The Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding the first-time homebuyer program and potential expansions to housing assistance initiatives. The meeting, which followed several prior sessions, focused on how to better support residents in acquiring homes.

A key topic was the operational framework of the first-time homebuyer program. Committee members learned that once individuals qualify for funding, they have approximately 45 days to secure a property. If they fail to do so, they are cycled out of the program, allowing others the opportunity to access the funds. This time constraint raised concerns among members, prompting discussions on whether the duration should be extended to provide more flexibility for potential buyers.

Additionally, the committee addressed plans to evaluate and potentially expand the down payment assistance program. This initiative aims to facilitate the acquisition of former transient vacation rentals (TVRs) by local residents. The department indicated that while they have not yet begun this evaluation, they are committed to making the program more accessible to a broader range of buyers, particularly if a related bill passes that would make over 6,000 units eligible for the program.

The urgency of these discussions was underscored by committee members, who pressed for a timeline on when the department would be ready to implement these changes. While no fixed date was provided, officials assured the committee that they would expedite the process.

In addition to these discussions, the committee briefly touched on the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CBGDR) program, which includes a deferred mortgage option. Members expressed interest in understanding the availability of funds, which could reach up to $600,000, and how they could be utilized to further support housing initiatives.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the committee's ongoing efforts to enhance housing accessibility for Maui County residents, with a focus on timely implementation of proposed changes to existing programs.