The Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee convened on September 24, 2025, to discuss critical housing policies that could significantly impact the community. A key focus of the meeting was the proposed phase-out of residential workforce housing credits, which has raised important questions about the future of affordable housing in the region.

During the session, representatives from the Department of Housing highlighted three main considerations for the council regarding the housing credits. These include whether the credits should align with the area median income (AMI) levels of the units they were generated from, if they can be used for any type of unit construction, and whether they should be applicable countywide or limited to specific community plans. The department emphasized the need for clarity on these points to effectively implement any new policies.

Another significant topic was the discussion around deed restrictions for ownership units on county-owned land. The department expressed support for a 99-year restriction, which they believe would allow for ongoing discussions about property management and affordability. This approach mirrors practices seen in Hawaiian Homelands and aims to maintain housing affordability while also enabling the creation of more housing units.

Council members also raised concerns about the sufficiency of current policies regarding the use of housing credits, particularly in relation to AMI. The department acknowledged that existing policies do not fully address the council's preferences and indicated that further engineering of procedures would be necessary to align with any new directives.

As the meeting progressed, the committee members explored various amendments, including a proposal for ownership units to be occupied by the owner in perpetuity. While the department did not express major concerns about this change, they noted that implementing such a policy could present administrative challenges.

The discussions from this meeting underscore the ongoing efforts by Maui County to address housing affordability and accessibility. As the council continues to refine these policies, the outcomes will play a crucial role in shaping the future of housing in the community, ensuring that residents have access to safe and affordable living options. The committee plans to revisit these topics in future meetings, aiming to create a comprehensive framework that meets the needs of all residents.