16 Water Resources Committee - Regular Meeting

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Aloha, will the Agriculture, Diversification, Environment, and Public Transportation Committee meeting of August 6th, 2026, please come to order. The time is 9.02 a.m. Members, in accordance with the Sunshine Law, if you're not in the DPS conference room, please identify by name who, if any, was in the room, vehicle, or workspace with you today. Minors do not need to be identified. Today, I have Kate Griffin and Roxanne Morita to help me in the Lanai District Office, as well as Axel Beers on the sixth floor. Also, please see the last page of the agenda for information on connectivity, and remember to silence all cell phones. Good morning, everyone. I look forward to chairing a productive meeting today. I'm Gabe Johnson, your committee chair. Also joining us today is committee member Kanuli Batongan. Aloha, council member.

KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA COUNCIL MEMBER KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA COUNCIL MEMBER KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA COUNCIL MEMBER KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA COUNCIL MEMBER KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA COUNCIL MEMBER KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA COUNCIL MEMBER KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA COUNCIL MEMBER KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA COUNCIL MEMBER KANULI BATONGAN, ALOHA CO Yes, I'm alone in my office. Okay, great.

Thank you for that. Moving on to Council Member Tom Cook. Aloha, Council Member.

Aloha, Chair. Good morning. I'm in my Kihei office, and I'm alone on the side, but my aide is here in case anybody wants to testify.

Okay, great. Thank you so much. Moving on to Council Chair Owsley. Good morning, Council Member.

Good morning and say co from the Iroquois Nation. No one's here in my workspace except me and my little kitty cat.

DIRECTOR HERSEY- Okay. Say co to you Chair Lee. Thank you. Moving on to committee member Councilmember Tamara Poulton. Aloha Councilmember.

TAMARA POULTON ALOHA COUNCILMEMBER TAMARA POULTON Aloha kākāyā kākākou streaming live and direct from historic Lahaina town. I have with me Christian Balagso at the Lahaina Residency Area Office. And we have no testifiers waiting to testify at this moment.

DIRECTOR HERSEY- Thank you for that. Of course committee member Noe Laniu-Hodges is always welcome. I don't see her on so that's OK. When she comes in we'll introduce her when she comes in. Of course our non-voting committee members are always welcome. That would be Councilmember Rollins-Fernandez as well as Councilmember Yudhoyle Sugimura. From the administration, we have the Department of Agriculture Director, Kali Arce, Deputy Director, Heva Heva. Hopefully he can make that. I know he's trying to make it. Food Access Coordinator, Laura Nelson, Agriculture Advocate, Maya Hunter. And from the Department of OEV Resources, we have Deputy Director, Kakai Robinson. From the Department of Corporation Council, we have Deputy Corporation Council, Rife Snyder. Without objection, I'll designate our administration personnel as resource on the Rule 18A of the Rules of the Council to their subject matter expertise related to the matters on this agenda. Any objections, members? No objections. Okay, thank you. From the committee staff, we also have our ADEPTS team joining us this morning. Good morning. All right, members, on the agenda, thank you all for being here today, online, virtually, however we are here, we are here. Today on this agenda, we have one item, and it's Bill 98-2026, Establishing a Food and Nutrition Security Plan, ADEPT 10. As this is the only item on today's agenda, I will take testimony after receiving opening comments from the departments. Members, I do intend to take legislation action on this bill today, FYI. The importance of food and nutrition security for our community cannot be overstated. Ensuring our residents have access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food is a foundation of a healthy community where everyone can thrive. It is the guiding goal which informs efforts to improve our food system, support agriculture, cultural connection, improve public health, and manage our lands and natural resources. Data shows that our community is struggling with food insecurity. Costs of living continue to increase and have outpaced wage growth. Housing costs are astronomical, and as they say, rent eats first. A 2024 survey found that 60% of Maui County residents and 70% of fire survivors report cutting back on groceries and food due to financial reasons. Our vulnerable and historically marginalized communities are especially impacted, making food and nutrition security an equity issue. For example, compared to the general population, Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and Filipinos are more likely to experience food insecurity. Households with young children and school-age children are more likely to be food insecure. fireside survivors are more likely to be food insecure. And the students of UH Maui College, our next generation of leaders and workers, also report to be more likely to experiencing food insecurity. This plan by the Department of Agriculture gives us a blueprint to improve our food systems so that our community and natural resources can thrive. Today, I would like to codify this important plan included in the bones of our county's legislation to guide administrations for hopefully generations to come, as we also work towards long-standing goals of community development, economic growth, cultural preservation, sustainability, and following the general plan. On August 7th, 2025, almost a year ago, We received a presentation in this committee from the Department of Agriculture on the plan where I mentioned that I would be working on creating stronger action. This is one such action. Members, I worked with the Department of Ag in drafting this bill and asked other departments through correspondence with Corporation Council via the request for legal services to provide comments or suggested revisions. We now have a proposed CD1 version approved as a form of legality by the Department of Corporation Council. And of course the amendment summary form incorporating the changes has been distributed members and it should be coming in your mailbox if you're online. And let us know as we continue that that is that is there. Now I'd like to hear comments from the Department of Ag but I think if you'd like I'll read in the before we get to the department's comments I kind of want to read in a little bit of the ASF. So the CD version one. incorporates the following changes, and there's three changes to it. Number one, amend the bill's title to identify the new Maui County Code chapter being established. Number two, in proposed subsection 22.03.01A, amend the bill's proposed purpose by replacing the language for the purpose of insuring to guide policies towards the goal of insuring. It's a change we're doing. And number three, in proposed section 22.03.02, it adds a definition for food security. The reason why the proposed CD1 version is based on input from the managing director in consultation with the Department of Corporation Council. So that's why we did that ASF. Now, I would like to hear comments from the Department of Agriculture on the revised bill. After that, I will ask for comments from the Department of OEU Resources and then the Department of Management. And I see Director Arcee on the call. Thank you so much for joining us, Director. I'm glad you brought your team. And do you have any comments on Bill 98, CD1-2026? And before you go, I just want to say thank you so much for all your help on working on this. So, Director, the floor is yours.

