Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Acquisition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee reviews shift of $100,000 to West Maui property acquisition assistance; Trust for Public Land due‑diligence funding removed
Summary
The committee discussed a proposed amendment to delete a $100,000 due‑diligence line for Ma'alaea and instead add $100,000 for West Maui property acquisition assistance; staff said the new line will be a county contract (procurement required) and that the Trust for Public Land’s role was changed because of differences in project focus.
The committee discussed a proposed amendment that would delete a $100,000 appropriation listed for due diligence on Ma'alaea properties and instead add $100,000 under the Department of Management for assistance with West Maui property acquisitions.
Budget Director Leslie Milner said the revised line item will be a county contract rather than a grant and that the administration is not naming a specific organization in the appropriation because procurement rules and sole‑source determinations must be confirmed. She told the committee, “it will be a contract and not a grant. That's why we're not naming the entity who will be doing this work because we need to go through the procurement process.”
Office of Recovery staff said the funds are intended to support due diligence, acquisition planning and identification of funding sources for open‑space, park and access purposes in West Maui. Jordan Hart, speaking for the Office of Recovery, said the funds would be used to advance acquisitions and to identify/line up additional funding sources to close purchases.
The change also reflects an administrative judgment that the Trust for Public Land’s priorities did not align with certain due diligence needs the county requires at this time (the trust focuses on preserving open space, while the county is also evaluating managed‑retreat options and other uses). Milner said some due diligence for Ma'alaea is now expected to wait until next fiscal year.
Public testimony included two speakers. JC Law, a frequent public attendee, described prior community uses of a building and asked how the county intends to use newly purchased facilities. A speaker identifying as Royal House of Hawaii raised historical ownership concerns; staff recorded the comments for the public record.
Action and next steps: the committee discussed the amendment and asked staff for more detail on properties of interest; staff said there is an initial list of properties with letters of interest and additional properties under evaluation. The item was deferred for second and final reading on the council floor, and staff said they will provide property lists and follow‑up information.
