Council Considers Funding Options to Bury Power Lines for Affordable Housing

During a recent Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee meeting, significant discussions centered around the use of funds from the affordable housing fund to address infrastructure improvements, particularly the undergrounding of power lines. This topic emerged as a response to concerns about the visual and environmental impact of above-ground power lines in new housing developments.

Council Member Johnson expressed a desire for the county to support the burial of power lines, questioning whether funds from the affordable housing budget could be allocated for this purpose. The response from the department confirmed that such expenditures are indeed permissible under the affordable housing fund guidelines. However, the builder involved indicated that their current budget did not account for these costs, as they had anticipated an exemption from such fees.

The committee also discussed the timeline for construction projects, with some members expressing concerns about the potential delays in the Special Management Area (SMA) application process. There was a consensus on the need to ensure timely reviews to avoid hindering construction schedules. To address this, members proposed extending the deadlines for project phases to December 31, 2028, and for completion to December 31, 2030. This extension aims to provide developers with adequate time to secure necessary permits and complete their projects without unnecessary interruptions.

In addition to these discussions, the committee highlighted the importance of timely responses from the planning department, which has been criticized for delays in processing applications. Members emphasized the need for accountability and efficiency in the planning review process to support ongoing housing development efforts.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to vote on the proposed amendments, reflecting the committee's proactive approach to addressing housing and infrastructure challenges in Maui County. As the community continues to grapple with housing needs, these discussions underscore the importance of collaboration between government entities and developers to create sustainable and visually appealing living environments.