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
Infrastructure
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
KULANIHAKOI ELEVATED ROADWAY: A REAL SOLUTION FOR A CRITICAL FLOOD ZONE IN KĪHEI
A targeted solution for one of Kihei’s most flood-prone areas, the Kulanihakoi Elevated Roadway concept lifts the road to restore natural water flow, reduce flooding, and protect surrounding homes and
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.
South Maui’s Stormwater System: Why It Fails When It Matters Most
Flooding in Kihei is not random. It’s the result of a stormwater system that fails under real conditions, leaving streets, homes, and communities exposed.
Understanding Kihei’s Stormwater System: The Language of Wai
Kihei flooding is not random. It follows natural pathways shaped by wai, gulches, wetlands, and the coastal plain. This explains how the system works—and why it fails.
Kīhei Flooding: A Disaster We Knew Was Coming
Record rainfall across South Maui pushed water, mud, and debris through every gulch and drainage system at once, overwhelming infrastructure never designed for real flood conditions. From washed-out roads to
Is Lahaina Building Back Smarter and Stronger After the Fires?
After the August 8, 2023 fire, Maui officials promised Lahaina would rebuild safer and stronger. This article looks at whether that promise is becoming reality by examining evacuation routes, underground
Post-Storm Road Hazards in Kihei
After major storms in Kihei, mud, flooding, and debris can remain on South Kihei Road for days, forcing pedestrians into the roadway where sidewalks are missing and shoulders become unsafe.
Slow Down in Flooded Streets
After the recent Kona storm in Kihei, flooded streets are still damaging homes, yards, and businesses. Driving too fast through standing water creates wake waves that worsen erosion, increase property
Fuel Prices, Perception, and the Systems We Depend On
In Kihei, fuel prices feel personal because energy touches everything from shipping to daily cost of living. But when U.S. gas prices are compared globally, Americans still pay less than
The high cost of living in Maui, Hawaii, has significantly impacted generational wealth and housing affordability
The high cost of living in Maui, Hawaii, has significantly impacted generational wealth and housing affordability. Here are some key points: High
Is Panic-Buying Gasoline Necessary Before a Tsunami?
🌀 Should You Panic-Buy Gas Before a Tsunami? What Maui Residents Need to Know During our recent tsunami warning on Maui, one
Likely Tsunami Damage on Maui – Realistic Localized Impact
🌊 Likely Tsunami Damage on Maui – Realistic Localized Impact 🔹 1. Coastal Infrastructure Damage (Primary Risk) Most damaging tsunamis in Hawaiʻi
Maui County Missing Wetlands
Maui County Wetlands Overlay Mapping Project Fail How could the consultants get this wrong? These two major wetland gulch stream systems are
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
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
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.
Dangers of South Maui’s Limited Road System
Dangers of South Maui’s Limited Road System South Maui’s road infrastructure is heavily reliant on two main roads: Piilani Highway and South
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
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 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
Turn Around Don’t Drown
Roadway flooding events are coming on Kihei and South Maui because of bad roads and a lack of drainage infrastructure. On the
Waipuilani Gulch is Clogged with Debris
We are not ready for the next storm. The Waipuilani Gulch is clogged with debris, and the landowners are not keeping the
South Maui’s Expansion: A Strain on Natural Resources
South Maui’s Expansion: A Strain on Natural Resources South Maui, a region known for its stunning beaches and vibrant community, is experiencing
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,
Flood protection walls and berms for Kihei, South Maui
Flooding in Kihei continues to impact homes, roads, and infrastructure. This article explores practical flood mitigation strategies including berms, flood protection walls, drainage improvements, and natural solutions designed for South
Kihei Beach Hotel increases its Flood Protection
The Kihei Beach Hotel in north Kihei is expanding its rock wall, presumably to be better protection during floods. For the past
Protecting Lahaina After Wildfires
Protecting Lahaina post-wildfires Does Mayor Bisson need to declare an emergency moratorium on real estate sales in Lahaina and the affected Wildfire
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
Affordable Housing is a Trojan Horse
Affordable Housing is a Trojan Horse Beware of For-profit Developers bearing Gifts: The Affordable Housing (AH) program has become a Trojan Horse for
Buyer Beware most risks are not disclosed to new Homebuyers
Buyer Beware most risks are not disclosed to new Homebuyers, Buying a new home is an exciting proposition and a lifelong dream
Affordable Workforce Housing rules are being used to exploit vulnerable lands
Affordable Workforce Housing rules are being used to exploit vulnerable lands Developers are able to use Affordable Housing rules and “Pro affordable
Pedestrian Overpass Bridge Pi’ilani Highway Kihei
How to get high school kids across a busy 4-lane highway safely? Pedestrian Safety at the Kihei High School is an issue. They
Kihei’s History of Overdevelopment
Kihei’s Overdevelopment Started in the 1970’s In 1970, Maui County planning staff and a consultant jointly prepared the Kihei Civic Development Plan
Impacts to Watershed of the North South Collector Road Kihei
Impacts to Watershed of the North South Collector Road Kihei: This ongoing project has the potential to cause major changes to the
1144 South Kihei Road Kihei HI 96753
Kihei’s last remaining wetlands are our only flood protection: This site at 1144-south-kihei-road is not only a wetland, it is one of
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
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
Recreation – Kihei Community Plan
Objectives and Policies – Kihei-Makena-Community-Plan-1998:a. Provide high-quality recreational facilities to meet the present and future needs of residents of all ages and
Drainage Problems
What may surprise you to know is the many areas in Kihei do not have a stormwater drainage system. Kihei is built
Rising sea levels impacting shorelines
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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
Maui Coast Proposes a NEW Six Story Hotel in Kihei
Maui Coast Hotel wants to double in size by adding a new 6-story tower on South Kihei Road across from Kamaole Beach
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