Because Maui is such an incredible place, many people want to move and live here. But there are some building considerations to know about when thinking about moving and building a new home here. The County of Maui has had to implement guidelines and restrictions such as building codes to address the unique needs of Maui.
Maui, and all of Hawaii, by its very location as an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, always bears the brunt of Mother Nature’s wrath. Storms of all types batter the Aloha State from every direction and can tear at the infrastructure that’s taken years to build and perfect. It doesn’t have to be a hurricane to cause widespread flooding and damage. So weather’s effect is an important consideration for builders.
A strong Kona low storm last year took out utility poles and many roads in East and South Maui. After that storm, parts of South Kihei Road were “undermined,” and the shoulder completely washed away. Street flooding was common.
This type of building consideration must be thought through when planning new construction or renovation of an existing property in Maui. Maui County’s building codes reflect these considerations. Because South Maui is a low-lying area, it’s necessary to consider sustainability when rebuilding to avoid problems with flooding or property damage. If you are building for the first time, whether residential or commercial, it’s important to recognize the impact that Maui’s weather will have on your project and make sure your design can withstand any bad weather.
While many dreams of building on a Maui beach, the reality is that beachfront property is the most vulnerable to climate impacts such as this one. Last year’s Kona low storm also brought snow to the highest elevations and flooding to the lower elevations throughout the state. The storm lasted three days, leading to flash flooding, saturated ground, mudslides, and other calamities that paralyzed the state long after it passed. Governor David Ige issued three proclamations to enable residents and businesses to obtain emergency relief funding through FEMA.
You will have to work with your designer, architect, and contractor to make sure your new home or building is in line with restrictions imposed by Maui County. You don’t want to be that person who loses a home or is heavily impacted by a bad storm.
Power Considerations
Another building consideration when building in Maui is power outages. For example, the Kona low storm led to widespread power outages throughout the Upcountry. Alternate energy sources are a must for these emergencies, such as a generator or solar/wind system. You can design your new place with smart energy options.
A gasoline generator would be okay in an emergency but would require you to have plenty of gasoline for fuel on hand, should the need arise. Imagine trying to go get gas when the roads are washed out! Better options might be solar and wind power systems which can store energy for use later. Working with the experienced Pro Draft team for their excellent architectural and consulting services will make sure you are designing with the most up-to-date building considerations in design, efficiency, and safety.
If you’re thinking about building on Maui, talk to Pro Draft first.
Let Pro Draft Design Your Next Building Project
Pro Draft has been helping bring ideas to life in Maui for 30 years. We’re ready to help with drawings, interior design, “green design” with LEED certification, project management, and building permit expedition.
We can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, and permits, and answer all your questions before the first day of construction. We work with home builders, designers, architects, contractors, and realtors. We’re happy to help and will work to ensure your project is the way you envision.
Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland