A number of Maui residents testified Tuesday against a proposal by a Lahaina property owner to substantially rebuild a two-story house to what it was before the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire.

Several objected to the continued use of a swimming pool, citing concerns over the limited availability of water in the area. Others raised questions about the seawall fronting the property, which is owned by the Stanley and Dilara Deal Trust.

“Pool on the beach? Hell no, nobody needs this,” said Maui resident Ua Aloha Maji at a public hearing before the Maui Planning Commission.

Interviewed later, Maji said his statement wasn’t intended to push anybody out, but he wants to make sure there’s enough water for the community.

Maui resident Ua Aloha Maji

Opponents also warned the decision could set a precedent for other residential shoreline properties in Lahaina seeking to rebuild after the Lahaina wildfire.

An analysis by county staff found the lot is within Maui County’s service area, and the proposed construction of the home will be substantially similar to the prior home without any increase in water demand anticipated.

The analysis said the planning department granted a shoreline permit and setback for the repair of a seawall in 2017 and the owner received approval for a special flood hazard area development permit in 2018.

“The project is not anticipated to result in significant adverse impacts to coastal ecosystems,” according to the analysis.

The analysis said the owners resided at the home about 120 days per year as well as holidays, and the property was never used as a short-term rental before the fire.

“Mr. Deal and his wife have both retired and intend to rebuild and live at the property on a more permanent basis,” the report said.

Commissioners agreed to take a recess on the application after finding there were at least eight written testimonies presented in time for the meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. April 22 at the Kalana Pukui building in Wailuku.

The application calls for building a living space of 3,617 square feet with a 351-square-foot attached garage.

The total estimated valuation of the project at 1045 Front St. is $1.8 million. Construction of the project is expected to be completed a year after receiving permit approvals.