Committee Approves Two-Year Extension for Affordable Housing Project Construction

The Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee reconvened on August 20, 2025, to discuss critical amendments and exemptions related to affordable housing projects. This meeting followed previous discussions held on August 5 and 6, 2025.

The session began with a vote on an amendment to extend the completion date for a construction project from December 31, 2028, to December 31, 2030. The motion passed unanimously, with nine members in favor.

Following this, the committee shifted its focus to exemptions for a 100% affordable rental housing project. The first exemption discussed was from Chapter 3.48 of the real property tax code, which would exempt the project from property taxes during construction and operation as an affordable housing initiative. Members expressed support for this exemption, with Member Seymour seeking confirmation from the developer regarding its financial implications. Member Cook requested additional information from the finance department about the potential revenue loss due to this exemption.

The committee also examined exemptions related to disposal permits and fees. An exemption from Chapter 8.04 was proposed to waive disposal permit fees during construction. Member Paulton raised questions about the clarity of the language in the proposal, particularly regarding the duration of the exemption and the definition of "special handling fees." The committee agreed to seek further clarification on these points.

Additionally, the committee discussed exemptions from driveway permit and inspection fees under Chapter 12.08. This included provisions to allow for reduced spacing between driveways, contingent upon a traffic evaluation approved by the director of public works. The committee also considered exemptions related to landscape planting requirements.

Throughout the meeting, members emphasized the importance of these exemptions in facilitating affordable housing development in Maui County. The discussions highlighted a collaborative effort to address housing needs while ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to gather further information on the discussed exemptions and their implications for future affordable housing projects. The committee plans to reconvene to finalize decisions on these matters.