Maui County Council approves $3.2M acquisition of 105 North Market Street property

Maui County's Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee made significant strides in its latest meeting, focusing on the acquisition of a new property to bolster community recovery efforts. The committee approved Bill 63, which amends the fiscal year 2025 budget to allocate $23.25 million from the bond fund for the purchase of a building located at 105 North Market Street. This property will serve as the headquarters for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Disaster Recovery program.

The decision to use bond funds instead of carryover savings was made to ensure that those savings could be recognized in the fiscal year 2026 budget. The new office is expected to accommodate up to 56 staff members, significantly increasing the program's capacity to assist residents affected by recent disasters. The building's first floor is ADA accessible, and plans are in place to provide services both in-person and virtually, catering to the needs of the community.

Budget Director Leslie Milner emphasized the importance of this acquisition, stating that the property will help offset debt service costs through rental income generated by the CDBG program. The committee also discussed the building's condition, noting that while some minor renovations are needed, it is generally in good shape.

Public testimony included concerns about the building's accessibility and its intended use for the community. Testifier JC Law raised questions about the community's needs and the implications of security measures at the site. The committee acknowledged these concerns while reiterating their commitment to serving the community effectively.

As the committee moves forward, the anticipated outcomes include not only the successful acquisition of the property but also a strengthened capacity to support Maui's recovery efforts. The next steps involve finalizing the purchase and addressing any necessary renovations to ensure the building meets the community's needs.