Carolyn Cortez

The meeting addressed multiple recovery initiatives, including the successful opening of the Front Street railing and sidewalk project and status reports on housing inventory. Key topics discussed included upcoming legislative updates, zoning amendments for the Lahaina United Methodist Church, and evacuation management and wildfire mitigation strategies provided by the Maui Emergency Management Agency. The session also highlighted the 'Lahaina Homecoming' event, updates on local school reconstruction, Hawaiian Electric's infrastructure hardening projects, and available mental health and financial resources, specifically property tax information and USDA grant programs for homeowners.

The Board meeting included an appeal from Ariel Holdings Inc. regarding a director's decision concerning renovations and structural footprint interpretations for transient vacation rental use under Ordinance 5316, which resulted in the approval of an amended Decision and Order. Additionally, the Board engaged in a discussion regarding board powers, duties, and procedures, including contested hearing protocols, hearing officer assignments, minute availability, distribution of meeting materials, and quorum issues. Administrative matters addressed included member attendance, term expirations, and recruitment for board vacancies.

The agenda focuses on board operational activities, including the announcement of resignations and member acceptances for various advisory boards and commissions. It includes provisions for recruiting events, such as the Pineapple Festival, and updates on current vacancies and appointments made by the Mayor and Council. The Board plans to discuss old business regarding vetting processes for the Corporation Counsel and Prosecuting Attorney, including a temporary investigative group and scoring rubric. New business involves interviewing applicants for multiple commissions and committees, as well as reviewing potential charter amendments related to the board's structure proposed by the County Council's GREAT Committee.

The board addressed multiple appeal cases. Regarding the Paia Place Trust and Paia Pad Trust appeals, both parties agreed to continue the hearings to a status conference scheduled for October 2026 to allow the appellant time to obtain counsel. Concerning the Lothar Kuster appeals related to violations for zipline operations, structure building, and sales on multiple properties, the parties stipulated to continue the hearings until August 2026, transitioning them to status conferences. The board noted the appellant's cooperation in providing requested documentation and confirmed upcoming requirements for the appellant to appear before the Planning Commission and County Counsel.

The board meeting focuses on status conferences for two violation notices regarding flood development and building permits at 598 and 600 Spreckelsville Beach Road. Additionally, the board will address appeals concerning the closure of short-term rental home applications for properties on Hāna Highway and Ae Place, with the potential to affirm or reverse previous violation notices and consider requests for continuances and amendments to filing deadlines.