Save Public Access at Keawakapu

In July 2022, Maui County Mayor Michael Victorino signed an agreement with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources for the county to manage a portion of state land at Keawakapu. A week prior, the Maui County Council voted  to approve Bill 65, which gave the mayor the green light to enter the agreement so the half-acre lot can be cleared and used for public parking. The half-acre lot is part of a 2.2-acre state-owned parcel. We are thankful that the Mayor has taken this step to increase and secure sufficient public parking at Keawakapu. 

Private company Ruby & Sons has operated the public parking lot at South Maui's Keawakapu parking lot under a state revocable permit since 2012. Unfortunately, Ruby & Sons has been accused of harassing residents and fishermen, while also removing public parking signs.

Because of these ongoing issues, over 100 community members and Maui County Council representatives testified against the renewal of the company's 50-year lease of the parking lot at a Board of Land and Natural Resources (BLNR) hearing on October 8, 2021.

The Maui Chapter and community members are encouraging Maui County to take over the maintenance of the parking lot and ensuring that it remains free and public. The Chapter is encouraging the public to sign the petition and email the Mayor to keep the public parking in County hands.