The Maui County Council meeting on September 8, 2025, focused on significant discussions surrounding Resolution 25-167, which has sparked considerable community concern regarding land rights and development practices.

During the meeting, council members expressed support for a modular home bill, indicating progress in housing initiatives. However, the primary focus shifted to the contentious resolution concerning a development project that has raised questions about land title and the rights of Native Hawaiians.

Testifiers, including Kanyeli E. Williams and La la Johnson, voiced strong opposition to the resolution, citing a lack of clarity regarding land ownership and the implications for traditional practices. Williams argued that moving forward with the resolution without clear title could amount to negligence and civil conspiracy, while Johnson emphasized the legal recognition of her rights to exercise customary practices on the property in question. Both testifiers called for the resolution to be referred back to committee for further review, highlighting the need for due diligence and community engagement.

Joycelyn Costa also raised concerns about the resolution's implications for cultural and spiritual ties to the land, urging the council to ensure that the rights of Native Hawaiians are honored and protected. She invoked the Hawaii state constitution, which affirms the rights of Native Hawaiians to engage in traditional practices, and criticized the lack of thorough analysis regarding cultural impacts.

The meeting concluded with a call for further testimony and discussion, as council members recognized the importance of addressing community concerns before proceeding with the resolution. The council's decision to take a break before continuing with testimony reflects an ongoing commitment to engage with the community and consider the implications of their decisions on local residents and cultural heritage.

As the council moves forward, the discussions surrounding Resolution 25-167 underscore the critical intersection of development, land rights, and cultural preservation in Maui County.