Is Your Property Is in the Kauai Special Management Area (SMA)?
By Reba Roy, Realtor — Corcoran Pacific Properties
If you own coastal property on Kauai — or are considering purchasing — it is important to determine whether your parcel is located within the Special Management Area (SMA).
Properties located in the SMA are subject to shoreline setback regulations and additional permitting requirements. Only the County Planning Department can provide a definitive determination, but the steps below will help you verify your status.
Method 1: Check Online (Quick Starting Point)
Website: Hawaii SMA Locator
- Search by address or TMK number
- Open the parcel map
- Review available boundary overlays
Limitation: Online maps may not clearly label SMA boundaries and should not be relied upon as a final determination.
Method 2: Contact the Planning Department (Most Reliable)
Phone: (808) 241-4050
Email: [email protected]
Suggested inquiry:
"I own property at [ADDRESS], TMK [NUMBER]. Can you confirm whether this property is within the Special Management Area? If so, approximately how far is my property line from the certified shoreline?"
Typical response time is 1–3 business days. This provides the most reliable and official answer.
Method 3: Review Your Existing Documents
- Property survey (may show SMA boundary)
- Title report (may reference SMA designation)
- Prior building permits (would note SMA review requirements)
Method 4: Hire a Licensed Surveyor
- Typical cost: $2,500–$5,000+ for coastal parcels
- Provides certified shoreline location and compliance measurements
This may be necessary for major improvements, rebuilding, or future permit applications.
Method 5: Review State GIS Resources
Hawaii Statewide GIS Program maps are publicly available and can provide general reference. These are less detailed than County records and should not replace official confirmation.
What Is the Special Management Area (SMA)?
Under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 205A, the SMA generally extends inland:
- At least 100 yards (300 feet) from the shoreline, OR
- To the highest verified wave wash elevation — whichever is greater.
On Kauai, the SMA often extends beyond 300 feet and may reach 400–800+ feet inland, depending on topography and coastal conditions.
Important: You can be several hundred feet from the ocean and still be within the Special Management Area.
Why SMA Status Matters
If Your Property Is Within the SMA:
- You are subject to shoreline setback regulations.
- Future improvements may require SMA permits.
- Recent proposed bills may directly affect your property.
If Your Property Is Outside the SMA:
- Shoreline setback rules may not directly apply.
- However, future regulatory changes are still worth monitoring.
Next Step: Review the Proposed County Bills
Once you confirm your SMA status, you can review how the proposed shoreline setback changes may affect your property.
Read the Full Analysis of Bills 2969 & 2984 →
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm SMA status directly with the County Planning Department.
