Committee presses administration on zoning requests, entitlements and non‑water parcels in MOU

Multiple council members used the briefing to separate support for water‑asset acquisition from concerns about land entitlements. Members asked whether Exhibit B requests for county‑supported changes in zoning would be initiated by the county or by Maui Land & Pine, and whether any zoning or entitlement actions could be conditioned to favor owner‑occupied or affordable housing rather than luxury development.

Administration said the zoning requests remain negotiation items and that some parcels identified for potential housing entitlements do not currently host active agricultural operations; staff committed to consult agricultural partners and to present appraisals and plans during due diligence. Council members asked staff to avoid approving entitlements that would convert prime agricultural land or expand luxury projects and to explore options such as land trusts or county‑retained parcels dedicated to resident housing.