Carolyn Cortez

The meeting provided updates on various recovery efforts, including the status of mental health resources and the upcoming elementary school site meeting. Key discussions focused on road reopenings, including Lunalilo Road, and assessments of local infrastructure such as smoke stacks. The Department of Environmental Management provided an update on wastewater system activations, including specific residential areas and the status of ongoing gravity sewer system projects. Representatives from All Hands and Hearts discussed their ineligible debris removal program, volunteer coordination, and ongoing property assessment work. Additionally, an overview of the draft long-term recovery plan was presented, emphasizing its role as a living, community-driven roadmap for future recovery projects and funding.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the County of Maui, Hawai'i, serves as a comprehensive roadmap to protect people, the environment, the local economy, and infrastructure from natural hazards and climate change. It outlines a strategy focused on safeguarding the life, health, safety, and welfare of residents and visitors; promoting the long-term resilience of economic, environmental, historical, and cultural resources; protecting and adapting property and infrastructure against climate change impacts; improving risk awareness and mitigation; and enhancing plan implementation through active involvement and integration across County Departments. The plan aims to reduce disaster losses and break the cycle of damage, reconstruction, and repeated impacts by identifying policies and actions for long-term risk reduction.

The meeting includes new business items such as a member training session for the Public Works Commission and the nomination and election of a new Vice Chair.

The Maui Island Water Use and Development Plan is a long-range plan for the use, development, conservation, protection, and management of Maui County's water resources. It aims to guide the County in meeting projected water demands through 2035 by integrating land use and infrastructure planning. Key focus areas include resource augmentation, expanding alternative water sources, implementing conservation measures, and protecting Native Hawaiian cultural, historical, and natural resources, based on regional aquifer sector plans and extensive community involvement.

The board will review monthly updates from the East Maui Regional Community Board and discuss water system security concerns. Key discussion topics include a draft letter regarding Bill 1 (2026) related to the Water Availability Policy for subdivision construction, a presentation on a food security data visualization project, and a review of the Planning Department's development proposal review process. Additionally, the board will receive and review department monthly activity and water reports.