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HCR 141

URGING THE COUNTY OF MAUI TO ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THE FIRE CODE OF THE COUNTY OF MAUI RELATING TO FIRE HAZARDS, BRUSH CLEARANCE, FUEL BREAKS, ROADSIDE VEGETATION CLEARING, AND EMERGENCY ACCESS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 3 co-sponsors

Non-binding resolution urges Maui County to enforce existing fire codes requiring vegetation clearing and fuel breaks to reduce wildfire risk and improve emergency access.

Reported from PBS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1668-26), recommending referral to WAL.
#brushclearance #emergencyaccess #firecode #firehazards #fuelbreaks #mauicounty #roadsidevegetationclearing
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Bill Summary · HCR 141

Legislative bill overview

HCR 141 is a non-binding resolution urging Maui County to enforce existing fire code provisions focused on vegetation management and emergency preparedness. The resolution specifically calls for enforcement of brush clearance, fuel break maintenance, roadside vegetation clearing, and emergency access road standards already established in Maui's Fire Code.

Why is this important

Maui experienced devastating wildfires in August 2023 (particularly in Lahaina) that killed over 100 people, making fire prevention and emergency response infrastructure critical community concerns. This resolution addresses gaps between what fire codes require and what is actually being enforced, potentially affecting public safety and evacuation capabilities across the county.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement burden and cost: Property owners and the county may face significant expenses clearing vegetation and maintaining fuel breaks on both public and private land; clarity on who bears these costs is unclear
  • Property rights vs. public safety: Mandating vegetation removal on private property raises questions about balancing individual landowner rights with community fire risk reduction
  • Adequacy of existing code: The resolution assumes current fire code provisions are sufficient; critics may argue the code itself needs strengthening rather than just better enforcement
  • Resource allocation: County agencies may lack staffing and budget to conduct inspections and enforcement across Maui's dispersed communities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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