The Maui County Council held a special meeting on August 13, 2025, focusing on several pressing issues, including housing agreements and ongoing legal matters. A significant portion of the discussion centered around the misrepresentation of entitlements related to workforce housing units, with council members expressing concerns about commitments made to the community.

Council member Chip Chase addressed allegations that the developer YLA 670 had previously misrepresented its obligations to provide 700 workforce housing units. He emphasized that the numbers presented were accurate and that any documentation would only reiterate his statements. This prompted further inquiries from council members about the developer's commitments and the implications for the community.

Vice Chair Sugimura highlighted concerns raised by the Kihei Community Association regarding perceived broken promises from the state Department of Transportation (DOT) related to the South Maui community plan. Chase confirmed that there was no deal in place, countering the association's claims.

The meeting also touched on recent legal developments, including a lawsuit filed by Maui Tomorrow against the planning commission's recommendations. Chase reported that the circuit court dismissed the appeal, citing procedural issues and affirming that the planning commission's recommendations were not subject to intervention.

Additionally, discussions included the status of a counterclaim against YLA 670, which had been labeled a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). The court ruled that the counterclaim could proceed, dismissing the SLAPP designation.

As the meeting progressed, council members sought clarity on the timing and conditions of deed restrictions for affordable housing units, particularly regarding when the ten-year affordability period would commence. The council aimed to ensure that any new housing agreements would align with existing regulations and community needs.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate the specifics of housing agreements and legal matters, underscoring the council's ongoing efforts to address community concerns and uphold transparency in development processes.