Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee (2025-2027) - 2026-02-10
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Budget Finance Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to file Bill 92 CD1 2025, effectively disapproving the proposed intergovernmental agreement with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. The committee also passed Bill 116 2024 CD1, which streamlines lease approval processes for affordable housing programs like Nahale Kupuna by exempting below-market leases from council approval requirements while adding annual reporting requirements.
Key Decisions (3)
Filing of FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Agreement (Bill 92 CD1 2025)
Committee voted 8-0 to recommend filing Bill 92 CD1 2025, which would have authorized the mayor to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the FBI for participation in the Honolulu Division Joint Terrorism Task Force. Filing effectively disapproves the bill. Member Batangan was excused. The existing 2007 JTTF MOU remains in effect until separately terminated.
Affordable Housing Lease Exemption (Bill 116 2024 CD1)
Committee approved Bill 116 2024 CD1 amending chapters 3.36 and 3.4 of Maui County Code to exempt below-market leases for affordable housing and residential workforce housing programs from council approval requirements. The bill streamlines the Nahale Kupuna program lease process.
Administration and Management of Grants (BFED 20)
Discussion of grants administration for agriculture and environmental management departments was deferred due to time constraints. Item will be taken up at a March BFED meeting in preparation for fiscal year 2027 budget.
Development Activity (1)
Nahale Kupuna Housing Program
Kupuna housing program providing below-market leases to elderly residents meeting income eligibility requirements. Program managed by CDBG office now transferred to Department of Housing.
Market Signals (2)
Housing Demand
County is streamlining affordable housing lease processes to accelerate housing delivery for kupuna (elderly) residents, indicating continued demand for senior affordable housing.
Sentiment
Significant community concern expressed about federal law enforcement partnerships, with testimony indicating immigrant communities are fearful and some residents reluctant to engage with local government due to federal immigration enforcement concerns.