Aloha Committee Councilmembers.
My name is Jeff Rebugio. I’m with Kaanapali Land.
Now, I don’t track or follow much of the Committee’s schedule, or honestly know what might be on the agenda at much of these meetings. My apologies in advance if this does not quite fit the current agenda. So hoping to keep this short.
Simply looking to bring attention to Puukolii Village Mauka. One of the anchor housing developments proposed under the Kaanapali 2020 community planning work. You already know it is recognized in the General Plan, Maui Island Plan, and West Maui Community Plan.
A year+ after the fires, we see some direction and progress with housing, but mostly interim housing with assistance from FEMA and the State.
I would think there is a strong consensus that we also need to press forward with permanent housing.
So, just wanted to draw more attention to and remind this committee that we have a fully entitled project for permanent housing with Puukolii Village Mauka.
We have large parcel subdivision complete.
We have large subdivision infrastructure improvements engineered, with construction plans ready for approval.
It is effectively ‘shovel-ready.’
However, the critical path in proceeding is, of course, water…
No commitments, no contracts at any level of the development can be made without the issuance of a water use permit.
If there is anything this committee and the rest of the County leadership can do, please urge the State Water Commission to expedite processing and issuance of water use permits.
Please keep this in mind as housing and other related matters are brought to attention.
Aloha kakou. I am submitting as a 3 page attachment the Affordable Housing Policies Statement from Stand Up Maui. These were approved by our board in August.and other organizations have approved them ust in the past two months. They summarize what we believe are the most important ways to create the affordable housing this county needs so badly and urgently.
I also provide this link to a list with maps of all the large parcels of land that we think the county should be vetting as potential sites for large affordable housing projects.
We presented an earlier version of this list to Mayor Bissen and Managing Director Nishita when they attended SUM’s annual meeting on August 5, 2023. They were very receptive, and planned to follow up on it, but the wildfires happened 3 days later.
At this year’s annual meeting, on August 10, the new Director of Housing, Richard Mitchell attended and made a presentation about his plans for setting up his staff and office. We told him about this list, and he was very interested in seeing it, but he asked us to provide maps of the candidate parcels. It has taken some time, but we have now done that.
We hope you all have suggestions on how to improve the list.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Michael Williams, President of Maui Tomorrow Foundation, a board member of Stand Up Maui, and the chair of the Affordable Housing Committees of both organizations.
I also invite you to follow this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w9wodngcm67s4xdvd2jzx/AHwoVPcXFSjXI4r-S5noTjU?rlkey=z4cfuju1wxyvdto05qwcqgan2&st=ozwamxtr&dl=0thanks for making this your sole agenda item for tomorrow’s meeting. I attach a set of Policy Statements re Affordable Housing that Stand Up Maui and other organizations have approved just in the past two months. They summarize what we believe are the most important ways to create the affordable housing this county needs so badly and urgently.
I also provide this link to a list with maps of all the large parcels of land that we think the county should be vetting as potential sites for large affordable housing projects.
We presented an earlier version of this list to Mayor Bissen and Managing Director Nishita when they attended SUM’s annual meeting on August 5, 2023. They were very receptive, and planned to follow up on it, but the wildfires happened 3 days later.
At this year’s annual meeting, on August 10, the new Director of Housing, Richard Mitchell attended and made a presentation about his plans for setting up his staff and office. We told him about this list, and he was very interested in seeing it, but he asked us to provide maps of the candidate parcels. It has taken some time, but we have now done that.
We hope you all have suggestions on how to improve the list.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Michael Williams, President of Maui Tomorrow Foundation, a board member of Stand Up Maui, and the chair of the Affordable Housing Committees of both organizations.
I believe that the affordable housing that have been bulit on Maui has been by non-profit developers like EAH and Catholic Charities. The Council's own housing plan required 85% of the affordable homes needed are for households earning from 0% to 80% ($84k) of annual income. The solution of the Council's Plan was to make Maui County be the main developer for affordabke homes. The County should work with a non-profit corporation to develop one or more affordale homes project for those with the most need. The Council's plan requires the County of Maui to provide the land , the infrastructure, and the finacing to build homes at prices can be rented or owned bybou residents. I agree with Ms. Kama that we need to work together which has not been the case up to now. My suggestion is to follow the County's Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan and finally truly build affordable homes at prices which our residents can pay with over stressing budgets.
Dear HLUC Members,
I am submitting this testimony to express concerns regarding the failure of our government to adhere to the principles embodied in both the State of Hawaii’s motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness"), and the County of Maui’s motto, *“Hana Kupono, Ku I Ka Pono” ("Strive for Excellence, Stand for Justice"). Both of these mottos emphasize righteousness, sustainability, and justice. However, it has become evident that there are significant gaps between these guiding principles and the government’s current actions.
Environmental and Land Management Failures:
The government has a duty to protect and manage our natural resources responsibly, as reflected in the focus on “righteousness” and the life of the land in both mottos. However, overdevelopment, land mismanagement, and environmental degradation suggest otherwise. The ongoing water rights conflicts in East Maui, along with decisions favoring corporate interests, such as those involving Mahi Pono and Alexander & Baldwin, indicate a departure from sustainable land stewardship. These actions undermine the public’s trust and the call for righteousness that our mottos demand.
