The Maui News

A new four-story, 393-stall parking structure in Wailuku town is set to open next month following a blessing ceremony on Friday.

The Wailuku Garage will replace the old municipal parking lot and is expected to double the available parking capacity when it opens in early December, according to a county news release. It will also provide electric vehicle charging.

In addition to parking, the structure will also be able to host community events such as farmers markets, festivals and other outdoor activities.

The blessing of the new facility and surrounding roadway improvements is the culmination of efforts since the late 1990s aimed at improving access and walkability within Wailuku town, the news release said.

“The new Wailuku Garage has been a project in the making for many years,” said Erin Wade of the Maui County Department of Management. “This milestone, coupled with the completion of the nearby road improvement projects, is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our wonderful community, the design team, the contractors, and the invaluable input received from residents and business owners throughout the Wailuku Town Improvement Project.”

Construction on the structure started about three years ago, and Deputy Managing Director Josiah Nishita said some of the issues over the years have included COVID-19 restrictions and supply chain breakdowns. He thanked everyone involved with the construction process and said the project team was also grateful for the community’s patience.

When the parking structure opens, parking will be free to the public from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a maximum of two hours per day. Wailuku employees can register for an employee parking permit to receive free parking by visiting www.wailuku.parkengage.com.

Initially, parking will be free, with the expectation that fees will apply in the future, pending approval by the Maui County Council. Under a program called Park Maui, the county is proposing that after two hours of free parking in the garage, residents would pay $1 for each additional hour between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Part-time and non-residents would pay $1 per hour in the garage with a maximum of $10 per day, or purchase a weekly/monthly parking pass. For more information, visit www.parkmaui.com.