SMA ZONE

Where do I go to see if a property is in the SMA zone?

Step 1: Go to Maui County Tax Records Website

Step 2: Click “Map” in the green bar.

Step 3: Check the box that says Special Management Area

The Special Management Area (SMA) in Maui is a designated coastal zone established under the Hawaii Coastal Zone Management Act of 1977, aimed at preserving, protecting, and where possible, restoring the cultural and natural resources of the coastal environment…

The Special Management Area (SMA) in Maui is regulated by the Coastal Zone Management Program, and there are distinct differences between Major and Minor SMA zones:

Major SMA Zone:

  • Cost Threshold: Projects with a total cost fair market value of $500,000 or more fall into the Major SMA category.

  • Environmental Impact: Projects that have a significant adverse environmental or ecological effect are classified as Major SMA.

  • Public Hearing: Requires a public hearing process. The approval for a Major SMA permit rests with the Maui Planning Commission, not just the Director of the Planning Department.

  • Approval Process: The application process is more rigorous, involving public input and a decision by the Planning Commission.

  • Purpose: Major permits are for larger or more impactful developments, ensuring they are thoroughly vetted for their potential impact on coastal resources.

Minor SMA Zone:

  • Cost Threshold: Projects costing less than $500,000 and that do not have a substantial adverse environmental or ecological effect qualify for a Minor SMA permit.

  • Environmental Impact: These are for developments with minimal or no significant environmental impact, taking into account potential cumulative effects.

  • Approval Process: Minor SMA permits are issued through an administrative approval process. This does not require a public hearing, and the decision is made by the Director of the Planning Department.

  • Purpose: Minor permits streamline smaller projects that are less likely to impact the coastal environment significantly, allowing for quicker approval for activities like smaller constructions or renovations.

Additional Notes:

Exemptions: Some projects, like homes less than 7,500 square feet with a valuation of less than $500,000, are exempt from SMA permit requirements altogether.

Emergency Permits: There’s also a provision for Emergency SMA permits for situations where there’s imminent danger or substantial harm to property or public safety, but these are specific and temporary measures.

Categorical Exemptions: Certain minor actions within the SMA can be exempt from permit requirements if they’re deemed to have minimal environmental impact.

Understanding these distinctions helps in planning and executing projects within the SMA, ensuring compliance with regulations aimed at protecting Maui’s coastal resources. Remember, these rules are subject to updates, and the latest should be checked directly with the Maui County Planning Department or through their official resources.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning a new construction project within the SMA Zone, I would account for additional permitting time. The SMA zone is quite large and common among properties in Maui. For example, all of the land in Kihei and Wailea on the oceanside of the highway is in the SMA zone.