Upcountry Community Meeting Draws Over 100 Attendees to Discuss Kona Storm Impacts

Mayor Bissen vows to begin repairs immediately using county emergency funds

Mar. 28, 2026 at 7:19pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the dramatic scale of a Kona storm system sweeping over the Upcountry region of Maui, with physical structures and infrastructure dwarfed by the overwhelming power of the natural forces at play.The Upcountry community of Maui braces for the overwhelming force of a Kona storm system, as local officials work to address the widespread damage and support residents in the aftermath.Kihei Today

More than 100 Upcountry residents attended a community meeting hosted by Maui Mayor Richard Bissen to discuss the impacts of the recent Kona storms. County officials provided updates on response efforts and answered questions from attendees. Mayor Bissen stated that repairs would begin immediately using the county's emergency funds, without waiting for state or federal assistance.

Why it matters

The Kona storms caused significant damage across Maui, particularly in the Upcountry region. This community meeting was an important opportunity for local officials to directly address residents' concerns and outline the county's plans for recovery and rebuilding.

The details

At the meeting, county staff from various departments provided updates on their response efforts, including the labor-intensive work of the Department of Water Supply to repair waterlines. Mayor Bissen emphasized that the county would not wait for state or federal funding to begin repairs, and would instead use its own emergency funds to get the work started immediately.

  • The community meeting was held on Thursday, March 28, 2026.
  • Additional community meetings are planned for 'Īao Valley on Sunday, March 29, South Maui on Tuesday, March 31, and West Maui on Wednesday, April 1.

The players

Richard Bissen

The mayor of Maui County who hosted the Upcountry community meeting.

James 'Kimo' Landgraf

The deputy director of the Maui County Department of Water Supply, who discussed the labor-intensive work required to repair waterlines.

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What they’re saying

“'Upcountry was not forgotten. We didn't need to wait for Federal or State funding to start repairs. We have already begun, using our emergency fund with the County Council's approval. If we get additional Federal or State support down the line, we will be reimbursed, but there's no reason to wait.'”

— Richard Bissen, Mayor

“'Our crews had to walk, gulch to gulch, carrying the tools needed to repair the waterlines.'”

— James 'Kimo' Landgraf, Deputy Director, Department of Water Supply

What’s next

Additional community meetings are planned for 'Īao Valley, South Maui, and West Maui in the coming days to further discuss the impacts of the Kona storms and the county's recovery efforts.

The takeaway

Maui County is taking a proactive approach to addressing the damage caused by the recent Kona storms, using its own emergency funds to begin repairs immediately without waiting for state or federal assistance. This community-focused response demonstrates the county's commitment to supporting its residents during this challenging time.