Okay. Aloha. Good morning, Chair Johnson and ADEP Committee. Thank you for allowing us to provide some comments. Food insecurity stretches across our tri-island county. Our food system's dependence on imports makes us vulnerable to natural and environmental disasters that interrupt the food supply, affecting everyone, hitting some communities much harder than others. We must cultivate a more sustainable and self-sufficient community food system, which includes how we produce, process, prepare, market and distribute food, as well as handle waste management. Supporting local agriculture and increasing food access are key to achieving this goal and are intimately entwined with community health and nutrition, as well as economic prosperity for our islands. Improving Maui Nui's food system will take great intentions and effort. The Food Nutrition and Security Plan is the foundational instrument to guide the local production of more plant and animal foods which contribute to building self-sufficiency and enhancing the county's economy. Between 2023 and year 2025, the Food Nutrition and Security Plan was developed by the Department of Agriculture, which is now four years old. The plan is in alignment with the Department of Agriculture's purpose, that is to increase food production and ensure residents have sufficient access to locally grown food. Our department gathered input from over 900 County of Maui residents, stakeholders, agricultural producers, aggregators, educators, and agricultural organizations through community meetings and outreach events in fiscal year 24. We finalized and launched the Food and Nutrition Security Plan in spring 2025 and are now in the process of collecting data for the first annual update on the plan's progress. We thank Council for your work to adopt and utilize the plan The County of Maui's Department of Agriculture is in support of adding the Food and Nutrition Security Plan to Title 22 as part of its powers, duties, and functions because it provides a clear community support pathway to develop a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable food system to help us carry out our department's mission. Mahalo.

Okay, thank you so much, Director. And before we move on, I want to recognize Councilmember U'uhajans who has joined us. Aloha and good morning, Councilmember.

Aloha and good morning, Chair and everyone. I'm at my private residence. There are two adult males home with me today. One is my husband, William Ko'uhajans. The other is my son, Makoa U'uhajans. And I really like your background, Chair.

Perfect. Perfect. Thanks so much. You know, members, I misspoke about the managing director coming to speak with us today. They're not going to be able to make it, but they did write a letter. It's on Granicus. Let me pull up what that number is, but it's a short list here. Looks like it's number three on Granicus. So if you guys need to look that up on their response page. Okay, we're moving on to Ms. Nelson. Thank you so much for all your hard work on this plan and working with us on this bill. Ms. Nelson, you're on the call, I think. There she is. Do you have any opening remarks? Good to see you.

We just thank Council so much for your enthusiasm in both adopting and also implementing this plan. It's just been wonderful to see how Council's already utilizing the Food Nutrition Security Plan to integrate and improve metrics for our grants and programs. So thank you all.

Yeah, it's really nice to work with the administration on policy together. I think the moons align. It just goes so smooth. um thank you so much all right now we have uh deputy director robinson if she's on the call thank you for joining us today i see her turning on her camera good morning uh we i just want to appreciate the letter that you wrote uh we received it's number five on granicus from the department of louisville resource and would you like to provide any comments on bill 98 cd1 2026 deputy director

