Budget, Finance, Economic Development Committee Meeting – February 10, 2026

The Budget, Finance, Economic Development (BFED) Committee met on February 10, 2026, at 9:07 AM under Chair Yuki Le Sugimura. The meeting addressed three agenda items: a bill authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with the FBI for a Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), amendments to streamline affordable housing lease approvals, and an update on grant administration. The committee heard extensive public testimony, deliberated on each item, and took the following actions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bill 92 (JTTF Agreement): Over 20 testifiers, many representing Maui Indivisible, spoke in strong opposition. Key points included concerns about federal overreach under the Trump administration, the risk of local police being used for immigration enforcement, the vague definition of domestic terrorism, the financial obligation placed on the county, and the lack of local control. Specific speakers: Jake Carton (Maui Indivisible) urged a no vote and termination of existing contracts; Stephen Biden, Denise LaCosta, Ann Pikately, Dr. Kahala Johnson, Shay Chan Hodges, Celine Laguerre, Reverend Dennis Barger, Lori Tanner, Patricia Pierce, David Yoshida, Dari Wood, Robert Pollock, Lori J, Alice Riddle, Gail Swanson, Kelly King, Lisa Seikai Darcy, Cesar Gaxiola, Torben Jensen, Dick Mayer, and Lala Johnson all testified against Bill 92, citing civil rights, historical parallels to Japanese internment, and fear of militarized policing. A few testifiers (e.g., Cesar Gaxiola) emphasized the fear in immigrant communities. No testifiers spoke in favor of the bill.
• Bill 116 (Affordable Housing Leases): Only one testifier, Cesar Gaxiola, spoke in favor, praising the CDBG staff and supporting the bill's intent to expedite leases for kupuna housing.
• Grants Administration: No public testimony was received.

Discussion Items

• Bill 92 CD1 2025 – JTTF Intergovernmental Agreement: Deputy Chief Wade Maeda of MPD stated the department opposes immigration enforcement, has internal orders against profiling, and currently has four part-time officers on the JTTF (with zero dedicated hours). He emphasized that the agreement is for intelligence sharing and terrorism prevention, and that MPD would retain supervisory control. Budget Director Milner confirmed the agreement creates a financial obligation requiring council approval. Corp Counsel clarified that the council cannot direct police operations. After extensive debate, the committee voted to file the bill (8 ayes), which is the procedural equivalent of disapproval. Chair Sugimura stated the committee report will clearly indicate a “no” vote. Councilmember Rollins Fernandez drafted a resolution to also rescind the existing 2007 JTTF agreement.
• Bill 116 2024 – Amendments to County Code for Affordable Housing Leases: Director of Housing Mitchell and CDBG Manager Jenkins supported the bill, arguing it removes the need for council approval of individual below-market leases, thereby speeding up housing for kupuna. The committee adopted an amendment (CD1) adding annual reporting requirements for all grants, including taxpayer subsidy justifications. The bill passed unanimously on first reading (6 ayes).
• Grant Administration (BFED 20): Deferred to a future March meeting due to time constraints. The chair noted a survey from Councilmember Johnson for nonprofit feedback on grant processes.

Key Outcomes

• Bill 92 (JTTF): Committee voted 8-0 to recommend filing the bill. This effectively disapproves the agreement and sends a committee report to the full council for its March 6, 2026 meeting. A separate resolution to terminate the existing 2007 JTTF agreement was drafted for future consideration.
• Bill 116 (Affordable Housing): Committee voted 6-0 to recommend passage on first reading as amended (CD1). The amendment adds annual financial and compliance reporting. The bill will proceed to the full council.
• Grant Administration: Deferred; will be taken up in March 2026.
• Next Steps: The full council will consider the committee's recommendations on March 6, 2026. The public may submit written testimony at mauicounty.us/agendas.