For Immediate Release:
Press release by:
Shane M. Sinenci, Chair
Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee
Shane.Sinenci@mauicounty.us
Committee to receive an update Monday on a houseless safe parking zone
WAILUKU, Hawaiʻi (June 26, 2026)—The Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee will meet Monday at 9 a.m. to receive an update on the status of a pilot project intended to establish a safe place in a designated location for houseless individuals to sleep in their vehicles, Councilmember Shane M. Sinenci announced today.
Sinenci said that the council appropriated funds in the fiscal year 2023 budget to establish a safe zone or sleeping space for the houseless. The council later unanimously approved Ordinance 5419 to authorize a pilot program to allow people to use their vehicles for human habitation during specified hours at parking lots to be designated and managed by the county.
“Houselessness is an ongoing concern, and the council continues to seek sustainable, long-term solutions for the community,” said Sinenci, who holds the seat for the East Maui residency area. “I am grateful to receive this update and hear how the pilot project is moving forward for the benefit and safety of all Maui County residents.”
The pilot project has not yet been established, and the committee expects to receive a presentation on the status of the project from the Department of Human Concerns at Monday’s meeting, he said.
The meeting will be held online via Microsoft Teams, with an in-person component at the Council Chamber in Kalana o Maui, 200 S. High St. The meeting will be livestreamed on Akakū Channel 53, at MauiCounty.us and on the council’s Facebook page.
In-person, online and phone testimony is welcome at all meetings. Testimony instructions are on the meeting agendas, available at mauicounty.us/agendas.
For more information, contact committee staff at wassp.committee@mauicounty.us or call the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7664.