Mahalo nui, aloha kakahiaka kakou. Thank you for having me here this morning. It was our pleasure to support this plan. The Department of OIV Resources recognizes the incorporation of Ike Hawai'i of Native Hawaiian culture and traditional practices throughout the Food Nutrition Security Plan and in the implementations. Integrated ahupua'a management, stewardship of resources from mauka to makai, and cultivation practices that emphasize balance, abundance, and long-term sustainability. These perspectives should not just inform but be foundational to the plan. Native Hawaiians continue to experience disproportionate rates of chronic disease, developing innovative programs that increase access to nourishing and culturally relevant foods, to lower those reflects our department's commitment to improving community well-being through community-based and culturally informed strategies. OEV strongly supports the emphasis on mauka to makai resource management and educational pathways. These concepts reflect the traditional Hawaiian understanding that the health of the forests, of streams, wetlands, agricultural lands, coastal systems, and communities are inseparable. Strengthening educational opportunities that connect youth, families, schools, and community organizations with traditional agricultural practices, ike kupuna, balanced resource stewardship, and local food production helps perpetuate cultural knowledge while developing the next generation of environmentally-minded community leaders. Integrating Hawaiian knowledge into food system planning for the county through this ordinance provides a meaningful opportunity to implement these longstanding community priorities in a coordinated and measurable manner. The Department of OUV Resources supports the passage of this bill for an ordinance amending Title 22 of the Maui County Code, establishing the Food and Nutrition Security Plan. With its explicit requirement to incorporate Native Hawaiian knowledge, culture, and practices, we would also respectfully request that the Department of OUV Resources have a defined and ongoing role in ensuring these foundational principles remain central to the plan as it is developed, executed, and periodically updated. Also, personally, I would just say I really love this plan. And I really enjoyed my time working with the Department of Ag and also with Ms. Nelson. And I have been tasked with creating the Maui County Fair Cookbook for distribution to the community. And I have been working with Ms. Nelson because I was excited to incorporate some of the ideas and some of the community partners that are highlighted in the Food and Nutrition Security Plan. So I thank Ms. Nelson for being open to that, and also Director Arcee and Deputy Heva Heva for allowing for that. But OEV is excited to partner with them to distribute that to the community in some small way this October. So Chair, thank you for having me this morning, and thank you. Aloha.

Of course. Look at all of us working together. It's so wonderful. Okay. Thank you for those words, Deputy Director. I don't see any clarifying questions. We do have some testifiers. Okay, we're going to go into public testimony. All right, testifiers wanting to provide testimony should sign up on the lobby of the Department of Personnel Service Conference Room, join the online meeting via the Teams link, or call into the phone number noted on today's agenda. Written testimonies encouraged and can be submitted via the e-comment link to this meeting at mollycounty.us forward slash agendas. For those wishing to testify via Teams, please let staff know using the raise your hand function. Once you have been added to the testifier log, staff will lower your hand. If calling in, please follow the prompts via star five to raise and lower your hand and star six to mute and unmute. Staff will add names to the testifier list in order of testifier sign up or raise their hands. For those on Teams, staff will lower your hand once your name is added. Staff will then call the name you're logged in on the last four digits of your phone number when it is your time to testify in. At that time, staff will also enable your microphone and video. Please ensure your name appears in Microsoft Teams as a name you prefer or as anonymous if you wish to testify anonymously. If you're in person, please notify staff if you would like to testify anonymously. Otherwise, please state your name for the record at the beginning of your testimony. Oral testimony is limited to three minutes per item. If you're still testifying beyond that time, you will hear a second timer go off. After 30 seconds, and I will kindly ask you to complete your testimony. Once you're done testifying, or if you do not wish to testify, you can view the meeting on Akaku Channel 53, Facebook Live, or Maui County.us forward slash agendas. We'll do our best to take each person up in an orderly fashion. We'll now call on testifiers who wish to testify at the beginning of the meeting. And staff, if you'll allow it, I'd like to hear the bell just to let everybody know that because we're all doing it virtually. So maybe we can just do a quick test run of this bell. Can you hear the noise? I'm sorry, I just sprung it on you, but I'd like to test it before we get into testimony. Okay, everybody hears that? Looks good. Okay, so staff, if you don't mind, please call the first testifier.

Thank you, Sheriff. First testifier is Hugh, followed by Johan Wall. Hugh, you can give your testimony.

Good morning, Chair Johnson. Council members, can you hear me okay? All right, great, thank you. Good morning, Chair and committee members. I'm Hugh Starr from upcountry Maui. Today I have been asked to present brief testimony on behalf of the Maui County Farm Bureau on proposed Bill 98. Our Executive Director, Warren Watanabe, has a prior upcountry commitment this morning Our Maui County's food and nutrition security, the subject of this proposed legislation, begins at a single point in the fields of our farmers and ranchers, our producers. All else, food insecurity follows from here. Two of the most persistent and troubling challenges that our producers are confronting every day are providing for adequate labor and labor housing, as well as navigating complicated, antiquated land use laws. Since our Department of Agriculture's unveiling of the Maui County Food and Nutrition Security Plan about a year and a half ago, two very significant land use modernization efforts have finally begun substantively moving forward at our planning department. First, there is the complete retooling of Title 19, our county zoning law. And second, implementing the state's egg producer incentive statute known as the Important Egg Lands Act, IAL. Our producer industry feels it's necessary to conduct an updating review of Bill 98 to actively consider and recommend additions to the purpose of the bill in light of the Title 19 rewrite and the IAL work. Maui County Farm Bureau respectfully recommends that your committee defer adoption of the draft bill until our producer industry is able to provide constructive, well thought out, updating recommendations to this draft of Bill 98. On behalf of the Farm Bureau, thank you for your consideration of this request.

Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Hugh Starr. We do have a question from you or for you from Councilmember Paul.

Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Mr. Starr. I'm not sure I'm clear on the reason for holding off because passing this bill would start the 120 day clock on a dashboard. And Mr. Johnson, or sorry, Councilmember Johnson is very open to hearing farm stuff in my experience. So, I mean, once the producers get their input together and it requires like an amendment or update, I don't think he would sit on it. So I guess I'm not 100% sure why you want us to just stop in our tracks right now.

Okay thanks for that question. I have to plead ignorance on this. I'm not sure what you're referring to on the 120 days and the dashboard thing. I mean I guess let me put it a different way.

It's on 20.03.050 letter D an online dashboard within 120 days of the effective date of this chapter must track the progress of the plan's recommendations. the online dashboard must be accessible from the county's website and updated yearly. So I mean, to put a stop in its tracks would like, you know, slow everything down of the good stuff. I don't, I'm not sure what the producer situation is because this is a food and nutrition security plan. So I mean, can you clarify what the reason is that you want us to just stop everything for you folks to input? There's still first reading, second reading, and things like that. And they've been working on this food and nutrition security plan for years.

Yeah. Mr. Starr?

Yes, thanks. And I totally appreciate what you're saying, Councilmember. It's not the intention to stop it. When our board met last evening at one of our regular monthly meetings,

There was ambiguity.

None of us really understood exactly how the agenda was written in terms of whether this would be a first reading and there'd be an opportunity for the Farm Bureau to weigh in before a second reading or say a final reading before the full council. And so I think it's a matter of us simply, you know, the Farm Bureau simply not understanding the process well enough to know. So we don't intend to stop everything in its tracks. We just are asking that we have an opportunity to have a conversation with the council members on how the IAL progress and the rewrite of Title 19 progress will impact this food insecurity plan.

DIRECTOR RIVERA- We can ask that question but I don't see it impacting it at all personally but we can ask that question in discussion. I mean it was introduced at the council referred to this committee first reading happened at the council. So here's where the work is done. If if you want to be a resource in on the discussion I have no problem in requesting the other members that you sit in on this discussion if you're available. But, you know, I don't want to... The process is that it gets introduced at the council. Unless it gets passed then and there, it gets referred to committee for the work to get done, which is where we're at right now. Then it gets referred to first reading at the full council and second reading. So we're right in the work process if... You'd like me to request you as a resource so you can be a part of the discussion. I I have no problem with that. Is that what you would like.

FRED PODESTA. Well I appreciate that. I guess the question is and again it's the Farm Bureau that I'm I'm here on behalf of this morning. It's not just me. And I think so the question if you could help me with this. DIRECTOR HERSEY.

Just a minute JC Law. Just a minute JC Law.

If the Farm Bureau in reviewing this primarily, Council Member Pelton, it seems that the focus of the concerns or at least wanting to look at this through the filter of this new progress we've been making with the rewrite of Title 19 and the IAL implementation. It centers around the four pages of the bill itself, not the report that was submitted and is attached as exhibit A. So I guess my question, if you could help me with it, is can the Farm Bureau make recommended changes to the draft bill after this meeting? Will there be a reading, another reading where that opportunity will arise?

The Farm Bureau can't make changes. We can make changes. There is opportunity at first and second reading if this body would like to. Okay.

That's all that I think we're asking for. And if I'm have confused the process. My apologies to everybody. You know, I said we would like the opportunity to to submit comments at a second reading that's for consideration by the committee for adoption.

So you don't want to sit in as a resource right now?

Yeah, honestly, I'm not clear even what that means. So I'm good with not sitting in as a resource. I just want to I'm here. being asked by the Farm Bureau to present the view. And as long as the Farm Bureau has an opportunity to submit comments that could be considered for possible changes to the draft Bill 98, then that's as much as I think we're really asking for.

Okay, Council Member Poulton, are your questions finished? Okay, Mr. Starr, if you'd like, we can talk, I can have a meeting with you offline and we can discuss this with the Farm Bureau if you'd like before. But the, you know, I think there's still time, you know, we got first and second reading, but you can always look at the Food and Nutrition Security Plan. It's on the agenda. It's on Granite Case. We can always have a discussion and we'll talk about it once we get in the first reading. But okay, does any other members have any clarifying questions or any questions for our testifier? Thank you so much, Mr. Starr. Thank you for your testimony. Staff, before you call the next testifier, Ellen, do you have something to announce?

