On August 13, 2025, the Maui County Council convened for a public hearing that highlighted significant community concerns regarding proposed developments in the region. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from residents, particularly focusing on the potential impact of the Wailea 6 and 7 Development Project (DPO) on culturally and historically significant lands.

One of the key testimonies came from a descendant of the Royal Patent, who expressed strong opposition to the proposed development. The speaker emphasized that the land in question contains sacred sites, including burial grounds and other cultural resources that are vital to the community's heritage. They argued that the development would cause irreparable harm and desecration to these historic properties, urging the council to conduct a thorough historic preservation review and consult with affected communities before proceeding.

The speaker also raised concerns about the lack of communication with descendants of the land, highlighting a perceived violation of rights at an international level. They called for immediate action to protect these cultural resources, stressing that failure to do so would significantly harm the community's spiritual practices and heritage.

In contrast, another resident, Kelsey Mappa, addressed the council regarding the urgent need for affordable housing. Mappa urged council members to hold developers accountable for their commitments to provide affordable housing units, advocating for a vote in favor of the housing-related agenda items while opposing bills that could hinder these efforts.

The juxtaposition of these testimonies underscored a critical tension within the community: the need for development and affordable housing versus the imperative to protect cultural heritage and historic sites. As the council deliberates on these issues, the voices of residents reflect a deep commitment to preserving their cultural identity while also addressing pressing housing needs.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and consideration of the community's concerns, setting the stage for ongoing dialogue about the balance between development and cultural preservation in Maui County. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how these competing interests will be navigated in future planning and development efforts.