Housing and Land Use Committee (2025-2027) - 2026-03-18
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Housing and Land Use Committee reviewed operations and budgets for the Department of Planning and Department of Housing. The Department of Housing reported over 800 affordable rental units and workforce homes constructed since July 2024, including Kaiulu O Kukuiya, Kaulana Mahina, Hokuula, and Kaiulu O Kupoi. The Department of Planning reported 893 building permits reviewed and 146 SMA exemptions/minor permits processed in the first half of FY2026. The committee item regarding a community facility district for Waikapu Country Town was canceled.
Key Decisions (3)
Waikapu Country Town Community Facility District Canceled
The agenda item HOU-3-4 relating to a community facility district for Waikapu Country Town was canceled and will not be discussed.
Department of Planning Operations Review
Review of operations and budgetary status for the Department of Planning was deferred after presentation and discussion.
Department of Housing Operations Review
Review of operations and budgetary status for the Department of Housing was deferred after comprehensive presentation covering all divisions.
Development Activity (16)
Kaiulu O Kukuiya
Affordable rental units completed since July 2024
Kaulana Mahina
Affordable rental units completed since July 2024, potential partnership for project-based vouchers discussed
Hokuula
Affordable rental units completed since July 2024
Kaiulu O Kupoi
Affordable rental units completed since July 2024
Hale Olaiye (Hagai Institute)
RFP released February 2026, mandatory pre-proposal conference held March 12, 2026, proposal deadline May 4, 2026, successful offeror selection expected June 5, 2026
Komohana Hale Apartments
Rebuild project for 40 affordable multifamily rental units, conditionally awarded $16 million in CDBG-DR funding, seeking FEMA public assistance
Kaiolu O Napili
Right of entry initiated for site survey, property originally purchased with open space fund, request to reimburse with affordable housing funds being processed
Kilohana Makai
Water systems development completed, general fund grant for extension of Wallace Street and Kilohana Drive including utilities, landscaping, sidewalk, fencing, walls, and streetlights
Hale Palina
6 HOME-assisted units anticipated to open in 2027
Kahako Phase 2
10 HTF-assisted units expected in 2026
Kahako Phase 3
6 HOME-assisted units, 4 HTF-assisted units, and 1 HOME ARP unit, applications opened December 2025
Kahawco Transitional Housing
$1.14 million HOME ARP funds conditionally allocated for rehabilitation of 8 two-bedroom units for homeless families, serving up to 24 families per year
Nahalekupuna Operations
Received additional funding through CDBG reallocation of approximately $1.36 million from prior year funds
Lanai Affordable Housing Infrastructure Project
Awarded $1.25 million in Congressional Directed Spending for FY26, proposed for additional FY27 CDS funding
Maluwaka Affordable Rental Housing
Awarded $250,000 in Congressional Directed Spending for FY26, proposed for FY27 CDS funding
Laakea Village
Supported affordable housing proposed for FY27 Congressional Directed Spending
Market Signals (9)
Housing Demand
Over 800 affordable rental units and workforce homes have been constructed and made available since July 2024, indicating strong county investment in affordable housing production.
Housing Demand
Section 8 housing choice voucher program operating at 97% utilization rate with 98% of HUD funding expended, indicating extremely high demand for rental assistance.
Housing Demand
Section 8 waitlist currently processing positions 1,203 to 1,252 from approximately 2,000 applications received when list opened in June 2023.
Housing Demand
Maui Homeowner Assistance Fund has assisted over 400 households and distributed over $15 million since May 2024 launch, indicating significant pandemic-related housing distress.
Infrastructure
Department of Housing pursuing FEMA public assistance and CDBG-DR funding for Lahaina rebuild projects, with $16 million conditionally awarded for Komohana Hale Apartments.
Sentiment
Department of Housing conducting tough love meetings with developers to identify processing challenges, with developers requesting digitized applications and streamlined multi-department approval processes.
Labor
Four Seasons Lanai workers received 30% wage increase through ILW union negotiation affecting approximately 700 workers, which will impact area median income calculations.
Housing Demand
East Maui has not seen new housing development since the 1970s despite high need, with construction costs approximately three times higher than other areas.
Commercial Demand
Department of Planning reported 893 building permits reviewed and 1,463 staff responses to inquiries in first half of FY2026, indicating steady development activity.