Thank you, Chair. Yes, we have a correction on the conference ID for any call-in testifiers. And that correct number is actually, the median ID is 872-061-43-POUND. That will allow them to call in with their testimony.

The question written testimony is always allowed as well.

Number again is 872-061-43-POUND.

Okay, thank you so much. Staff, will you call the next testifier, please?

Thank you, Chair. The next testifier is Yohan Lal followed by cell phone number 4945.

Yohan Lal. I'm testifying on my own behalf. Good morning. I support this food and nutrition security plan. And I was reading through it and I was thinking, wow, this all looks good. This is all really good stuff that it's good to have in your plans. And someone said recently the whole thing about planning is you don't know, you can't predict the future. And I guess the flip side of that is planning is how you create the future. So if you don't plan to do things that will create food security, it's not going to happen. it's like the first step and there's always going to be details and there's going to be actual policies and things that go into that. But I think it's important to actually have a plan and state what the goals are and what you're going to do. And specifically, I want to call out some things that are really, that often get overlooked. And so I'm glad they're in here, like the invasive species. And there's been a lot of concern about coconut rhinoceros beetle and all those things. It's also like, a watershed conservation thing because the watersheds are really being under attack by invasive species, whether it's deer or invasive plants, stuff like that. And that water is what ultimately gets used for agriculture and housing and everything else that you need water for. So it's really important that that's in there. There's also streamlining regulations. I think that's good. There's also, I guess, a flip side, which is maybe there should be language about enforcing regulations. Because one thing that we're all familiar with is gentleman estates. And those really happen because the zoning that requires ag land to be used for ag is not really enforced strongly. Like you can pretend you're doing ag and you can literally effort, you can hire someone to bring sheep to your land when the inspectors go out. So it looks like you're doing ag when you're not really. That's like a part of the puzzle is keeping ag land in ag, unless it's actively rezoned to residential because the community decides to do that. But ag land really should be ag. Water should be, when it's needed and required by the Constitution, should be going to ag, all that kind of stuff. So it's like a giant puzzle, and I'm glad the council is working on this. Thank you.

Thank you for that testimony spoken like a true planner, Mr. Law. Do we have any testifiers or clarifying questions for our planner, Mr. Law? Go ahead, Council Member Palten.

Thank you, Chair. Thank you, Mr. Law. I just wanted to clarify, you weren't implying that the Department of Ag would be the enforcement agency because I think that that was part of when we created it that they would

not be like regulating but i i see that director refers to management so you're just saying somebody but not department of that right uh yes and specifically i was looking at how there's language about streamlining regulations which i think would apply to all the departments and so uh i believe this this plan this goes into this becomes part of like the general plan so it would act as a guide to planning and everyone else who's who's doing any kind of regulations in some way okay thanks i just wanted to clarify that you weren't looking at the ag department county ag department right maybe they should maybe that should be some oh that's a can of worms mr law yeah we'll have to change the charter or something but yeah

Okay, seeing no other clarifying questions, thank you so much for your testimony, Mr. Law. Staff, will you call the next testifier, please?

Thank you, Chair. Our next testifier is the cell phone number ending in 4945. You may begin your testimony.

JC, are you ready to testify? Calling on you, JC Law, are you ready?

yeah um i was just when it's when i say the next caller then the computerized wahine voice comes on there and says you guys okay um okay all right jesse if you're ready the floor is yours go ahead good yeah i wish i could be there with you guys i don't know what's going on um who's there i was uh very um I'm very grateful that we have an OCS director that actually cares about including the public in the process. So whatever the council can do next time it comes around, any meetings and budget stuff, anybody that's listening, whatever we can do to help Mr. Rotz up there in the seventh floor.

Okay, JC, let's talk about the food and nutrition security plans. It's an awesome plan. I want to hear your opinions on it. Let's stick to the agenda, sir.

I don't know what the plan is because I'm shut out of all the meetings. I can't come to the county building. I'm not allowed in the agriculture department. I don't have a computer. I don't have a phone that does that kind of stuff. Can't go to the library without the Wahine father and me over there. It's like, I know it sounds like I'm complaining, but people are trying to participate in the government, and then there's a certain... dark side of the government that doesn't want people to participate.

Okay, fair enough. JC, you know I'm going to try to keep you on this agenda, and I don't want to waste your three minutes, so how's food?

Okay, so let me tell you, in my testimony, in my personal experience of trying to get a job, that's what they call it in America, getting a job, but me and you, people that know how to work, it's not about getting a job, it's about finding work. So I've been trying to maybe 13 years. I've been to several farms. It's a little bit harder up in Kula because they have big hills. So you can't really, you got to find something closer. You're going to be tired by the time you get to work. So there's not too many farms down in Kahului area. So I've been trying and trying and trying and just not able to find anyone that can. And I don't need that much money. I only need $200 a month. So my phone number's on there. I'm not even, if somebody can, Mr. Ross, you're allowed to give out my phone number.

