Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee Meeting - February 11, 2026
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Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee Meeting - February 11, 2026
The Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee of the Maui County Council met on February 11, 2026, to consider Bill 27 2026, which amends Chapter 19.35 of the Maui County Code to standardize the allowable size of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots smaller than half an acre. The committee unanimously approved the bill on first reading with a CD1 amendment.
Public Comments & Testimony
- JC Law, from Haleakala Waacoa Ahupo'a, testified in support of the bill, thanking the chair for a clear presentation and commending the translation of agendas into Olelo Hawaiian. He made no objections.
Discussion Items
- Bill 27 2026 & CD1 Amendment: The bill standardizes ADU floor area to 500 square feet (covered) and 600 square feet for decks or similar structures (e.g., walkways, patios, lanais). The CD1 version simplified the preamble by removing references to Resolution 25-142 and the 120-day review period expiration, as the Maui Planning Commission had deferred review past the deadline. The Lana‘i and Moloka‘i Planning Commissions recommended approval; the Maui Planning Commission did not submit comments.
- Clarifications: Councilmember Batan Gone asked if the CD1 had substantive changes; Chair Paulton and Legislative Attorney Nakata confirmed only formatting and preamble simplifications. Councilmember Cook confirmed that ADUs can be built before the main dwelling, and that setbacks are primarily for privacy and aesthetics, not fire safety.
- Status of Related Bills: Chair Paulton updated on Bill 103 (density per 2,500 sq ft), noting she is waiting for a parking bill to be transmitted from the mayor before proceeding. Greg (Planning) noted that a bill implementing Act 39 (mandating two ADUs per residential lot) is being heard by planning commissions this month.
Key Outcomes
- Motion to replace Bill 27 with CD1 version: Moved by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember U Hodgins. Passed unanimously (8 ayes, 1 excused – Councilmember Suyimura).
- Motion to recommend passage of Bill 27 2026 on first reading (as amended): Moved by Councilmember Cook, seconded by Councilmember U Hodgins. Passed unanimously (8 ayes, 1 excused).
- The bill will now proceed to the full council for further consideration.
Meeting Transcript
Will the disaster resilience international affairs and planning committee come to order? The time is now one thirty-nine. If everyone can please silence their cell phones or other noise making devices that will help our cause members in accordance with the sunshine law. If you are not in the council chamber, please identify by name who, if anyone is in the room, vehicle or workspace with you today. Oh, there she is. I'm here, Chair. Sorry, I couldn't hear, so I exited my screen and I came back. But I'm at my personal residence right now. Um, my husband William Cole Hodgins is home with me as well. And I do have two more miners circling about. Thank you. Thank you. Um, and we have uh council member Kawanoi Batan Gone, also known as the new guy. The new guy. Aloha, Chair. Hello. And we have Councilmember Tom Cook with us also in the chambers. Good afternoon, Chair. Good afternoon. We have uh councilmember Gabe Johnson with us from the island of Lanukni. Aloha weenala. Good afternoon, Chair, Councilmembers community members. There's no testifiers here at the or at the Lanay District, so I'm alone in my workspace in my house with a snoring dog, beg your pardon. And I'm here and ready to work. Thank you, Chair. Thank you. And we also have uh council chair Alice Lee, OCO, and Aloha Awinala. Aloha Chair, OCU. I'm alone in my workspace. Looking forward to your meeting. Thank you. Thank you. And we also have Councilmember Keani Rollins Fernandez, aloha awen along. Aloha Aween Allah, Chair. My Molokainoya Hina. I'm at my private residence alone at the moment. We'll likely be joined by my two minor age children in about an hour as well as my husband Makana Fernandez. There are currently no testifiers at the Multi Test Trek Office. Aha Chair. Thank you. And we also have Councilmember Shane Senensi. Alohawinala. Aloha, we in aloha chair. Happy to be here here at my home office. I'm here by myself, and there are no testifiers in ALA. Thank you. Councilmember Yukile Suimura is excused. This meeting of the Disaster Recovery International Affairs and Planning Committee of the Maui County Council is located on the traditional Aina of Kanaka Oibi, who never ceded their sovereignty to the United States. We recognize that Her Majesty Queen Lili Okolani yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom to the U.S. in Dress under threat of violence to avoid the bloodshed of her people.
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