Maui County Water, Social Services, and Parks Committee Update on Safe Parking Pilot Project – June 29, 2026

The Water, Social Services, and Parks Committee of the Maui County Council met on June 29, 2026, to receive an update on the pilot project allowing vehicle habitation in designated county parking lots. The meeting, chaired by Councilmember Shane Sinensi, focused on persistent delays, site challenges, and the urgent need for solutions for the houseless population. No votes were taken; the item was deferred.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tim Ordin urged the committee to act with urgency, emphasizing the human toll of homelessness and the need to cut through bureaucracy.
• Melvin Johnson, principal of AGON (the contractor selected for the pilot), explained that site preparation at the MEO property (behind Target) has been delayed by subcontractor changes, flooding from Kona low storms, and the need for topographic mapping. He stated that AGON is ready to implement but faces challenges with the site and NIMBY opposition from potential alternative property owners.
• Lisa Darcy, founder of Share Your Mana, expressed confusion, asserting that the current project differs from the original safe parking concept and criticized the county for leaving people in danger.
• Gordon Jackson (Stitch) noted that Google's estimate of 651 houseless individuals is conservative (he believes closer to 1,000) and questioned why the county spends large sums on other projects while neglecting the homeless.
• Bill Greenleaf reiterated the urgency, criticized the mayor for continuing sweeps, and called for a larger vision including villages and farming.
• Karina O'Malley (via video from Kirkland, Washington) shared her experience running a safe parking program for 15 years and offered to help the county set up sites quickly.
• Dr. Graham Press, Executive Director of the National Vehicle Residency Coalition, supported the program and offered resources to address safety and management concerns raised by police and fire departments.

Discussion Items

Update on the Safe Parking Pilot Project:

• Director Maggie Willis (Department of Human Concerns) reported that the contract with AGON has been executed but no funds have been expended. Site readiness at the MEO property (Hansen Road) is now estimated at approximately five months due to the need for topographic mapping, engineering plans, and permitting after flooding damage from Kona low storms.
• The county is exploring alternative county-owned parcels for potentially combining safe parking with safe sleeping, but the primary focus remains the MEO site.
• Police Captain Angel raised concerns about restrooms, enforcement, increased calls for service, and abandoned vehicles. Fire Captain Purdy cited access, water supply, and fire safety issues.
• Deputy Director Robinson (OEV Resources) offered indigenous perspectives on caring for the houseless.
• Councilmembers expressed frustration with the slow pace and lack of a comprehensive plan. Councilmember Sugimura asked for an overall homeless plan from the administration. Director Willis stated she is working on a master plan but needs time to gather community input. Councilmember Johnson noted the difficulty of implementing a Housing First model in a housing shortage.
• Suggestions included engaging faith-based organizations, using church parking lots, starting with women and children only, and separating men for safety.

Key Outcomes

• The committee received the update and deferred the item for future discussion.
• No votes or formal actions were taken.
• The committee will send correspondence to the Homeless Coordinator (Naomi Crozier) requesting a comprehensive homeless plan and a timeline for its delivery.
• Committee members urged the administration to act with greater urgency and to consider alternative sites that can be brought online more quickly.