Maui County's Water and Infrastructure Committee convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss the financial outlook and expansion plans for the Park Maui project, which aims to enhance beach park facilities across the region. A key focus of the meeting was the anticipated revenues versus costs associated with the initiative, particularly in light of recent challenges following the Lahaina fires.

During the session, committee members expressed concerns about the lack of available data on projected revenues from various locations, especially beach parks. Mister Nakamoto acknowledged the uncertainty, stating that while costs are becoming clearer, revenue estimates remain elusive due to ongoing permitting processes and unexpected expenses. He committed to providing detailed financial information in writing to address these concerns.

The committee emphasized the importance of the Park Maui project in generating revenue that would ideally exceed operational costs. However, it was noted that the absence of income from Lahaina, a previously significant contributor, complicates the financial outlook. Without expanding to additional beach parks, the program may incur higher costs than anticipated.

Discussions also touched on the potential for future expansion beyond the initial phase, which focuses on Kamole Beach Parks 1, 2, and 3. The committee expressed openness to including other areas, such as the North Shore and West Maui, but stressed the need to ensure a successful rollout of the current phase before proceeding.

As the committee moves forward, the emphasis remains on careful planning and execution to maximize the program's benefits for the community while addressing financial sustainability. The next steps will involve monitoring the initial phase's progress and gathering more comprehensive data to inform future decisions.