I think somebody has it over there.

And if anybody can help me with a farm anywhere on the island. I'm even thinking about going to the Rani and helping you, Mr. Johnson, if you can help. It's hard for farmers to come up with money because of things. So I'm really hoping I can hang in there till Mr. Pajita gets into a country seat. And then I'm pretty sure he can point me in the direction. And I'm all for it, Mr. Thompson. I've been, I'm almost up to, I got 15 seconds left. I've seen you in action, Mr. Thompson. I'm glad that you don't have any opponents in your election this year so you can concentrate on food security. The federal government's saying through the state government that the SNAP is gonna get harder and you have to work I was an able-bodied adult, and I'm so frustrated because I can't work. So it sounds like what the Bible's saying, you don't get the mark of the beast, you're not going to be able to eat.

Thank you for that testimony, JC. Let me see if we have any clarifying questions. Any clarifying questions for our testifier? Seeing none, thank you for testifying, JC. Appreciate you. Staff, do you have any other testifiers?

Thank you, Chair. There's currently no one else on the testifier. I can do the last call if you'd like.

Feel free, please.

Thank you. If anyone else would like to testify on this item, please raise your hand on Teams using the raise your hand function or by pressing star five on your phone if you're calling in. I do have one testifier who identified himself on this item.

Okay. R.L., the floor is yours if you can unmute yourself.

Thank you. Yes, representing the royal family kingdom of the entire country, called Hawaii Pa'aina,

I see what you guys are trying to do with food security plans and stuff like that. But my concerns are, why should there be farms when each Ohana individually should grow their own food on specific lands? And how would farms help food security? Because, like, there's just going to be, like, everywhere there's planting farms already. Like, is there going to be, like, more plants or something, like, to harvest? Or, like, you guys already have these large amounts of harvesting already. And, like, there's no positive outcome. There's still no changes. I thought I heard something about workforce housing from one of the other testifiers before. That's a great concern too because when they're building these workforce housings and all of this like that, they're building like big buildings to squash everybody inside the building when everybody should be housed with a house and their own land to grow food because Because who feeds you is who controls you, yeah? You know what I mean? Everybody individually should be able to plant their food. And also, will the heirs be contacted too? Because only they would know where to plant and what to plant in specific areas and specific lands. Like, what if there's an upcountry farm and they're only going to grow, like, carrots or something? Is the carrots going to help the environment? No. Hello. Or, like, yeah. So, please, yeah, that's, like, the greatest concern, if the heirs will be contacted for any of the farmlands because they've been contacted. And planting just large amounts of plants inside in all these different areas is not going to help the environment or food security, proven by fact, like literally, like it's common sense. And yeah, and...

Okay. Let me see if I have some clarifying questions for you, Royal House. Members, we have any clarifying questions for our testifiers? Seeing none, thank you once again for your testimony. Staff, will you call the next testifier, please?

Thank you, Chair. I can do another last call. There's no one that's signed up currently.

Okay, members. Okay. Any last call for testifiers? Seeing none. Members, seeing there's no one else wishing to testify, if there's no objections, I will now close public testimony. Any objections, members?

No objections.

Okay. Thank you. Let's jump into a discussion, members, on Bill 98-2026, establishing a food and nutrition security plan. I propose three minutes per Councilmember for each round of discussion. And we'll just go down the list here. So we'll start with Councilmember Uhu Hodges followed by Councilmember Tom Cook followed by Chair Lee followed by Councilmember Paulton as well as lastly Councilmember Batonga and myself. So that's the order. Councilmember Uhu Hodges you're up first three minutes.

Thank you Chair and thank you everyone for their presentation and hard work. I'll start with the dashboard because I love that concept. Who's going to maintain this dashboard? Is this going to be with Department of Ag or any related agencies? Who's going to do the dashboard pretty soon?

Department of Ag, but Director Arcee, would you like to speak on that?

Yeah. I'll hand it over to Lauren. She would be better able to explain the concept.

Yeah, thank you.

Great question council member. So our department is happy to both launch and maintain the dashboard and we've already met with our GIS team and they have in house a lot of capabilities to build out a dashboard. So we're hoping it doesn't need to be contracted out.

Okay, cool. I love that idea. Um, For in the plan itself, we have some actions that are not yet identified, like who's gonna carry them out. When we see that in the dashboard, is that what it's gonna say or do we have kind of an idea, I'm assuming, of where it's going to go or how are we gonna navigate some of those actions?

Department?

