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Maui beneficiaries ask DHHL to pause Wailuku awards and test Kamalani soils before homes go in
Summary
Testifiers urged DHHL to finalize Pilina-based administrative rules before awarding Wailuku agricultural leases and called for soil and air tests at the Kamalani development site on Maui, citing past industrial contamination in the area and potential health risks.
Several Maui beneficiaries and advocates asked the commission to delay lease awards tied to the Pilina (place‑based) priority wait list and to complete environmental testing at the Kamalani project site before homes are installed.
Jade Alohalani Smith asked DHHL to finish administrative rules for the Pilina‑based priority wait list before awarding 96 Wailuku agricultural leases, arguing beneficiaries are planning under the expectation of the new policy. She also raised contamination concerns about the Kamalani site, saying historical agriculture and industrial uses have left toxins in the soil and air and requesting site‑specific testing and readings so potential health risks can be understood prior to occupancy.
Mary Anne Kahaʻanahā of Oʻahu CDC echoed calls to expedite the Pilina program or pause awards until policy formalization, citing the need to honor beneficiary planning and expectations. Testimony cited historic litigation and press coverage linking contamination to birth defects in other nearby areas as the reason for requesting independent testing and consultation.
Next steps: Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and staff said they would coordinate further beneficiary consultation and provide information about the Pilina rule timeline and any available site testing for Kamalani.
