The Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss critical housing issues, including the potential implementation of an empty homes tax and the expansion of various housing assistance programs. This meeting was a continuation of discussions from previous sessions held in June and early July.

A significant focus of the meeting was the viability of acquiring units or buildings to address housing shortages. Committee members emphasized the need for a comprehensive financial analysis to assess the costs associated with such acquisitions. One proposal discussed was the introduction of an empty homes tax, similar to a measure currently being considered in Oahu. This tax would target property owners who leave their units vacant, with the revenue potentially used to fund affordable housing initiatives.

Member Johnson highlighted the importance of having multiple legislative tools to tackle the complex housing issue, suggesting that the empty homes tax could be a crucial component of a broader strategy. He pointed out that the funds generated could support the acquisition of affordable housing units, thereby addressing the pressing need for housing in Maui County.

The committee also explored existing programs that could assist residents in affording housing, including the first-time homebuyers program and a deferred payment loan program proposed by Hawaii Community Lending. Director Mitchell of the Department of Housing confirmed that if the proposed bill passes, the department would work to integrate various programs to facilitate both purchasing and renting options for residents.

As discussions progressed, the committee members expressed the need for collaboration and the importance of considering all available resources to effectively address the housing crisis. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further explore these options and the potential impact of the proposed legislation on the community.

Overall, the discussions underscored the urgency of addressing housing affordability in Maui County and the necessity for a multifaceted approach to create sustainable solutions. The committee plans to continue its work on these issues in future meetings.