Maui County committees weigh $6M water asset deal, ethics reforms, and fire station land use in busy week
Maui County Council committees tackled a packed agenda the week of July 27, with items ranging from a proposed $6 million water system acquisition to new ethics, nepotism, and lobbyist regulations. All meetings were agenda-only — minutes have not yet been published — so outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available.
$6 Million Water System Asset Acquisition Discussed
The Water and Infrastructure Committee met July 27 to discuss Resolution 26-116, which concerns acquiring water system assets from Launiupoko Water Co., Inc. and Olowalu Water Company, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $6,000,000. No legislative action was scheduled at that meeting.
The Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee is set to take up the same resolution on August 4, alongside a discussion of taxicab fare rates and Bill 101 (2026), which would increase taxicab baggage and equipment charges and authorize a $10 charge for oversized items.
Separately, the Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee discussed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding dated May 18, 2026, regarding the potential acquisition of real property and water infrastructure assets from Maui Land & Pineapple Company, Inc. in West Maui and Upcountry. No legislative action was taken.
Ethics, Nepotism, and Lobbyist Bills on the Table
The Government Relations, Ethics, and Transparency Committee met July 28 to consider three bills:
- **Bill 55 (2025)**: Would allow the Board of Ethics to pursue violations for up to six years after employment ends.
- **Bill 99 (2026)**: Would establish prohibitions concerning nepotism in hiring and supervision.
- **Bill 100 (2026)**: Would establish lobbyist registration, training, and reporting requirements.
Outcomes are not yet known. The same committee meets again August 4 to consider three legal settlement authorizations: Resolution 26-128 regarding streetlights and native seabird survival, Resolution 26-81 for Charlotte Martin related to a 2023 incident at Kepaniwai Park, and Resolution 26-122 for Bao Ngoc Tran regarding a 2022 bicycle incident on Wailea Alanui Drive.
Ha'ikū Fire Station Land Use Changes
The Housing and Land Use Committee met July 29 to consider three bills affecting a 6.097-acre portion of Tax Map Key (2) 2-7-007:008 in Hāmākualoa:
- **Bill 89 (2026)**: Amend state land use district from Agricultural to Rural.
- **Bill 90 (2026)**: Change the Pa'ia-Ha'ikū Community Plan designation from Agriculture to Public/Quasi-Public.
- **Bill 91 (2026)**: Change zoning from Agricultural District to P-1 Public/Quasi-Public District.
The committee is scheduled to revisit these bills on August 10, with correspondence from the Planning Director dated May 21, 2026, including departmental reports and recommendations.
Kauhale Community and Storm Damage Updates
The Water Authority, Social Services, and Parks Committee received two informational updates July 27. HomeAid Hawaii CEO Kimo Carvalho presented on Kīpūola Kauhale, Maui's first kauhale community under the State of Hawai'i's Kauhale Initiative. The Department of Parks and Recreation provided an update on the impact of spring 2026 Kona low storms on Maui County parks and facilities. No legislative action was taken on either item.
County Property Disclosure Bill and Tax System Update
The Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee considered Bill 81 (2025) on July 28, which would require the administration to disclose use restrictions on county-owned property before requesting development-related appropriations. The bill also repeals an outdated definition of "county agency" and updates code references. The committee also discussed the Transient Accommodations Tax billing, collection, and new system implementation, with no vote scheduled on that item.
County HR Strategic Planning
The Kōmike Aloha 'Āina met July 30 to discuss the Align HR project, a review and strategic planning effort for the county's human resources framework. A presentation from Managing Director Josiah Nishita and representatives of Guidehouse, Inc. was possible. No legislative action was taken.
Coming Up
- **Aug. 3** — Water and Infrastructure Committee considers Bill 1 (2026), which would allow subdividers to submit construction plans for review before verifying long-term water supply.
- **Aug. 4** — Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee takes up the $6 million water asset acquisition (Resolution 26-116) and taxicab charge increases (Bill 101).
- **Aug. 5** — Disaster Recovery committee hears updates on Maui's Long-Term Recovery Plan and discusses acquiring Launiupoko Irrigation Co. water assets and Kamehameha School lands in Ku'ia.
- **Aug. 5** — Housing and Land Use Committee reviews zoning changes for eight Kihei and Lahaina properties (Resolution 26-129) and two additional properties including 10 Walaka Street and Makai Sunset Inn (Resolution 26-130) to allow transient vacation rentals in the Sea Level Rise Exposure Area.
- **Aug. 6** — Agriculture, Diversification, Environment, & Public Transportation Committee reviews Bill 98 (2026), which would codify the Food and Nutrition Security Plan into the Maui County Code.
- **Aug. 10** — Housing and Land Use Committee decides on Bills 89, 90, and 91 for the Ha'ikū Fire Station site.