Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee Meeting – September 22, 2026

The committee reconvened at 9:04 a.m. to continue its review of Bill 108 (2026), which would adopt the updated South Maui Community Plan. Members discussed and voted on multiple action items in Sections 2 (Livable for All) and 3 (Growth Framework), amending language, reclassifying items, and referring others for further interdepartmental consultation. The meeting recessed at 11:59 a.m. with plans to continue on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Discussion Items

• Action 2.14 – Homelessness Strategic Plan: The committee amended the language to “develop a strategic plan for South Maui to house individuals who are unsheltered, using relevant studies and plans as a starting point.” The motion passed 7–0 with one excused (Councilmember Sugimura).
• Action 2.15 – Puhonua / Low‑Barrier Shelter: After extensive discussion about the cultural appropriateness of the term “Puhonua,” the committee approved language: “build at least one culturally infused low‑barrier shelter or puhonua with proper sanitation and utilities for those with no or very limited income.” The cost estimate was raised from $10,000 to $30,000 per unit. Motion passed 7–0 with one excused.
• Action 2.16 – Infrastructure for Affordable Housing: The committee struck the action item and moved it to policy Goal 2.2 (Livable for All) as: “Prioritize infrastructure improvements for housing developments that are 100% affordable or workforce housing reserved for resident households that are supported by the community plan land use designation.” Motion passed 7–0 with one excused.
• Action 2.17 – Duplex Definition: The committee deleted this action item, noting that recent council legislation (allowing kitchenettes and two ADUs per lot) already addressed the intent. Motion passed 7–0 with one excused (Councilmembers Rollins‑Fernandez and Sugimura excused).
• Action 2.18 – Green Waste Collection and Compost Program: The committee moved this from an action item to a policy under Goal 2.2: “Support land use entitlements to implement a green waste collection and compost use program within the South Maui Community Plan Area.” Motion passed 7–0 with one excused.
• Action 2.19 – Feasibility Study for County Parcel Adjacent to Kihei Police Station: The committee deferred this item, requesting the Departments of Housing, Management, and ʻŌiwi Resources to consider including protections for the wiliwili forest, a 100‑foot gulch buffer, and cultural resources before finalizing language.
• Action 2.20 – Shoreline Management Plan (including relocation of North Kihei Road): The committee amended the lead agency to include the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Department of Public Works, and changed “may” to “must” regarding addressing coastal resilience, recreation, resource conservation, and the inevitable relocation of North Kihei Road. Motion passed 7–0 with one excused.
• Action 2.21 – Exceptional Tree Designations: The committee accepted the item as drafted, noting that the County Arborist is now under Public Works while the Arborist Committee remains under Parks and Recreation. A post‑plan action item will be noted to address interdepartmental coordination.

Key Outcomes

• Amendments approved: Actions 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17, 2.18, 2.20, and 2.21 were amended and passed with votes ranging from 7–0 to 7–0 with one or two excusals.
• Deferral: Action 2.19 was deferred for further consultation with the Departments of Housing, Management, and ʻŌiwi Resources.
• Revisits scheduled: The committee will continue reviewing remaining action items (including Kilohana Park) and deferred items on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. via the same Teams link.
• Written testimony: The committee continues to accept written testimony on Bill 108 (2026).