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Council rescinds $1.25 million earmark for Ma‘alaea regional wastewater project after debate; referral ordered
Summary
The Budget Committee voted 5–4 on April 22 to delete a $1.25 million general-fund appropriation to advance design/site work for the Ma‘alaea (Ma'alaya) Regional Wastewater Reclamation System and referred the matter for further committee review.
The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee voted 5–4 on April 22 to delete a $1.25 million general-fund appropriation intended for design and site preparation of the Ma‘alaea Regional Wastewater Reclamation System and to refer the matter to the committee with instructions for further review.
The Ma‘alaea proposal has been discussed by council members for several years as a potential path to end the use of coastal injection wells in parts of South Maui and to provide a centralized wastewater treatment and reuse system. Supporters argued the project would reduce contamination risks and demonstrate environmental benefits when paired with monitoring. Opponents and some committee members raised questions about funding sequence, project accountability and whether the project should instead be financed by a community facilities district (CFD) or bonds.
Council Vice Chair Tasha Kama and Committee Chair Alice Lee were among the yea votes; Council Members Tom Cook, Gabe Johnson and Shane Sinenci voted no. The roll call recorded the outcome as follows: Alice Lee (Aye), Tamar Paltin (No), Gabe Johnson (No), Keani Locey Rollins-Fernandez (Aye), Tom Cook (No), Nokolani Buu Hodgins (Aye), Shane Sinenci (No), Tasha Kama (Aye), Yukii LeSugimura (Aye). The motion to delete was adopted 5–4.
Proponents of the project had argued for immediate county support so design and site-preparation could proceed; critics said the administration and department capacity needed closer review and asked whether a bond or CFD might be a more appropriate funding vehicle. After debate, the committee removed the earmark and directed staff and the administration to return more detailed information on financing options, department capacity to manage construction, and coordination with state and federal partners.
The deletion does not end the prospect of a Ma‘alaea wastewater system — proponents may return with a revised funding approach or pursue alternative financing — but the committee’s action removes the FY26 general-fund allocation that had been proposed in the budget packet.
