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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee Meeting - September 28, 2026: South Maui Community Plan Update (Bill 108)

County Council & Committees — Monday, September 28, 2026

BodyMaui County, Hawaii

SessionCounty Council & Committees

DateMonday, September 28, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 5:54:47

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.

Speaker 1

1:51

Will the disaster recovery international affairs and planning committee of September 28th come to order?

1:58

The time is now 9 02.

2:00

And if everyone can please silence their cell phones or other noise making devices, that will help our cause.

2:08

Members, in accordance with the sunshine law, if you are not in the council chambers, please identify by name who, if anyone is in the room, vehicle, or workspace with you today.

2:23

Also, please see the last page of the agenda for information on meeting connectivity.

2:34

Our committee vice chair Nohee U Hodgins should be along shortly.

2:41

Um we have Councilmember Kawanoy Batangan, Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi.

Speaker 2

2:50

Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi.

2:53

I'm alone in my side of your office, but with me in the office are Nailin and Leigh.

Speaker 3

3:08

Aloha Chair, aloha, everyone.

3:10

I'm at my private residence.

3:12

Aloha.

Speaker 1

3:13

Thank you.

3:14

Um, we also have council member Tom Cook.

3:18

Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi.

Speaker 4

3:20

Aloha Kakayaka Sabadi.

Speaker 1

3:24

And we also have Councilmember Gabe Johnson, aloha kakayaka and Sabadi.

Speaker 5

3:30

Aloha Sabadi, uh Councilmember, community members, uh, Chair.

3:34

There's no testifiers at the Lunai District Office.

3:39

I'm alone in the office with this snoring doggy, Hokchan Johnson.

Speaker 1

3:44

Thank you.

3:44

We also have Council Chair Alice Lee, Sabadi, and Aloha Kakayaka.

Speaker 6

3:52

I'm home alone in my office, and I'm glad to see all of you alive and well and safe.

3:57

Thank you.

Speaker 1

3:58

Thank you.

3:59

We also have Councilmember Kiani Rollins Fernandez.

4:01

Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi.

Speaker 7

4:06

Aloha Kakayaka chair.

4:07

Aloha Kakayaka Kako.

4:09

My Moluka in Oyakina.

4:10

I'm at my private residence alone.

4:12

Uh, there are no testifiers at the Mongai District Office.

Speaker 1

4:16

Thank you.

4:16

And we also have Councilmember Shane Sinentia.

4:19

Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi.

Speaker 8

4:26

Currently here by myself.

4:28

Um, there's no testifiers in Hannah.

4:30

Chair, my apologies.

4:32

Um, I have to probably jump off about eleven for an appointment.

Speaker 1

4:38

Oh, okay.

4:39

Thank you for letting us know.

4:41

Um, last but not least, Councilmember Yukile Sugimura is excused again.

4:46

This meeting of the Disaster Recovery International Affairs and Planning Committee of the Maui County Council is located on the traditional Aina of the Kanaka Oebi, who never ceded their sovereignty to the United States.

Unassigned speaker

5:00

We recognize that Her Majesty Queen Lili Okolani yielded the Hawaiian kingdom to the U.S.

Speaker 1

5:04

in the rest under threat of violence to avoid the bloodshed of her people.

5:09

We further recognize that Hawaii remains an illegally occupied nation state by the U.S.

5:15

as documented in a 2021 scholarly article for the National Lawyers Guild Review by Andrew Reid, a junk professor of law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

5:28

Generations of Kanakamauli and their knowledge systems have sustainably cared for Hawaii and continue to do so.

5:36

We are grateful to occupy this space and learn the ways in which we can contribute.

5:42

As a committee, we seek to support the varied strategies that the indigenous people of Hawaii are using to protect their land and their communities and commit to dedicating time and resources to working in solidarity.

5:57

From the Department of Planning, we have senior planner Karen Komkovich and Deputy Director Anna Lillis from the Department of Environmental Management.

6:07

We have, I believe I seen Michael Peterson from the Department of Fire and Public Safety.

6:17

Um Assistant Chief Gavin Fujioka.

6:22

From the Department of Housing, Remy Mitchell, Department of Management, Noah Jackson, Department

Unassigned speaker

6:27

of

Speaker 1

6:28

OEV Resources, Kyle Robinson, Department of Water Supply.

6:33

We have Program Administrator Eva Blumenstein and from Corporation Council.

6:41

We have Deputy Corp Council Nahulu Nunokawa and Deputy Corp Council Michael Hopper.

6:47

Other resources we have are Rob Weltman, South Maui CPAC chair, Daniel Kanahele, South Maui CPAC Vice Chair, and Vernon Kalanikau who gave us the presentation.

