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Improving roads sparks debate over property rights and encroachments

August 22, 2024 | Maui County, Hawaii


This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »

Improving roads sparks debate over property rights and encroachments
During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the complexities of road improvements in the Mil Camp area, emphasizing the delicate balance between enhancing infrastructure and respecting property owners' rights. Director Sinenci highlighted the challenges posed by the small lot sizes and narrow roads, noting that even minor widening could significantly impact local residents.

Member Palton provided insights from six focus groups conducted with Mil Camp residents, revealing that many parcels are under 5,000 square feet, with some as small as 3,000 square feet. The county's right-of-way is designated at 20 feet, but existing pavement often measures only 13 feet, leading to numerous encroachments, such as rock walls and trash enclosures. Residents have been informed that these encroachments must be removed before permits can be issued, although a street survey to identify these issues has not yet been conducted.

The fire department clarified that while they require a 20-foot clearance for emergency access, this does not necessarily mean 20 feet of paved road, as power poles within the right-of-way complicate matters. A minimum road width of 24 feet may be necessary, potentially requiring property owners to cede two feet from each side of their lots. For future considerations, such as on-street parking or underground utilities, a width of 28 feet would be ideal, which could mean four feet taken from both sides.

Additionally, discussions included the potential for using eminent domain to acquire land along Kuhua Street, which could facilitate the creation of residential parking solutions. The county's bid for the Pioneer Mill property was also mentioned, with rumors suggesting they may have been outbid by another entity. The meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to address infrastructure needs while navigating the rights and concerns of local property owners.

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Scribe from Workplace AI
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