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Council advances $250,000 grant to support off-site improvements for Lahaina affordable housing project
Summary
The council approved first reading of Bill 31 to amend the FY2025 affordable housing fund and authorize $250,000 for off-site sewer and road improvements for the Kaolu O Kukuia project, a 200-unit multifamily rental development in Lahaina. Budget staff and the project sponsor said the funding will help the project meet an August 2025 completion
The Maui County Council voted to pass Bill 31 on first reading March 7, a budget amendment adding $250,000 to the Affordable Housing Fund for off-site sewer-mains extension and road improvements for the Kaolu O Kukuia affordable housing project in Lahaina.
Budget Director Leslie Milner explained the bill amends the FY2025 budget (Appendix A part 2) to reflect additional available balances and to add a $250,000 grant to support off-site infrastructure needed by the project. Milner said the funding is requested because prior allocations were not fully encumbered and this adjustment will enable the off-site work.
Developer and sponsor remarks: Douglas (Doug) Bigley, who testified for the project, told council that the West Maui phased housing projects have been moving into occupancy; he said one phase already has about 88 units occupied and another 40 are coming online soon, and that the full completion and grand opening for one site is anticipated in August. Bigley said progress has been steady and urged support for the requested off-site infrastructure funds to keep the project on schedule.
Council discussion noted the project includes 200 multifamily rental apartments and that the administration planned a bond issuance in August; members asked for an accounting of funds previously provided for the project before second reading. Vice Chair Yuki Sugimura asked the sponsor to provide a schedule and an accounting of what the county funds have been spent on and what remains.
Action: Bill 31 passed first reading (motion carried 9-0). Council requested additional project accounting before second reading.
Clarifying details: the bill seeks $250,000 from the Affordable Housing Fund for off-site sewer main extension and road improvements for the Kaolu O Kukuia project (200 units); project target substantial completion and occupancy timelines include partial occupancy already underway and a projected grand opening in August 2025 for one phase.
Ending note: Council members asked for more detailed accounting of county fund expenditures and schedules before finalizing second reading; staff and the project sponsor indicated they will provide that information.
