Episode 153: The Maui County Planning Director Kate Blystone
Summary
August 8, 2023 is a day that will forever live in the memory of anyone who has a Maui connection. That’s the day that the wildfires took 19 homes in Kula and over 2,000 homes and structures, along with over 100 lives from us. As a long-time Maui resident and proud Maui United Way board member, I am very keen on seeing Maui re-built to its former glory. But how exactly is that going? County of Maui Planning Director Kate Blystone and I discuss the progress and the parallels of the Maui wildfires with those in Los Angeles. Check out www.mauirecovers.org for more info on the Maui rebuild.
Check out www.mauirecovers.org for more info on the Maui rebuild.
Resources mentioned in today's show: Regulating Paradise, Land and Power in Hawaii, and many more!
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
Managing Change with Purpose
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, I’m honored to share a heartfelt and powerful conversation with Kate Blystone, the Planning Director for the County of Maui. Kate has a deep connection to Maui—both professionally and personally. Her background in long-range planning and her journey from farmland in Washington State to the shores of Hawaii is a testament to her commitment to intentional, community-driven growth. We talked about what it really means to be a planner—someone who manages change and guides communities toward a shared future.
From Housing Crisis to Recovery Leader
Kate’s journey to becoming Planning Director included time in both the public and private sectors, with a pivotal role at Hawaii Community Foundation. When the devastating Lahaina fires hit in August 2023, Kate was on the front lines of housing recovery, helping coordinate emergency shelter efforts and advocating for resilient rebuilding strategies. With over 2,000 housing units lost and more than 12,000 people displaced, the stakes were high. She made the difficult but courageous decision to return to the County as Planning Director, stepping into leadership during one of the most traumatic times in Maui’s history.
Rebuilding Lahaina with Intention and Respect
Rebuilding Lahaina isn’t just about new construction—it’s about honoring history and doing better for the next hundred years. Kate shared how Maui County is working with experts like Opticos Design and Jeff Speck to reimagine street and building standards that reflect Lahaina’s culture and walkability. She emphasized the importance of preserving the area’s historic character while using modern, science-based shoreline regulations. There’s a careful balance between acting quickly and making smart, lasting decisions. Kate and her team are determined to build a community that reflects local needs, stories, and resilience.
Community, Culture, and Connection
One of the most touching parts of our conversation was hearing how local communities rallied in the wake of the fire—neighbors helping neighbors, people from Molokai bringing food by boat, and thousands of residents participating in planning workshops. Kate spoke of Maui’s recovery being fueled not by bureaucracy, but by aloha. We reflected on what it means to be a good visitor, how to honor the land and people of Hawaii, and why trauma-informed planning is essential for true recovery. This isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people, love, and healing.
Final Thoughts and a Call to Action
I’m grateful to Kate for her transparency and passion. If you’re coming to Maui, please educate yourself and give back—volunteer, donate, and tread gently. Kate recommends starting your research with the book Regulating Paradise, and expanding into Native Hawaiian perspectives like Hawaii’s Story by Hawaii’s Queen and From a Native Daughter. We recorded this episode in Maui. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you?
Join me next week for Episode 154, where Karen Hall and Dan Dyble return for part two of our rental roundtable. I’ll see you there!