7:00

Because the CPAC is a sunshine board.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Land Use Planning██████████10%

Water And Wastewater Management███████7%

Planning███████7%

Public Engagement███████7%

Cultural Preservation███████7%

Procedural██████6%

Dune Restoration█████5%

Disaster Recovery████4%

Community Engagement████4%

Summary of Proceedings

Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee Meeting - September 28, 2026: South Maui Community Plan Update (Bill 108)

The Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee continued its review of the draft South Maui Community Plan (Bill 108), focusing on Section 4: Goals 2.4 (Mauka to Makai Watershed Management) and 2.5 (Cultural and Natural Resources). The meeting included public testimony, department check-ins, and amendments to numerous action items. The committee did not take legislative action on Bill 108.

Public Comments & Testimony

Matt Cherok (General Manager, Walea Community Association) expressed support for the South Maui Plan but advocated for a revised Wailea Golf Plan, developed in collaboration with Wailea Golf, which he said balances development and open space. He noted majority support among condo associations.
Steve Bishop (Board of Directors, Keola Owailea) supported the revised Wailea Golf Plan and commended workforce housing efforts by White Corps. He opposed any plan altering the Blue Course or allowing residential development on it.
Don Carlson (individual, full-time Wailea resident) opposed any development but considered the WCA compromise acceptable. He argued the original Wailea Golf plan would eliminate two championship courses, leaving possibly zero public courses.
Rory Frampton (representing Haleakala and Kaonoulu Ranches) argued in favor of including the Kihemauca residential area, stating the planning process is not designed as a growth management tool. He rebutted claims of excessive unit projections and noted planning for a North Kihei bypass.
Kay Anderson (South Maui resident) urged the council to stop approving luxury housing, citing inadequate evacuation routes, water, and infrastructure. She referenced a recent wildfire in Olawalu and said the original Wailea Golf map was not the one in the draft plan.
Anonymous Caller (last four digits 4945) expressed concern that only wealthy people can participate and that Hawaiian aspects are deprioritized in the plan.
Robert Bence opposed adding additional development capacity, arguing infrastructure and evacuation capacity must precede growth. He opposed all mauka development.
Albert Perez (Maui Tomorrow) corrected statements about planning code, noting Maui County Code 2.80B mandates sequencing and concurrency. He urged binding commitments for future development.
James Langford alleged white-collar crimes related to wildfires and said they affect South Maui.
Representative of the Royal Panic Kingdom opposed all development, citing defects in land title and lack of notification to heirs.
Johanna Law cautioned that adding roads is not a solution for public safety; recommended multiple solutions including resiliency hubs.

Discussion Items

Section 4, Goal 2.4 (Mauka to Makai Watershed Management)
- Action 4.18 (Dune management coordinator positions): Amended to “seek funding” and added lead agencies: Planning, OEV Resources, and EPNS. Timing changed to ongoing. (Motion by Johnson, seconded by Sinanci; passed 8-0-1).
- Action 4.19 (Ridge to Reef initiative): Amended to “support the creation of a South Maui ridge-to-reef initiative or other similar nonprofit.” Lead: Department of Management. (Johnson, Cook; passed 8-0-1).
- Actions 4.12/4.20 (Water quality monitoring): Combined and amended to “continue to support a program in compliance with DOH QuAP to monitor water quality for all South Maui nearshore waters, paying particular attention to runoff after big rain events.” Lead: Department of Management; added state and county funding. (Fernandez, Johnson; passed 7-0-2).
- Action 4.24 (Wetland acquisition via conservation easements): Amended to include the Conservation Planning Committee and added state/federal funding. (Johnson, Fernandez; passed 7-0-2).
- Action 4.31 (Database of coastal hazards): Retained as written; Department of Management lead. (Consensus).
- Action 4.32 (Native seed banks): Amended to add state and private funding, ongoing timing, Department of Management lead consulting with OEV, Ag, EPNS. (Sinanci, Johnson; passed 7-0-2).
Section 4, Goal 2.5 (Cultural and Natural Resources)
- Action 5.01 (Code of conduct for county parks with cultural sites): Approved as written; OEV lead. (Consensus).
- Action 5.02 (Collaborative restoration): Amended to add “loko” (spring) to the list, changed lead to OEV, timing to ongoing, added state/federal/private funding. (Johnson, Sinanci; passed 9-0). (Subsequently a separate motion changed lead to OEV, passed 9-0).
- Action 5.03 (Reporting procedures for developments): Amended to track developments with discretionary approvals and settlement agreements the county is aware of. (Johnson, Sugimura; passed 9-0).
- Action 5.05 (Identify significant historic properties for preservation): Amended to ongoing timing and added state/federal/private funding. (Cook, Sinanci; passed 8-0-1).
- Action 5.06 (Identify locations for art and cultural events): Timing changed to ongoing. (Cook, Sugimura; passed 8-0-1).
- Action 5.07 (Cultural parks, preserves, and heritage corridors): Amended to add federal/private funding, ongoing timing. (Sinanci, Sugimura; passed 9-0).
- Action 5.08 (Cultural overlay map): Amended to “introduce legislation” to adopt the map, added OEV as co-lead, state funding. (Sinanci, Johnson; passed 9-0).
- Action 5.09 (State archaeological inventory on state lands): Timing changed to ongoing. (Sinanci, Johnson; passed 8-0-1).
- Action 5.10 (Cultural centers/museums in Kulakai and Honua‘ula Kai): Added federal and private funding. (Johnson, U‘u-Hodgins; passed 8-0-1).
- Action 5.11 (Study for restoration of Pu‘u Hele): Retained as written; OEV lead. (Consensus).
- Action 5.12 (Signs identifying significant sites): Lead changed to OEV. (U‘u-Hodgins, Johnson; passed 9-0).
- Action 5.13 (Partner to address negative repercussions of tourism): Amended to prioritize Native Hawaiian cultural resources and practices, made ongoing, added private funding. (Johnson, Sinanci; passed 7-0-2).
Revisits: Department of Public Works (Director Molina) agreed to submit written responses on several action items (1.03, 4.03, 4.26-4.29, and gulch policies).

