Aquatics Master Plan

AQUATICS MASTER PLAN

Based in Hawai‘i for more than 45 years, PBR HAWAII is active in all aspects of Landscape Architecture, Land Planning, Environmental Studies, and Graphic Design. With a strong sense of culturally and environmentally appropriate design and aesthetics, PBR HAWAII engages in a variety of projects ranging from specific site designs to regional and community plans, urban design studies, and large-scale resource inventory and land management projects.

Counsilman-Hunsaker is a full-service planning, design, engineering and aquatic facility operations firm which provide professional services for a broad range of clients. With over 45 years of experience, they have designed over 950+ pools and have completed over 150 facility audits and over 175 feasibility studies for the development of new or existing facilities.

PROJECT TEAM

KAI Hawaii. Inc. is a full-service structural engineering firm providing project management, structural design, construction inspection, and forensic assessment and evaluation. The combination of structural design expertise with forensic evaluation and investigative techniques enables them to provide a unique perspective from which to better serve their clients in projects involving new design, repair, alteration, maintenance, and investigation of existing structures.

Established in 1979, our roots go back to the Plantation Era where we designed mechanical equipment for sugar mills. With the decline of sugar, they began designing HVAC, plumbing, municipal pump stations and fuel systems. In the mid-80’s, they added Civil engineering services that include infrastructure and land development design, making our company what it is today.

J. Uno & Associates, Inc. (UNO) is a Hawaii-based cost engineering and estimating firm founded in 1989. Their mission is to add value to your project through cost awareness and management. Committed to quality, they strategically hone their skills to develop higher standards of excellence. UNO zooms in on the smallest details but always keeps the big picture in focus.

The County of Maui Aquatics Master Plan is the first aquatics plan of its kind performed by the County. The purpose of the plan is to review the existing aquatic facilities for both physical and functional obsolescence, review changes in Maui demographics, and to meet with the community to gather input on the diverse aquatic needs of Maui County. When completed, the Aquatics Master Plan will be incorporated into the seven District Master Plans that will help guide the vision and mission of Maui County.

Swimming is one of the most popular activities for all residents in Maui. According to the 2016 Parks and Recreation Community Survey, pools ranked 5th in amenities enjoyed by County residents. However, because of their age, many traditional pools do not meet current industry standards, or the functional needs of the community. The County of Maui has 8 aquatic facilities, ranging from 80+ years old to just over 10 years. An assessment of both the physical and functional aspects of each pool will be made, with recommendations on repairs or replacements for each facility.

There are four user groups in traditional aquatic facilities: competition, recreation, therapy and wellness, and instructional, and each user group has a different definition of a swimming pool. The challenge facing the County is to ensure the needs of all residents are met. Everyone fits into one or more user group at any time they are at a facility, and the group they identify with may change from day to day or from activity to activity.

The Competition User Group – The competition group requires training space in either 25 yards or 25 meters for short-course training and 50 meters for long course swimming. Sports like water polo, diving, and synchronized swimming require space, depths, and training elements that conform to the requirements of the respective governing bodies.

The Recreation User Group – Modern aquatic centers combine creative water play areas for various age groups in a safe, friendly atmosphere. Tots enjoy shallow pools with gentle features, while older children enjoy participatory play features and “just-their-size” waterslides. Teens enjoy gathering spots, deep water pools and adventurous waterslides. While many elements can cater to most demographics, spas and lap lanes tend to be geared towards adults.

The Wellness and Therapy User Group – Aquatic therapy and rehabilitation is performed in warm, shallower water. Ample space is needed for wheelchairs, walkers and dry and wet equipment. In-water amenities like railings, benches and ramps are also common.

The Instructional User Group – This group includes swim lessons, lifeguard training and other classes. Comfortable, controlled environments are key for this group. Depth ranges from shallow to deep water, depending on the activity are needed, as well as classroom and meeting spaces.

To ensure the County is addressing this challenge, the County needs to hear from all four user groups, and from as much of the community as possible. Your comments will help with gathering information for the Aquatics Master Plan process.