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Public testifiers urge state to complete 400+ acre Leialiʻi transfer so Lahaina survivors and beneficiaries get housing
Summary
A Maui testifier asked the commission to hold the state accountable to transfer the full 400+ acre Leialiʻi tract in West Maui to DHHL so the land can reduce wait times for beneficiaries and support housing for Lahaina fire survivors.
During public testimony at the commission meeting on April 22, a Maui beneficiary and resident outlined ongoing concerns about the transfer of more than 400 acres at Leialiʻi (Lēʻialiʻi) in Lahaina and urged the commission to ensure the full tract is transferred to DHHL to benefit beneficiaries and Lahaina fire survivors.
What was said: The testifier recounted that the commission approved negotiating and executing a transfer in October 2023, but that the state paused later in 2023 to prioritize housing for Lahaina fire survivors. The speaker said multiple agencies—including FEMA, state housing agencies and nonprofit partners—have been building or locating modular housing and other temporary units for survivors and that infrastructure funded by DHS and FEMA is being considered in negotiations.
Why it matters: The testifier said DHHL beneficiaries on wait lists could see their wait times shortened if the full Leialiʻi acreage and its infrastructure are transferred to DHHL for beneficiary housing. Testimony asked commissioners to hold state parties to their promises and to ensure that any transfer returns the full 400‑plus acres to DHHL when emergency shelter needs subside.
Commission response: Commissioners acknowledged the competing demands—post‑fire emergency housing and long‑term beneficiary needs—and said DHHL staff had been engaged in negotiations. No vote or formal commitment to a specific transfer timetable occurred during the meeting; the item was offered as public comment and a request for continued oversight.
Ending: The speaker urged commissioners to keep the transfer intact for beneficiaries after immediate post‑fire needs are met and to insist state negotiators and partners fulfill earlier transfer commitments.
