The Maui County Council convened on August 13, 2025, for a public hearing focused on the ongoing discussions surrounding the Wailea 670 development project. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from community members expressing concerns over the proposed changes to the project, particularly regarding the reduction of affordable housing units.

The session began with a call for prioritizing the safety and well-being of residents in decision-making processes. One testifier emphasized the need for the council to hold developers accountable, urging them to adhere to commitments made regarding the construction of affordable homes. The speaker highlighted that the developer's request to amend plans should be met with scrutiny, as the community's needs must be considered.

Stacy Alapai, another testifier, voiced strong opposition to the potential elimination of 450 affordable homes from the project. She argued that allowing the developer to make such changes would contribute to wealth extraction from the community, as the developer had previously stated that the proposed amendments were not essential for the project's progression. Alapai criticized the council for appearing to disregard public input, expressing disappointment in the lack of responsiveness to community concerns.

Greg Ryalski followed with a reminder that the council has the power to propose amendments to protect affordable housing. He urged council members to take action to prevent the loss of these crucial units, emphasizing the importance of increasing affordable housing availability in the area.

The testimonies reflected a deep frustration among community members regarding the perceived prioritization of developer profits over local housing needs. The council members were urged to reconsider their stance on the proposed amendments and to actively engage with the community's concerns.

As the meeting progressed, the council faced calls to demonstrate their commitment to the community by voting against unnecessary changes that could diminish affordable housing opportunities. The session concluded without immediate resolutions, leaving the future of the Wailea 670 project and its impact on affordable housing in Maui County uncertain. The council's next steps will be closely watched by residents advocating for their housing rights.