Housing and Cost of Living:
The principles of justice and righteousness should guide housing policies to ensure that basic needs are met. However, the housing crisis on Maui, made worse by recent wildfires, highlights the government’s inability to address affordable housing effectively. Skyrocketing land and housing prices, particularly for Native Hawaiians and local residents, demonstrate a failure to align with the idea of preserving the life of the land in righteousness and ensuring justice for all.
Indigenous Rights and Cultural Preservation:
The government's handling of issues such as the Mauna Kea protests and land leases to corporations has been widely criticized as a violation of the core values expressed in both mottos. Native Hawaiian communities have long fought to preserve sacred lands and resources, yet government resistance to their concerns shows a disconnect between cultural values and policy decisions. This further diminishes public confidence in the government’s commitment to “pono” or righteousness.
Corruption and Mismanagement:
At both the state and county levels, instances of mismanagement, slow bureaucratic processes, and allegations of corruption are widespread. The lack of transparency and accountability conflicts directly with the principle of "standing for justice" enshrined in the County of Maui’s motto. The government must regain the public’s trust by improving its operations and adhering to the standards of excellence and righteousness called for in our mottos.
### Tourism vs. Local Interests:
While tourism is essential to Hawaii’s economy, it does not necessarily benefit Hawaiians, Hawaiian culture, or, as we learned following the events of August 8, 2023, the residents of Maui County. Many policies prioritize tourists over local communities, leading to conflicts over water use, zoning, and infrastructure. The prioritization of tourist interests over residents contradicts the values of justice and sustainability reflected in our mottos. We must refocus on the needs of the community and ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of our environment or people.
In conclusion, the government must better align its actions with the principles expressed in the State of Hawaii and County of Maui mottos. This requires a shift in priorities—one that places sustainability, justice, and the welfare of residents above corporate interests and mismanagement. I urge the Council to review current policies and make meaningful changes to ensure that our government truly reflects the values of “pono” and justice in all its actions.
Thank you for considering these principles in your deliberations.
Edward Codelia
Aloha Committee Councilmembers.
My name is Jeff Rebugio. I’m with Kaanapali Land.
Now, I don’t track or follow much of the Committee’s schedule, or honestly know what might be on the agenda at much of these meetings. My apologies in advance if this does not quite fit the current agenda. So hoping to keep this short.
Simply looking to bring attention to Puukolii Village Mauka. One of the anchor housing developments proposed under the Kaanapali 2020 community planning work. You already know it is recognized in the General Plan, Maui Island Plan, and West Maui Community Plan.
A year+ after the fires, we see some direction and progress with housing, but mostly interim housing with assistance from FEMA and the State.
I would think there is a strong consensus that we also need to press forward with permanent housing.
So, just wanted to draw more attention to and remind this committee that we have a fully entitled project for permanent housing with Puukolii Village Mauka.
We have large parcel subdivision complete.
We have large subdivision infrastructure improvements engineered, with construction plans ready for approval.
It is effectively ‘shovel-ready.’
However, the critical path in proceeding is, of course, water…
No commitments, no contracts at any level of the development can be made without the issuance of a water use permit.
If there is anything this committee and the rest of the County leadership can do, please urge the State Water Commission to expedite processing and issuance of water use permits.
Please keep this in mind as housing and other related matters are brought to attention.
Aloha kakou. I am submitting as a 3 page attachment the Affordable Housing Policies Statement from Stand Up Maui. These were approved by our board in August.and other organizations have approved them ust in the past two months. They summarize what we believe are the most important ways to create the affordable housing this county needs so badly and urgently.
I also provide this link to a list with maps of all the large parcels of land that we think the county should be vetting as potential sites for large affordable housing projects.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w9wodngcm67s4xdvd2jzx/AHwoVPcXFSjXI4r-S5noTjU?rlkey=z4cfuju1wxyvdto05qwcqgan2&st=ozwamxtr&dl=0
We presented an earlier version of this list to Mayor Bissen and Managing Director Nishita when they attended SUM’s annual meeting on August 5, 2023. They were very receptive, and planned to follow up on it, but the wildfires happened 3 days later.
At this year’s annual meeting, on August 10, the new Director of Housing, Richard Mitchell attended and made a presentation about his plans for setting up his staff and office. We told him about this list, and he was very interested in seeing it, but he asked us to provide maps of the candidate parcels. It has taken some time, but we have now done that.
We hope you all have suggestions on how to improve the list.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Michael Williams, President of Maui Tomorrow Foundation, a board member of Stand Up Maui, and the chair of the Affordable Housing Committees of both organizations.
