The biggest county program you probably never heard of may soon make all free municipal parking a thing of the past in three Maui locations, including Lahaina Town, Wailuku Town and selected South Maui beaches. Park Maui (parkmaui.com) has been in the planning stages since it was initiated by former Mayor Michael Victorino’s administration in 2018.

Wailuku may begin in September

The Wailuku portion is anticipated to begin in September. An informational meeting hosted by Wailuku Community Association is scheduled for Monday, June 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Empanada Lady restaurant at 2119 W. Vineyard St. in Wailuku (see https://www.parkmaui.com/phases/wailuku-town).

The Lahaina Town and South Maui beach segments are expected to follow on a timetable that has yet to be announced.

“We have needed parking management in our busiest areas for a long time, both to charge visitors for valuable parking opportunities and to discourage parking spaces from being occupied for many hours when businesses need spaces available for customers,” wrote County Council Chair Alice Lee in an e-mail to the Lahaina News. Lee holds the Wailuku-Waihee-Waikapu residency seat.

“It’s exciting that Wailuku will be the first phase of the Park Maui program, coinciding with the opening of the parking structure scheduled for September 1. Wailuku town employees, including County employees, will be able to get monthly parking passes for a nominal fee, which is a win-win for the employees and Wailuku businesses.

“The Council is expected to consider the parking fees and the parking zone map in June or July, both in the Water and Infrastructure Committee for the zones and the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee for the fees. That will allow more public input and help inform the public of the launch of the program.

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