Maui County launches safe parking program
Crews complete work on Pulehu Road cleanup
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Maui County has completed a three-day cleanup of Pulehu Road and launched a temporary Safe Parking Program in Central Maui, relocating 20 individuals and 23 vehicles to a designated site in Puunene.
The coordinated effort, conducted Nov. 4-6, also resulted in three additional individuals moving into shelter and the removal of nearly 48 tons of trash, debris and other materials from Pulehu Road, according to the county.
The cleanup included the removal of 45 operational, abandoned or inoperable vehicles from the roadway. Crews also cleared more than 47 tons of materials, including 37.40 tons of trash, 3.78 tons of metals, 6.26 tons of tires and about 260 pounds of propane tanks.
Safe roadway access was restored to Pulehu Road between Hookele Street and Hansen Road on Nov. 7.
The county’s new Safe Parking Program provides a designated location for individuals experiencing homelessness who are living in their vehicles. The temporary site can accommodate up to 50 vehicles and offers 24-hour security, food, potable water, portable toilets, handwashing stations, camp stoves and a cooking area.
Outreach teams will also help connect participants with social services, housing assistance and other resources. Showers and laundry facilities are planned for the site.
Before-and-after images show a section of Pulehu Road following a county cleanup that removed 45 vehicles and nearly 48 tons of trash, debris and other materials. Photo courtesy County of Maui
"Maui County’s Safe Parking Program represents a new approach to addressing homelessness in Hawaiʻi, establishing the state’s first of its kind dedicated safe parking site created specifically for individuals experiencing homelessness who are living in their vehicles," Mayor Richard Bissen said in a news release.
Maui County Department of Human Concerns Director Margaret "Maggie" Willis said the program was developed with input from people living along Pulehu Road and community service providers.
"We are meeting people where they are, removing barriers to participation and creating opportunities for individuals to access the support and resources they need to move toward housing stability," Willis said.
The county surveyed people living along Pulehu Road in September to assess their interest in relocating and identify services and amenities needed at the site. Outreach continued through October to address concerns and prepare participants for the move.
The three-day effort involved the Department of Human Concerns, Office of the Mayor, Maui Police Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Environmental Management and community partners.
The county said it will continue providing support at the temporary site while developing plans for a permanent Safe Parking Program location and other long-term housing solutions.
For more information, visit mauicounty.gov/humanconcerns.