I also invite you to follow this link:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w9wodngcm67s4xdvd2jzx/AHwoVPcXFSjXI4r-S5noTjU?rlkey=z4cfuju1wxyvdto05qwcqgan2&st=ozwamxtr&dl=0thanks for making this your sole agenda item for tomorrow’s meeting. I attach a set of Policy Statements re Affordable Housing that Stand Up Maui and other organizations have approved just in the past two months. They summarize what we believe are the most important ways to create the affordable housing this county needs so badly and urgently.
I also provide this link to a list with maps of all the large parcels of land that we think the county should be vetting as potential sites for large affordable housing projects.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/w9wodngcm67s4xdvd2jzx/AHwoVPcXFSjXI4r-S5noTjU?rlkey=z4cfuju1wxyvdto05qwcqgan2&st=ozwamxtr&dl=0
We presented an earlier version of this list to Mayor Bissen and Managing Director Nishita when they attended SUM’s annual meeting on August 5, 2023. They were very receptive, and planned to follow up on it, but the wildfires happened 3 days later.
At this year’s annual meeting, on August 10, the new Director of Housing, Richard Mitchell attended and made a presentation about his plans for setting up his staff and office. We told him about this list, and he was very interested in seeing it, but he asked us to provide maps of the candidate parcels. It has taken some time, but we have now done that.
We hope you all have suggestions on how to improve the list.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Michael Williams, President of Maui Tomorrow Foundation, a board member of Stand Up Maui, and the chair of the Affordable Housing Committees of both organizations.
I believe that the affordable housing that have been bulit on Maui has been by non-profit developers like EAH and Catholic Charities. The Council's own housing plan required 85% of the affordable homes needed are for households earning from 0% to 80% ($84k) of annual income. The solution of the Council's Plan was to make Maui County be the main developer for affordabke homes. The County should work with a non-profit corporation to develop one or more affordale homes project for those with the most need. The Council's plan requires the County of Maui to provide the land , the infrastructure, and the finacing to build homes at prices can be rented or owned bybou residents. I agree with Ms. Kama that we need to work together which has not been the case up to now. My suggestion is to follow the County's Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan and finally truly build affordable homes at prices which our residents can pay with over stressing budgets.
Please see attached
Dear HLUC Members,
I am submitting this testimony to express concerns regarding the failure of our government to adhere to the principles embodied in both the State of Hawaii’s motto, “Ua Mau ke Ea o ka ʻĀina i ka Pono” ("The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness"), and the County of Maui’s motto, *“Hana Kupono, Ku I Ka Pono” ("Strive for Excellence, Stand for Justice"). Both of these mottos emphasize righteousness, sustainability, and justice. However, it has become evident that there are significant gaps between these guiding principles and the government’s current actions.
Environmental and Land Management Failures:
The government has a duty to protect and manage our natural resources responsibly, as reflected in the focus on “righteousness” and the life of the land in both mottos. However, overdevelopment, land mismanagement, and environmental degradation suggest otherwise. The ongoing water rights conflicts in East Maui, along with decisions favoring corporate interests, such as those involving Mahi Pono and Alexander & Baldwin, indicate a departure from sustainable land stewardship. These actions undermine the public’s trust and the call for righteousness that our mottos demand.
Housing and Cost of Living:
The principles of justice and righteousness should guide housing policies to ensure that basic needs are met. However, the housing crisis on Maui, made worse by recent wildfires, highlights the government’s inability to address affordable housing effectively. Skyrocketing land and housing prices, particularly for Native Hawaiians and local residents, demonstrate a failure to align with the idea of preserving the life of the land in righteousness and ensuring justice for all.
Indigenous Rights and Cultural Preservation:
The government's handling of issues such as the Mauna Kea protests and land leases to corporations has been widely criticized as a violation of the core values expressed in both mottos. Native Hawaiian communities have long fought to preserve sacred lands and resources, yet government resistance to their concerns shows a disconnect between cultural values and policy decisions. This further diminishes public confidence in the government’s commitment to “pono” or righteousness.
Corruption and Mismanagement:
At both the state and county levels, instances of mismanagement, slow bureaucratic processes, and allegations of corruption are widespread. The lack of transparency and accountability conflicts directly with the principle of "standing for justice" enshrined in the County of Maui’s motto. The government must regain the public’s trust by improving its operations and adhering to the standards of excellence and righteousness called for in our mottos.
### Tourism vs. Local Interests:
While tourism is essential to Hawaii’s economy, it does not necessarily benefit Hawaiians, Hawaiian culture, or, as we learned following the events of August 8, 2023, the residents of Maui County. Many policies prioritize tourists over local communities, leading to conflicts over water use, zoning, and infrastructure. The prioritization of tourist interests over residents contradicts the values of justice and sustainability reflected in our mottos. We must refocus on the needs of the community and ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of our environment or people.
In conclusion, the government must better align its actions with the principles expressed in the State of Hawaii and County of Maui mottos. This requires a shift in priorities—one that places sustainability, justice, and the welfare of residents above corporate interests and mismanagement. I urge the Council to review current policies and make meaningful changes to ensure that our government truly reflects the values of “pono” and justice in all its actions.
Thank you for considering these principles in your deliberations.
Edward Codelia