Maui County advises homeowners of upkeep

Advertiser Staff

WAILUKU, Maui — The Maui County Department of Public Works and Waste Management is advising homeowners of their responsibility for maintaining the sidewalks, street shoulders and drainage swales that front their property.

The concern is to promote safety, reduce homeowner liability and ensure county crews have adequate access to areas needing maintenance, according to a news release.

The maintenance and cleaning of sidewalks fronting a property are the responsibility of the homeowner, according to the Maui County Code. "Sidewalks" are defined as the area between the property line and vehicular travel lanes.

To reduce liability, public works officials are asking residents to clean weeds and tall grass, and fill in any ruts fronting their property. Obstructions such as rocks that have been placed in maintained sidewalk areas should be removed.

Of particular concern to public works officials is the pruning or removal of trees and shrubs planted in county easements or rights-of-way that may present a safety or liability hazard by interfering with traffic, signage or lighting.

As part of the campaign, the Highways Division has been working with the Maui Police Department to remove derelict vehicles and illegally stored items from county streets. These have prevented emergency services and work crews from accessing areas that need maintenance.

To report abandoned vehicles on Maui, call (808) 244-6400. For information, call Leonard Costa of the Highways Division at (808) 270-7869.