a Degraded Watershed
South Maui is suffering from a Degraded Watershed South Maui’s watershed is severely degraded due to poor soil management, overgrazing on uplands
Kulanihakoi Gulch at Risk
Kulanihakoi Gulch at Risk Kulanihakoi Gulch is at Risk of destruction because it is being sold off to [REMOVED]s. Kulanihakoi gulch is
Why Is Soil Erosion Such a Big Problem?
Why Is Soil Erosion Such a Big Problem? Soil loss is a problem for pollution and for the climate. Soil takes a
More gated communities for Wailea
More gated communities for Wailea At a time when house prices are rising and affordable houses are in short supply, and many
Waipuilani (“Fongs”) Gulch Kihei Flooding
The Fong’s Gulch is the widest part of the makai end of Waipuilani Gulch, which is in the middle of our North Kihei neighborhoods. This is where the worst floods
Resource Extraction Impounded Sand Deposits
Shoreline and nearshore developments must be aware of the importance of preserving impounded sand. Shoreline sand is an extremely valuable asset, and
Community Solutions for Flooding Issues
Impact Concerns for new construction projects near South Kihei road: These are areas of concern considered by many in the neighborhood. Although
Drainage Problems
What may surprise you to know is the many areas in Kihei do not have a stormwater drainage system. Kihei is built
Tradition and Culture
Traditional and Cultural Uses: The (4) fishponds collectively known as Kalepolepo Fishponds have cultural significance and are associated with 2x Heiaus. The fish
About Kihei Flooding
About Kihei Flooding: Flooding often occurs during Kona storms is often associated with power outages, making the problems worse. Flooding can occur
Why is there an ugly fence around a scenic Nature Reserve?
Why is there an ugly barbed wire fence being put around a scenic Nature Reserve Why is there suddenly a 7-foot high
When Disaster Strikes on Maui, What Then?
When disaster hits Maui, systems fail fast. Power goes out, water stops flowing, supply chains break, and help is not coming as quickly as people expect. What follows is not