Committee defers facial‑recognition ordinance after privacy concerns; members urge pause and study

The DRIP committee opened discussion on Bill 1‑12, an ordinance proposed to establish Maui County code governing facial recognition technology, and elected to defer the measure to allow more time for study and drafting.

Several members expressed concern about facial recognition's privacy risks and recent national cases of misuse. Council Member Keani Rollins Fernandez said that because the county does not currently operate facial‑recognition software, she would prefer language that disallows use unless a future, well‑vetted process is approved. Other members asked for more time to review the technical and legal implications; MPD offered to demonstrate capabilities and to work with council on best practices and oversight if the technology is ever proposed for use.

Chair Tamara Paulton asked if there were objections to deferring Bill 1‑12; none were raised and the committee agreed to pause consideration to permit further study and to coordinate with the administration's recently issued memo pausing real‑time crime center expansions. Staff will provide a follow‑up letter clarifying MPD's present procurement and planned processes.