The Maui County Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee meeting on April 19, 2025, featured significant discussions on local community issues, including housing, tourism management, and infrastructure concerns.

During the meeting, Clayton Carvalho, a local resident and community leader, expressed his gratitude for past support from the county council, particularly regarding funding for the Hana Farmers Market. He highlighted the importance of community involvement in local nonprofits and emphasized the need for continued support for these organizations.

Carvalho raised concerns about the East Maui Tourism Management Pilot Program, which he noted had seen a decline in effectiveness after initial success. He pointed out that many no-parking signs installed along the Hana Highway had been removed or damaged, leading to ongoing issues with traffic and safety in the area.

A critical topic of discussion was the lack of affordable housing in Hana. Carvalho shared his personal experience of living in the area for over 40 years and noted that only one housing project had been completed during that time. He urged the council to expedite the permitting process for a new affordable housing project, which has faced delays. The council members acknowledged the importance of this issue and committed to following up on the permitting status.

Additionally, the meeting addressed infrastructure challenges, including road conditions and water supply issues in Nahiku. Community leaders called for improvements to the roads and water lines, which have been problematic due to frequent breaks and inadequate pressure.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from council members to support ongoing community projects, including the development of a resiliency hub and improvements to local parks. The discussions underscored the need for collaboration between the county and community members to address pressing local issues effectively.