So we will provide an annual update that will be shared on the dashboard to see progress on each of the actions. And annually we hope to identify any changes to action leads. So hopefully we will have an action lead for every single one of the 131 actions in the food nutrition security plan. Right now we have, we're still collecting that data, so we don't have the exact number of action leads, but when we launched the plan, it was 42. So we're hoping that just grows. We'll also note changes to action leads. So if an agency is no longer doing that work or it's now housed in a new nonprofit, we'll note that.

Okay, great. Thank you. That was another one of my questions. I guess, okay, I found a lot of things interesting, but one of them I find interesting was kind of mentioned in testimony too. So navigating regulations and removing unnecessary regulations. I'm assuming that that requires... several agencies through the state and the county. Are we gonna have the affected parties and affected agencies like talk stories and kind of work through a better process or how do we see navigating the regulations and removing them? How do we see that working?

Department?

So each of the actions in the plan will need its own work plan and many will need a collaborative team. And I agree that having our producers as stakeholders in these discussions is key. Looking at action 2.4.2 to provide support through the permit and regulation process. Currently, we already partnered with the planning department on this. So we're working across department. And it's something that we'll continue to do. Our agriculture advocate, Maya Hunter, is on today too. And she works directly with producers. So we'll definitely pull in their voice. Thank you.

Thank you. And thank you, Chair. I heard the bell.

DIRECTOR HERSEY- Okay great. Thank you Councilmember. Let's move on to Councilmember Tom Cook followed by Chair Lee.

FRED PODESTA. Hi Chair. Thank you for having this. The dashboard is there a chance before like second reading we'd have kind of a template kind of a the framework. First I'm supportive of this. It's also kind of intimidating for me as far as the magnitude of pulling it off that navigating the regulations and getting them in alignment having a GIS that is global enough to be able to like water, you know, there's so many things in our community. If we have the visibility on, then it'd be easier to have a conversation with the department of how the other department is either helping or hindering getting something done. So is that okay? What's the timeframe do you think of getting like a template for the dashboard going that people could weigh in on?

Before the department responds in the bill, it says they have 120 days to get the dashboard up, but I'm sure maybe they're ahead of the game. So, department?

We hope to have one available in Q2. Oh, pardon me, director.

Before Lauren jumps in, I'd like to also share that we already have been working with our GIS from managing department. We have a draft. layers of different maps and we're hoping to have it on the website but I'm I believe we are able to share it in a separate presentation one-on-one if you would like to you can have work with Lauren and she can coordinate that thank you very much like I said I am supportive of this and I'm hopeful great okay are you are you finished with your lines of questioning Council Member Cook

Yes, Chair. I'm going to listen. Thank you. All right. Thank you.

Chair Lee, followed by Councilmember Poulton.

Thank you, Chair. Director Arcee. So, and thank you for all the work that you've done on this, along with everybody else. I just want to clarify that all that you're coming up with are pretty much guidelines and recommendations as opposed to mandates.

Yes, that is correct, but department?

Did you hear, she looks like, did you hear me? Director Arcee? Are you trying to unmute?

Oh, you're muted, Director Arcee.

I think she knows that. She's trying to unmute.

There it is. It's a work in progress and it's going to develop as we go through the different actions. I think it's a great start to, I guess what you're saying is like laws, but It's also integrating the community's input, which who we work for. So it's going to still take effort to form it into how it'll work to address our county's needs. And Lauren can add more into that because she's been working intimately with the very many organizations that have put input and played a role in this.

Okay. Before we ask her, I just wanna make sure that we have so many different plans already that are generally not followed because they're not funded. Somebody has to fund these plans, you know, because money just doesn't fall from the skies, right? So that's why I'm concerned about what becomes a mandate, who becomes the person responsible for funding these mandates, And is that the direction you're taking? So either you, yeah.

I can jump in a little bit and add to the conversation to address your question. So in our ASF, the amended version, you'll see the number two in the effects. It says in proposed subsection 22.03.01A amends the bill's purpose by replacing language for the purpose of ensuring with to guide policy towards the goals of insuring. So it's not mandating. Okay, great. So I know that's your concern.

You know, I also, I always look for where are the economic incentives, knowing that eventually we have to pay for this. And so by creating incentives for people, that expands the economic growth, but also it creates partnerships and not, over reliance on just grants from the county.

Department, do you want to address Chair Lee's concern? We heard the bell, but if you would like a response.

Yes. Thank you, Chair Lee, for bringing that up. We are always working hard to determine different incentives that will benefit our community. And now that we're further into our baby stage, we are understanding more how we can designate funding from our budget to become money set aside for incentives. And we also try to secure funding on our own. And sometimes we're not successful, but when we do, we are able to address the needs that we have. that was directed to. So we're working on that.

Thank you. And thank you for your frankness. I appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you, Chair.

Okay, Chair Lee. And goal two, just one more reminder, goal two, support producers and expand food production to create an abundant, self-sufficient food system. I know you're talking about self-sufficiency and everything, so I just want to throw it in there. Okay, moving on to Council Member Paul and followed by Council Member Batonga.

