The Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee convened on July 23, 2025, to continue discussions on amending local regulations regarding vacation rentals in apartment districts. The meeting, which was reconvened from several previous sessions, aimed to address community concerns and gather input from various stakeholders.

Chair Tasha Kamala opened the meeting at 9:04 AM, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and community engagement in the decision-making process. She noted that the council has received numerous emails criticizing their actions, clarifying that their role has been to listen to the mayor's proposal and the community's feedback.

The primary agenda item focused on proposed amendments to chapters 19.12, 19.32, and 19.37 of the Maui County Code, which pertain to vacation rentals. The committee plans to deliberate on these changes throughout the day, with breaks scheduled to ensure a thorough discussion. Chair Kamala encouraged members to ask direct questions to maximize the efficiency of the meeting.

Several members of the committee, along with representatives from various departments, were present, including the Director of Housing, Richard Mitchell, and the Deputy Director of Water Supply, James Kimo Landgraff. The meeting also included external stakeholders, such as representatives from the Maui Vacation Rental Association and Lahaina Strong.

As the committee prepares to make informed decisions, they will continue to accept written testimony from the public, ensuring that community voices are heard in the ongoing discussions about vacation rental regulations. The outcome of these deliberations is expected to have significant implications for housing and tourism in Maui County.