The Maui County Council convened for a regular meeting on September 8, 2025, where significant discussions centered around the Hale Maha Olu Kekahua Affordable Housing Project. The meeting featured public testimonies that raised concerns about the project’s ethical implications and its impact on the community.

The session began with testimony from community members opposing the project. One speaker, Mr. Brown, expressed strong opposition, emphasizing that the project should not come at the expense of local landowners. He highlighted the historical significance of the land, noting that his family members are buried there, which adds a personal dimension to the ongoing discussions.

Charlene Aperto followed with her testimony, raising ethical concerns regarding Council Member Alice Lee's involvement in the project. Aperto pointed out that Lee had previously signed an agreement related to the land in question, suggesting a conflict of interest. She urged the council to ensure transparency and public confidence by recusing Lee from any discussions or votes related to the project. Aperto also criticized the process by which the project was brought to the council, arguing that it bypassed necessary public review.

Peter Horowitz, a former board member of MEO, provided context about the property and its ownership history. He clarified that MEO has owned the land since 2006 and discussed the legal disputes that have arisen regarding claims of ownership by other parties. Horowitz's testimony aimed to clarify misconceptions about the land's title and the ongoing legal matters.

The council members engaged in discussions about the testimonies, with some expressing a desire to hear more from Horowitz as a resource person. However, there were objections regarding the relevance of his testimony, as some members felt they had already heard sufficient information in previous meetings.

As the meeting progressed, the council moved to address the resolution concerning the Hale Maha Olu Kekahua Affordable Housing Project. The resolution sought exemptions from certain county code requirements to facilitate the project. Members were reminded that this was not the first time the council had discussed this item, with a total of 13 meetings held over the past few years.

The meeting concluded with a call for further questions and discussions regarding the project, indicating that the council is still in the process of evaluating the implications of the proposed housing development and the concerns raised by the community. The council's next steps will likely involve further deliberation and consideration of the public's input before making a final decision on the resolution.