The Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee convened on June 9, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding housing and tourism in the wake of recent challenges faced by the community. The meeting featured public testimony, including a poignant statement from local resident Jerome Bosch, who expressed strong opposition to a proposed bill affecting housing and tourism.

Bosch, a full-time resident and small business owner in Kihei, highlighted the significant impact of the recent fires on tourism, which he noted has sharply declined. He reported that his car rental business and vacation rental property have seen revenue drops of 34% and 29%, respectively, when comparing the periods before and after the fires. Bosch emphasized that the local economy heavily relies on visitors, with only a small percentage of revenue coming from local customers.

In addition to declining income, Bosch raised concerns about rising expenses, citing a 20% increase in homeowners association fees, an 85% hike in insurance premiums, and a 70% rise in property taxes over the past two years. He criticized the administration for its ability to raise taxes to balance the budget while local residents face financial strain without similar options.

Bosch called for collaboration among community members to find effective solutions to the housing crisis, urging the committee to focus on creating opportunities for families to buy homes rather than perpetuating cycles of uncertainty and division. He concluded by expressing a collective desire for stability and progress within the community.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for actionable solutions to address housing affordability and the economic challenges facing Maui residents, particularly in light of the recent downturn in tourism. The committee's discussions will likely continue to shape the future of housing policies in Maui County.