Maui County Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee Meeting - May 19, 2026

The Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee of the Maui County Council met on May 19, 2026, at 9:10 AM HST. Chair Ukile Sukimura presided. The committee considered five agenda items covering budget amendments, grant disbursement reforms, land acquisition, and property tax exemptions. Public testimony was heard on multiple items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scotty Miller opposed the acquisition of the Waiehu property, citing cultural memory and family history. He expressed concern that the church might sell the property to a non-county entity.
• Travis Aaron Liggett testified on Bill 83, proposing a "Maui Living INA Sustainability Trust" to route philanthropic funding to the Department of Environmental Management for ten focus areas.
• Dane Mayo, a family descendant, opposed Bill 102 (Waiehu acquisition), stating unresolved historical title questions and requesting the county not proceed until due diligence is complete.
• Lala Johnson urged the council to develop long-term stewardship plans for acquired lands, criticizing the county's focus on acquisition over maintenance and community support.
• Kahala Johnson demanded deferral of Bill 102, citing insufficient due diligence and legal risks due to unclear title. She requested a facilitated meeting with the 'ohana (family) before any further hearings.
• Kanye Alihi testified in opposition to Bill 102, arguing that the seller (the church) does not have clear title due to restrictions in the will of the original land commission awardee (Lunalilo), and that the county should not purchase land with public funds without a clear title.
• Kani Loa Kamaunu testified on the Halal OEV Arts item, expressing mixed feelings due to past desecration of iwi (burial remains) during construction and the parking structure covering the site.

Discussion Items

• Halal OEV Arts (Bills 70 and 80, 2026): The committee discussed a $4 million bond-funded budget amendment to restore items removed during value engineering: commercial kitchen equipment, rooftop photovoltaic system, audiovisual system, acoustic treatments, telecom/data/security infrastructure, and contract extensions. Deputy Managing Director Aaron Wade and Civil Engineer Dan Schupak presented the project status (under construction, completion summer 2027). Members raised concerns about the timing of the request and requested a detailed breakdown of all costs. The committee recommended passage on first reading (9-0) with a request for additional information before second reading.
• Grant Disbursement Flexibility (Bill 69, 2026): The bill amends Maui County Code Section 3.36.190 to allow county agencies to provide advanced disbursements of 10% or more, or installment payments, based on a determination of need. Councilmember Johnson introduced the bill after surveys and cross-departmental meetings. Budget Director Milner noted the 10% is a floor, not a cap. An amendment to change the effective date to July 1, 2026 was made and then withdrawn after discussion. The bill passed on first reading unanimously (9-0).
• Sewer Fund Transfer (Bill 83, 2026): The committee approved transferring $372,933 from the sewer fund to the Open Space, Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, and Scenic Views Preservation Fund for a pro-rata portion (7.13%) of a parcel originally purchased with open space funds. The land is needed for the central Maui wastewater facility. The bill passed on first reading unanimously (9-0).
• Waiehu Beach Road Acquisition (Bill 102 and Resolution 25-53, 2026): The committee debated the proposed acquisition of 104A Lower Waiehu Beach Road (0.41 acres) for up to $1,480,000 plus expenses. Family members and community testified in opposition, citing unclear title and lack of due diligence. Administration stated they would support acquisition but noted that if a court determines the land belongs to the family, the county would return it. The church indicated it would put the property on the open market if the county does not act. After a lengthy discussion, the committee voted 6-3 to recommend passage on first reading, with Councilmember Rollins Fernandez volunteering to facilitate discussions with the family.
• Home Exemption Increase (Bill 181, 2025): Chair Sukimura introduced the bill to increase homeowner and long-term rental real property tax exemptions, with an estimated financial impact of under $5 million per year. Due to time constraints, the committee deferred the item to the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Bill 70 & 80 (Halal OEV Arts): Recommended passage on first reading (9-0). Administration to provide detailed breakdown of all project costs.
• Bill 69 (Grant Disbursements): Recommended passage on first reading (9-0). Effective date remains upon approval.
• Bill 83 (Sewer Fund Transfer): Recommended passage on first reading (9-0).
• Bill 102 & Resolution 25-53 (Waiehu Acquisition): Recommended passage on first reading (6-3). Councilmember Rollins Fernandez to engage with the family before second reading.
• Bill 181 (Home Exemption): Deferred to next committee meeting.