Key Outcomes

Votes: All amendments passed with varying margins (typically 7-0-2, 8-0-1, or 9-0). Member Sugimura was excused for the morning session; Member U‘u-Hodgins was excused for parts. Member Batangan excused for the entire meeting.
Actions: The main motion as amended carries over to the next meeting.
Next Steps: The committee will reconvene on Wednesday, September 30, at 9:00 a.m. to review Section 3 (Growth Framework) following a presentation from the Planning Department on new community plan designations. Oral testimony will be taken again. The meeting will recess on Wednesday and continue on Friday, October 2, at 1:30 p.m. (due to a council meeting on Tuesday and a DAR committee on Thursday).
Public Works Revisits: Department of Public Works will provide written comments on outstanding items.
No Final Action: The committee did not vote on Bill 108 itself; only amendments to the plan's action items were adopted.

Meeting Transcript

Will the disaster recovery international affairs and planning committee of September 28th come to order? The time is now 9 02. And 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 chambers, please identify by name who, if anyone is in the room, vehicle, or workspace with you today. Also, please see the last page of the agenda for information on meeting connectivity. Our committee vice chair Nohee U Hodgins should be along shortly. Um we have Councilmember Kawanoy Batangan, Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi. Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi. I'm alone in my side of your office, but with me in the office are Nailin and Leigh. Aloha Chair, aloha, everyone. I'm at my private residence. Aloha. Thank you. Um, we also have council member Tom Cook. Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi. Aloha Kakayaka Sabadi. And we also have Councilmember Gabe Johnson, aloha kakayaka and Sabadi. Aloha Sabadi, uh Councilmember, community members, uh, Chair. There's no testifiers at the Lunai District Office. I'm alone in the office with this snoring doggy, Hokchan Johnson. Thank you. We also have Council Chair Alice Lee, Sabadi, and Aloha Kakayaka. I'm home alone in my office, and I'm glad to see all of you alive and well and safe. Thank you. Thank you. We also have Councilmember Kiani Rollins Fernandez. Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi. Aloha Kakayaka chair. Aloha Kakayaka Kako. My Moluka in Oyakina. I'm at my private residence alone. Uh, there are no testifiers at the Mongai District Office. Thank you. And we also have Councilmember Shane Sinentia. Aloha Kakayaka and Sabadi. Currently here by myself. Um, there's no testifiers in Hannah. Chair, my apologies. Um, I have to probably jump off about eleven for an appointment. Oh, okay. Thank you for letting us know. Um, last but not least, Councilmember Yukile Sugimura is excused again. This meeting of the Disaster Recovery International Affairs and Planning Committee of the Maui County Council is located on the traditional Aina of the Kanaka Oebi, 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 the rest under threat of violence to avoid the bloodshed of her people. We further recognize that Hawaii remains an illegally occupied nation state by the U.S. as documented in a 2021 scholarly article for the National Lawyers Guild Review by Andrew Reid, a junk professor of law at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Generations of Kanakamauli and their knowledge systems have sustainably cared for Hawaii and continue to do so. We are grateful to occupy this space and learn the ways in which we can contribute. As a committee, we seek to support the varied strategies that the indigenous people of Hawaii are using to protect their land and their communities and commit to dedicating time and resources to working in solidarity.

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