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Q&A
What permits and credentials are needed to regrade our yard?
Regrading a 0.25-acre lot typically requires a grading permit from the County of Maui Department of Planning to ensure proper erosion and runoff control. The work itself must be performed by or under the supervision of a contractor licensed by the Hawaii Contractors License Board (DCCA), as it involves significant earth movement and alteration of the site's drainage profile.
We see invasive vines taking over. How do we remove them safely?
Targeted manual removal or approved herbicide spot treatments are effective for invasive species like ivy or wedelia. Timing is crucial to avoid the coastal fertilizer ordinance's blackout dates for nitrogen and phosphorus. Always follow up with replanting using native groundcovers like ʻIlima to outcompete future invasions and stabilize the soil.
A storm knocked down a large branch. How quickly can a crew respond for an emergency cleanup?
For urgent HOA compliance or safety issues, we dispatch from the Mahinahina Gulch area. Crews take Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30) directly to your lot. Accounting for peak traffic and weather, expect a team on-site within the standard 45-60 minute storm response window to secure the area and begin debris removal.
Our soil seems hard and dense. Is this typical for our neighborhood, and what can we do to improve it?
Properties in the Mahinahina Residential area, developed around 2002, have 24-year-old Andisols. This volcanic silt loam naturally compacts over time, reducing permeability and root penetration. Core aeration is critical to break up subsurface layers and incorporate compost, which will enhance the soil's organic matter and water retention without altering its optimal 6.0-6.5 pH.
We want to reduce mowing and gas blower noise. What are our options?
Transitioning high-maintenance turf to a xeriscape with natives like Naupaka, ʻŌhiʻa Lehua, and Maʻo is ideal. These plants require no mowing, minimal water, and thrive in Zone 12b. This shift preempts tightening noise ordinances by eliminating gas-powered maintenance, moving towards a quieter, electric-powered landscape care model.
Is basalt stone a better choice than wood for a patio in our fire zone?
Yes. Basalt stone pavers are non-combustible and provide superior longevity in Maui's humid climate compared to wood, which decays and requires chemical treatments. Using basalt for patios and paths also helps create the defensible space required for our Moderate (WUI Zone 2) Fire Wise rating, enhancing property safety.
Our sloped yard erodes during heavy rain. What's a lasting solution?
High-velocity runoff on Andisols is a common erosion hazard here. A graded infiltration basin lined with native vegetation can slow water flow. Replacing impermeable surfaces with permeable basalt stone pavers also increases ground absorption. These strategies help manage runoff to meet the County of Maui Department of Planning's stormwater standards.
How can we keep our lawn healthy during Stage 1 water conservation?
Voluntary conservation in Stage 1 is best managed with smart, Wi-Fi ET-based drip controllers. These systems use local evapotranspiration data to deliver precise, minimal water directly to the root zones of Seashore Paspalum or St. Augustine turf. This method maintains plant health while reducing overall municipal water use, often below voluntary limits.
