The Maui County Water and Infrastructure Committee convened on June 30, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding land acquisition in Lahaina. The meeting began with a call for public testimony, but no individuals signed up to speak. Following a final call for testimony, the chair closed oral testimony without objections, noting that written testimony would still be accepted.
The primary agenda item focused on the acquisition of parcels in Lahaina, which had been deferred from a previous meeting. The committee discussed the appraisals for the land, which revealed that the appraised values were lower than the purchase price requested by the landowner. The Director explained that the unique circumstances surrounding land in Lahaina contributed to this discrepancy, and negotiations were ongoing.
Despite the appraisal concerns, the committee expressed a willingness to proceed with negotiations at the asking price, citing the potential benefits of the acquisition. The discussion included the possibility of entering an executive session to further address sensitive details regarding the negotiations.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions at the upcoming council meeting on July 8, where further decisions regarding the acquisition will be made. The committee's focus remains on ensuring that the acquisition aligns with the community's needs and recovery efforts in Lahaina.