This comment asks for support for the Na Hale O Maui Fairways at Maui Lani project. Now more than ever we need entry level, sustainable housing solutions for our police, fire, and other hard working neighbors. This program provides tools for successful ownership like education and financial support, which can result in multi-generational housing solutions. I support the Fairways at Maui Lani project in order to provide much needed housing for our neighbors. Elizabeth

Subject: Support for the Mayor’s Proposed FY2026 Budget – Affordable Housing Fund Annual Plan

Aloha Chair and Council Members,

Funding for Na Hale O Maui’s Fairways at Maui Lani Project.

My name is Jae and I am writing in strong support of the Mayor’s Proposed FY2026 Budget, particularly the Affordable Housing Fund Annual Plan.

The continued rise in housing costs has placed an unbearable strain on individuals and families across our communities. Many are being pushed out of their homes or are unable to find stable housing due to skyrocketing rents and property prices. This budget provides much-needed relief and a path forward for those in need.

The housing crisis affects everyone trying to make ends meet. It is no longer just a matter of affordability; it’s a matter of survival for many. The proposed investments in the Affordable Housing Fund represent a critical commitment to preserving the well-being and dignity of our people. These funds will help develop new affordable housing units, support rental assistance programs, and promote equitable access to safe living conditions.

As a member of the community, I have seen firsthand the impact that the lack of affordable housing has on our neighbors. Families are forced to move farther from work or live. We need proactive, compassionate policies that ensure housing stability — and this plan is a vital step in that direction.

The Mayor’s proposal addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions. By investing in sustainable housing development and supporting partnerships with community organizations, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future. These strategic investments not only benefit those currently, but they strengthen the overall health of our island’s economy and culture.

I urge the Council to approve the FY2026 Affordable Housing Fund Plan and continue prioritizing the well-being of residents. Our community cannot wait any longer. We must act with urgency and care to address this ongoing crisis.

Mahalo for your time, leadership, and dedication to creating a more affordable and livable Hawai‘i for all.

Thank you, Jae

Testimony to the Maui County Council Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee
RE: Support for the Mayor’s Proposed FY2026 Budget – Affordable Housing Fund Annual Plan
April 2025

Aloha Chair and Council Members,

My name is Carrie DeMott, and I am testifying in strong support of the Mayor’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, specifically the allocation to the Affordable Housing Fund Annual Plan—and in particular, funding for Na Hale O Maui’s Fairways at Maui Lani Project.

This project is shovel-ready and, with your support, could break ground as early as this summer. It will deliver seven affordable 4-bedroom homes for purchase by local Maui families, with closings projected for 2026. These homes are targeted to households earning 80%–140% of Area Median Income and will be held in a 99-year renewable ground lease, ensuring permanent affordability for generations—from family to family.

Our Community Land Trust model has been serving Maui since 2006, and we have a proven track record of delivering on our promises. We've built 13 homes, assisted with rebuild efforts in Lahaina, currently steward 50 properties and households, and we are ready to scale up our impact with your continued partnership.

In just the first quarter of this year, more than 80 households have completed our orientation program, and we are qualifying new buyers on a regular basis. The need for affordable homeownership opportunities on Maui is greater than ever, and the Fairways project offers life-changing access to secure housing and the ability to build generational wealth.

Na Hale O Maui is not just here for the families in our CLT—we support the broader community through advocacy, partnerships, and direct assistance to anyone who reaches out. We work collaboratively with other nonprofits and public partners because we believe housing is a shared responsibility.

We urge you to approve the funding for the Fairways at Maui Lani Project in the FY2026 budget. Your support will directly help Maui residents achieve the dream of homeownership, stability, and a future rooted in our island.

Mahalo for your consideration and for your continued dedication to affordable housing. I appreciate all you do for our community and look forward to sharing more about our project and partnerships.

With gratitude,
Carrie DeMott
Interim Executive Director
Na Hale O Maui
808-244-6110

Testimony received as of 4/11/2025 at 4:00 p.m.

Aloha Chair and Councilmembers,

Thank you for visiting Lahaina last night. Here is a reap of my testimony, with a few additions.

1. Historic District Groundskeeping Grant (line item of $191,000 under Parks Dept.)

LRF is requesting continued support for this grant which we have been receiving for the past 20+ years. These funds allow LRF staff to maintain the important cultural parks and public spaces in the Lahaina Historic District. After the fire, the downtown area was closed for many months. When our staff was finally allowed in, we dealt with invasive plants, massive weed growth and lots of small pieces of debris left after Army Corps finished clearing the large trash. After months of work, the parks are now looking good, but we need to continue daily maintenance, so we can welcome the public back to the area when all restrictions are lifted.
During the fire, all 12 teak county benches in Banyan Tree Park burned, however 21 wood benches, made from the very dense ipe wood, that LRF had installed, were not harmed. The ipe wood benches were built by a Lahaina woodworker who lost both his house and his shop in the fire. However, he continues to make benches for the park borrowing space in a friend’s shop. Due to the interest in the Banyan Tree after the fire, sponsorships for the benches poured in and our woodworker built and installed an additional 18 benches for the park which brings the number total number of park benches to 39. The park bench project is now complete. The benches, funded by individuals and families, are permanently installed in the park for public use and LRF will continue to maintain them.

2. Grant from Office of Recovery for 1.8 million for the design, permitting etc. of Old Lahaina Courthouse, Old Lahaina Prison and Hale Aloha.

LRF has been leasing these county buildings from the Parks Dept. for twenty plus years and absorbing all management, maintenance, and upkeep costs. LRF is requesting Council support for this grant from the Office of Recovery which will complement funds to be obtained from FEMA public assistance as well as other sources. These public buildings, built during the monarchy, are the pillars of the Lahaina Historic District and their restoration is critical to rebuilding of Historic Lahaina.

Mahalo for listening to the community’s needs. Please contact me with any questions or concerns.

Theo Morrison
Executive Director
Lahaina Restoration Foundation
808-661-3262
Cell: 808-264-6480
theo@lahainarestoration.org

Affordable Housing Fund Annual Plan 04-11-2025

I, Gina Turalva, is in support of the allocation of funds to support affordable homeownership opportunities for working Maui families, specifically affordable housing in perpetuity (for generations), and for the Fairways Project, I would very much appreciate it.

TESTIMONY FOR BUDGET MEETING:

AS AN ARTIST IN HAWAII FOR 53 YEARS, I AM FIRMLY IN FAVOR OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR ARTS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO FUND ARTISTS AND ARTS PROGRAMS IN THE STATE AND ON ALL ISLANDS. MY TINY COMMUNITY OF MOLOKAI THRIVES ON THE ARTS PROGRAMS OF THE MOLOKAI ART CENTER. I AM A PAST PRESIDENT OF HAWAII CRAFTSMEN AND WE ENJOYED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM BOTH THE STATE, FEDERAL, AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
I AM PASSIONATELY OPPOSED TO ANY CUTTING OF ARTS FUNDS.

ARABELLA ARK
ARK CERAMICS
KAUNAKAKAI