The Maui County Housing and Land Use Committee convened on August 6, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding affordable housing funding and fee waivers. A significant topic of conversation was whether the affordable housing fund could be utilized to cover certain fees, particularly those associated with the Department of Water Supply.

During the meeting, a council member raised a question regarding the potential use of the affordable housing fund to pay for exemptions from fees that developers are required to pay. Deputy Christina Toshi Kiel confirmed that the fund could indeed be used to offset some of these costs, specifically highlighting the water system development fee as a key example. This fee is essential for the Department of Water Supply, which operates semi-autonomously and relies on these funds for its operations.

The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between departments to ensure that affordable housing initiatives can proceed without financial hindrances. The committee members expressed a willingness to work with various departments to facilitate the use of the affordable housing fund for necessary fee waivers, which could ultimately support the development of more affordable housing options in Maui County.

As the meeting concluded, the committee emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue with department heads to explore further opportunities for utilizing the affordable housing fund effectively. This approach aims to streamline processes and enhance the county's efforts in addressing housing shortages.