Outdated Water Fixture Rules

A Barrier to Housing on Maui

OUTDATED WATER FIXTURE RULES: A BARRIER TO HOUSING ON MAUI

Maui is facing a critical housing crisis, exacerbated by the devastating wildfires of August 2023. As thousands of residents remain displaced, the need for new housing has never been more urgent. Yet, a surprising roadblock lies in outdated water fixture regulations that limit the potential for new home construction.

THE 5/8 INCH METER DILEMMA

In Maui, properties with a standard 5/8 inch water meter are allowed a maximum of only 33 water fixture units. This number seems absurdly low, especially considering the typical demands of a modern household. Take, for instance, a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home. In a busy morning scenario, every shower could be running, the dishwasher might be in full swing, and laundry could be churning—all at once and even in this unlikely scenario, I’ll bet there would be adequate water flow. The county's rules, however, don't seem to reflect the reality of water usage in today’s homes.

THE WATER DEPARTMENT CONCERNS

The Maui Water Department's reluctance to increase fixture counts stems from concerns about low water flow and potential legal issues. They fear that homeowners could sue if they experience inadequate water pressure during peak usage times. However, this scenario is unlikely unless every fixture is being used simultaneously, which is rare. To mitigate this issue, homeowners can purchase up to 8 additional fixture units, but even that is often not enough to meet modern demands.

A CALL FOR REFORM

A recent report from the Grassroot Institute of Hawaii sheds light on how these outdated policies are stifling housing growth on the island. Researchers Jonathan Helton and Aaron Lief highlight that small adjustments to plumbing regulations could significantly impact Maui's housing crisis. Keli‘i Akina, Grassroot President and CEO, notes that while zoning, permitting, taxation, and fees are well-known barriers to homebuilding, the rigid water-fixture regulations deserve equal attention.

The report outlines how water fixtures—including kitchen sinks, toilets, showers, and washing machines—are scored based on their estimated water usage. Unfortunately, these scores have not been updated since 1995. For instance, while the Uniform Plumbing Code rates an outdoor faucet at 2.5 fixture units, Maui County assigns it 3 fixture units. Such discrepancies lead to an inflated number of units required, further complicating the housing development process.

Source from Grassroot Institute

A PATH FORWARD

The Grassroot report urges policymakers to prioritize revising the county’s water-fixture-unit requirements. Not only are these regulations among the highest in the state, but they also fail to align with current standards. Additionally, transferring ownership and management of water meters to homeowners could incentivize more efficient water use.

Currently, some residents in Upcountry Maui have been waiting for over **20 years** to secure water meters, a clear indication of the bureaucratic hurdles they face. With the housing crisis worsened by the loss of homes in the wildfires, it’s imperative that these outdated rules be reexamined and updated.

CONCLUSION

The connection between outdated water fixture regulations and Maui’s housing shortage cannot be overlooked. As we strive to rebuild and create new housing opportunities, it is crucial that local policymakers act decisively to reform these rules. By doing so, we can pave the way for more efficient housing development and help ensure that all Maui residents have a place to call home.

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