The Paia Youth & Cultural Center, which was founded in 1993 and serves hundreds of youths every year, is planning a new building. Photo courtesy Paia Youth & Cultural Center

The Paia Youth & Cultural Center plans to replace its aging shoreline building with a new, environmentally responsible facility that would move its activities out of a coastal hazard zone and expand programming.

According to the center, for more than 30 years it has operated out of a century-old plantation-style structure on the shoreline at Paia Bay. With erosion and rising sea levels threatening its site, the nonprofit is pursuing a “managed retreat” in line with Maui County’s climate adaptation guidance.

“The shoreline is rising, and our center is sitting directly in harm’s way,” board president Billy Jalbert said in a statement. “We owe it to our keiki and to the generations that follow to build a safe, resilient, world-class structure. This project isn’t just a new building – it is a commitment to Maui’s youth, culture, and environment.”

The planned facility would expand space for youth programs, including multimedia, cultural activities, mentorship and outdoor programs, while incorporating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems.

According to the center, the design also aims to improve safety and accessibility, while embracing sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems and responsible construction practices.

The nonprofit has held community meetings and worked with architects in recent years to gather input. It expects to move through the county’s review and permitting process through 2026, with a target of breaking ground in 2027.

Founded in 1993, the Paia Youth & Cultural Center serves hundreds of youths through programs such as Radio KOPO-LP, the Hekili Multimedia Lab, Paia Bay Cafe and the StoneWave Skate Park.