Testimonies received from BFED Committee.

________________________________________
From: County Clerk <County.Clerk@mauicounty.us>
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 11:26:59 AM (UTC-10:00) Hawaii
To: BFED Committee <BFED.Committee@mauicounty.us>
Subject: FW: Malama Maui Hikina project


From: Ashley Keegan <keeganohana444@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 11:24 AM
To: County Clerk <County.Clerk@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Malama Maui Hikina project

23 April 2024

Re: support for Malama Maui Hikina Project

Aloha,

This letter is in support of the Malama Maui Hikina project. As Hāna residents for almost 20 years, we have experienced the rise in tourism and the “discovery” of the beautiful and sacred areas from more and more people whose dream is to visit such places. Just like any home that needs to be cleaned or remodeled, areas that can take very little foot traffic at any given time also need time to rest and rejuvenate.

Hawaiian protocol teaches to respect the land. We must ask permission to enter a site, whether it’s the forest, a waterfall, or the ocean. We must have awareness for whether permission is given and respect when it isn’t. If an area has become more dangerous or has high levels of bacteria, then allowing for that area to rest and heal is the only answer. If it is important to maintain clean water or a pure water source for living and farming, then keeping areas free of foot traffic is also vital. Another question is, who speaks for the land when people do not know or understand these sensitivities? A fence or post or pamphlets don’t work. People go where they want to ignoring signs and not educating themselves. They don’t know any better. The only way to educate and protect is human interaction. Having protectors and educators in place on site is the only way to prevent more accidents and heal and maintain the sensitive environment that Hāna celebrates as sacred. The only voice the land and water have is the human voice. We must speak for the land in order to preserve it.

Mahalo nui for your consideration,

Ashley Keegan
And the Keegan ‘ohana

April 23, 2024

Committee Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura
and Members of the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee
200 South High Street, Council Chamber
Wailuku, Hawaii 96793

Aloha Committee Chair Sugimura and Councilmembers:

My comments today are on behalf of the Realtors Association of Maui, in support of the bifurcation of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns.
I had the good fortune of assisting Councilmember Molina with the first draft of the Department of Housing and Human Concerns bifurcation Charter Amendment.
It was the Councilmember’s hope that the department of housing would be responsible for the actual creation of affordable housing units, implementing the County’s comprehensive affordable housing plan, and promoting new housing opportunities for homeless families.
Furthermore, separating the departments could allow each program to better serve their areas of concern, as each program currently has “broad and vitally important responsibilities.”
Accordingly, the administration at the time was against this initiative, however in a moment of compassion, then DHHC Director, Lori Tsuhako stated that “Ultimately, separating housing from human concerns may allow the departments to focus more effectively on their respective areas of jurisdiction.”
As previously noted it is still our hope that the bifurcation will in fact result in the production of affordable and safe housing. Can we say that for sure, I don't know, it will be left to the leader of the new department.
Part of the initial hope for this bifurcation is that the new department would take a greater role as a developer or co-developer. That’s where a Housing Coordinator could be effective. Hiring a department head or coordinator that has development, construction and permitting experience would be a strong step forward in actually moving ground and erecting timbers.
The bifurcation Charter Amendment was well vetted having been reviewed at 3 Government, Ethics and Transparency Committee meetings, 2 hearings at the County Council level and extensive review of the Charter Commission. After all that review, it survived the ultimate test from the voters of Maui, asking that the Department of Housing be created. Therefore, we believe it’s time to get it done and let's start building housing.
Accordingly, we respectfully request and encourage you to move the bifurcation forward in an effort to implement another tool in our affordable housing tool chest.

I also want to follow up on comments from Councilmember Johnson regarding the Homeowner Programs Revolving Fund and specifically the First Time Home Buyers program, which is another program that is very near and dear to my heart.
Councilmember Johnson noted a good point that a $30,000 first time home buyer grant won’t even come close to a down payment and may barely cover closing costs.
With the median price of a home at $1.3 million, 20% down is $260,000
There are programs that allow lower down payments such as VA loans that can be 0% down, but monthly payments are huge. FHA offers a 3.5% down, which equates to a $45,500 down and some lenders offer a 10% down which would be a $130,000 down payment.
Therefore, we respectfully request your consideration to provide funding that would allow the first time home buyers program sufficient funds for grants that are more realistic for a home purchase.

Thank you for your consideration of our request. Should you have any questions please contact me at 808 856-6871 or gary@ramaui.com

Sincerely,

Gary Saldana

April 22, 2024

To: Maui County Council

RE: Resolution 24-77; Donation of 266 Dickenson Street, Lahaina to Lahaina Community Land Trust for development of Affordable Housing

Aloha, my name is Edward Codelia, and I am writing to oppose Resolution 24-77 and respectfully request a revision of Resolution 24-77. Upon careful consideration of the circumstances of the property located at 266 Dickenson Street, the lot in question, I firmly believe that opposing this resolution is in the best interest of Maui County.
The lot in question, consisting of two parcels - Lot 3 and Lot A - was acquired for $650,000 in 2021 during Mayor Victorino's administration. Lot 3, approximately 1500 square feet in size, holds historical significance with references to Land Commission Awards, Royal Patents and the Great Mahele. However, the decision to donate this valuable land to the newly formed Lahaina Community Land Trust, established in the aftermath of recent fires, raises concerns regarding the prudent allocation of county assets.
While the principle of retaining Lahaina lands within local control is commendable, it's essential to acknowledge that Maui County encompasses Lahaina and bears responsibility for stewarding its resources judiciously. Given the current circumstances, donating such a valuable asset may not be the most prudent course of action.
Instead, I propose that the county retains ownership of the A-2 zoned lot and explores collaborative partnerships to develop housing initiatives for essential workers. This includes our valued police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, educators, and ambulance drivers. The permissible uses under A-2 zoning offer a wide array of options, including and use permitted under residential and duplex districts, plus apartment houses, boarding houses, bungalow courts, and townhouses.
And for the record, the County of Maui approved a zoning modification to A-2 zoning to include Short Term Vacation Rentals, vacation rental homes, bed and breakfast homes, and short term rental homes which I am sure is not a consideration by the County of Maui.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that there exists an essential water line easement beneath the properties. The county is currently in the process of securing funds for the repair of these water lines, and retaining ownership of the lot would facilitate this endeavor.
By retaining ownership of the lot and actively pursuing housing initiatives that make sense for our West Side residents, Maui County can better serve its residents and address the pressing need for housing in our community.
Should the county decide that donating the lot is a feasible option, I strongly urge that it be allocated to Hawaiian Home Lands rather than a trust that is less than a year old. This ensures that the land is entrusted to a longstanding and reputable entity with a proven track record of serving Native Hawaiian communities, and I am reiterating this again, please donate the land to the Department of Hawaiian Homes.
Thank you for considering my perspective on this matter.