Water Authority, Social Services, and Parks Committee (WASSP) Meeting – July 27, 2026

The Water Authority, Social Services, and Parks Committee of the Maui County Council convened on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 9:02 a.m. in the Planning Conference Room, Wailuku, with virtual participation via Teams. Chair Shane Sinenci presided. The committee received two informational updates: first on the Kīpūola Kauhale, Maui’s first kauhale community under the state’s Kauhale Initiative; second on the spring 2026 Kona low storms’ impact on Maui County parks. No legislative action was taken; both items were deferred for further committee information.

Public Comments & Testimony

• On Kīpūola Kauhale: A testifier representing the Royal Patent of the Hawaiian kingdom raised concerns about health effects from agricultural chemicals in the area, questioned whether a cultural practitioner would be involved in hooponopono, and requested the return of Native Hawaiians to their royal patented lands under HRS 172-11. A second testifier (James Langford) commented on the project positively, noting the state is doing something to help Maui County, but urged careful vetting of management due to outside origins. A third testifier offered personal experience from living in post-wildfire state facilities and requested a dialogue with the committee on ethical governance.
• On Kona Low Storm Impact: A testifier (Dawn) advocated for more recycling in parks and speculated that tree removal behind Kula Gym contributed to wind damage during the storm. Another testifier (Quincy) asked about plans and timeline to rebuild Kula Gym.

Discussion Items

Update on Kīpūola Kauhale (WASSP-1(22))

Kimo Carvalho, CEO of HomeAid Hawaii, presented an update on the 64-unit kauhale community in Kahului, consisting of 100-square-foot modular tiny homes arranged in clusters of 16 with shared kitchens, restrooms, and showers. He highlighted the model of “community first” deeply affordable housing for households at 30%–50% area median income, with program fees of $450/month. Key statistics: 538 total applications in eight months, 80% single men, 20% women, and most applicants were working poor or wildfire survivors. The project cost under $9 million, funded primarily by the state with private sector contributions. Carvalho noted the project’s success in reducing crime and stabilizing the area compared to the previous field shelter.

Council members asked about caseworker-to-resident ratios, security staffing (24/7, at least two guards), program duration (six-month renewable agreements), sobriety enforcement (dry campus, but case-by-case flexibility), and partnerships with local organizations. Deputy Director Robinson (Office of Economic Vitality and Resources) suggested incorporating cultural curriculum and connection to āina to enhance resident healing. Deputy Director Mataafa (Department of Housing) described other county efforts for deeply affordable housing, including use of Housing Trust Fund monies and projects like Huliao. Carvalho identified four needs for success: access to public land, emergency proclamations for permitting flexibility, public-private partnerships to reduce construction costs, and revised infrastructure calculations for water/sewer to reflect tiny home density. He reported three successful exits to permanent housing and no evictions to the streets to date.

Committee Vice Chair Johnson proposed exploring county-owned land, such as the 100-acre parcel behind the South Maui police station, for replicating the model. Member Sugimura asked whether codification of the kauhale model is needed, with Carvalho expressing openness to continued dialogue.

Update on Kona Low Storms’ Impact on Maui County Parks (WASSP-1(21))

Deputy Director Dudoit (Department of Parks and Recreation) presented damages from the spring 2026 Kona low storms. Key impacts:

• Kula Gym: Roof truss and south wall structurally compromised; tarping estimate of $1.9 million under FEMA review. No alternate gym available in the area.
• South Maui Parks: 88 accesses at Kamaole One closed; Kalepolepo closed due to natural springs; Kamaole Two sand restoration underway.
• Kanaha Beach Park: $62,800 for removal of 16 downed trees (kukui, milo, ironwood).
• Ukumehame Gun Range: Flooding, berm damage; reopened June 6; $16,000 in repairs; estimated $5–6 million for pavilion repairs.
• Waiehu Golf Course: Flooding, fallen trees, fence damage; $657,000 estimated repair cost; closed seven days.

Meredith Sanders (Tetra Tech) explained that FEMA initially did not include parks in eligible categories, but an appeal has been submitted. Site inspections must be completed within 30 days. Emergency work (debris removal, protective measures) should be reimbursed within six months; repair work six to nine months after invoicing. All costs so far have been borne by the parks department’s general fund.

Council members asked about timelines, budget strain, coordination with FEMA, and the process for right-of-entry for salvage of beached boats (two boats have right-of-entries issued; a third recently beached). Member Paltin inquired about an expedited salvage process. Deputy Director Barney (Public Works) noted that repair of the Lahaina Civic Center sinkhole is under contract with pre-final inspection scheduled soon. The department confirmed readiness protocols for the approaching storms (Fausto and Genevieve), including pre-storm preparation and standby staffing.

Key Outcomes

• Both agenda items were received as informational updates and deferred by the committee without objection. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken.
• The committee directed staff to follow up on several items: written responses to questions about costs, partnerships, and FEMA reimbursement; continued dialogue with HomeAid Hawaii on codifying kauhale models; and coordination between Parks and Recovery offices on emergency fund access and salvage processes.