DIRECTOR RIVERA- Chair before I start my opportunity do you mind listing the resources we have again to ask questions for. FRED PODESTA.

We have Department of Ag and Office of WVU managing director didn't make it today but as well as Corporation Council that's who we have.

DIRECTOR RIVERA- Corporation Council didn't make it.

FRED PODESTA. No Corporation Council is here. I'm sorry.

DIRECTOR RIVERA- Oh okay. If I could get from Corporation Council any statement on this legislation affecting Title 19 rewrite or the important ag lands designation as requested by the testifier, do you envision this legislation would have any impact on the Title 19 rewrite or the important ag lands designation? Charlie, you're not muted.

Well, thank you for the question. I don't know why I can't turn my camera on. I don't think I have. like the authority would be.

I know what you look like.

That's a great question. I think as it stands right now, because there's no, you know, there's no enforcement element to this right now. It's really just advisory. You know, I don't think there's any, yeah, there's no impact, but that's definitely something to consider in the longterm. Yeah.

And then I guess my next question would be for Deputy Robinson. You know, the county has under its jurisdiction a number of lands that are agriculture. And, you know, only really Lanai and upcountry have ag parks. But, you know, maybe the rest of the districts would like to do ag as well. So I guess how would this, like, enable us better to do ag? And would you folks be involved, like, you know, knowing that, like, as an occupied country we're still subject to the rights of native tenants on less than fully developed land. Have you thought to what those types of programs could look like? Deputy Director?

Mahalo Chair. Mahalo. Remember Paul for that question. I think that one of the things that I appreciate about this Food and Nutrition Security Plan is the The very first goal speaks to one of the testifiers saying that our homes and our communities should be able to grow their own food. So I'm seeing in the first goal a lot of conversation about or a lot of actions that talk about helping the community to develop their own at their own home, and to expand and support people that want to do their agricultural crops at home. I think your question though is towards county lands and county agricultural lands and the rates of native tenants. I believe that there was recent conversation about almost in the line of land back when it comes to those conversations Our department has the kuleana to uplift and support those concerns of native tenants and their native rights and to advocate for that. On the county side I believe that the county could do better by these open agricultural lands. And I'm sorry my answer is taking so long but I you know I would like to see it feed our people. I also see in the plan restoration of Lo'ikalo, expansion of more loko'ika on all of our Maui Nui. So if the county is able to have that happen in open space lands or other agricultural lands that are not being utilized right now for the benefit of our people and their health, then we will definitely support that. Thank you. Thank you.

I had a follow up question, but I can't wait till the next round. It might be for you, Chair.

I will add one point to this conversation as we move on is that this bill does mandate the reporting on the dashboard and mandates regular updates which is important to maintain the transparency part. So that's part of the mandate is the reporting and the updating on a dashboard. So let's move on to Council Member Vitanga.

Thank you chair and thank you for bringing this item before the committee. I'm fully in support of the the plan itself. But I did have questions about the implementation. I really like the part about the reporting and the updating so that we can track how we're doing when it comes to food, nutrition, and security. But my questions have to do with section C of 20.03.050, which says that the budget and CAP must put the plan into practice. So when we codify plans. Traditionally, there's like things within it that then become law, like the Maui Island Plan or the Commonwealth Policy Plan. And we've in the past had confusion as to what has the force and effect of law and what creates mandates versus goals and objectives that are a little bit more squishy. And I think that's where my question's So I was kind of following along the line of questioning that Chair Lee had asked and want to follow up on that. So I understand that there are goals, objectives and actions within this plan. The goals and objectives you stated are kind of aspirational and there's nothing that will require like a mandate. But I think some of the action ones will. And that's where I'm a little concerned. It's because we heard from the department that they're still flushing out some of those. So what does it mean for the action items that aren't measurable or they have no identified agency or organization responsible for implementing them or they're still being devised. If we codify this, what does that mean in terms of law? And, you know, Section C says that we must put the plan into practice. So what happens if the plan itself is not yet complete in that regard? Can I ask Corp Council and the department to weigh in on their thoughts?

Sure. Corp Council or department, I want to remind everybody it's a living document. We're supposed to be updating it. So go ahead. Whoever wants to go first.

Yeah, sure. I can jump in. Yeah, again, you know, the plan in its entirety is just meant to be advisory. So the way that that implementation is going to take effect, I don't think that's fully teased out yet, and I'll let the department speak on that. But as it stands, there is, you know, outside of the reporting requirements, there is no legal way to it yet. It's just sort of suggestions and policy. And how that gets implemented, you know, the hope is that it does get fleshed out. And then when there is a clear path to implementation, maybe we can then codify it in a way that, you know, it is mandated by law. certain elements.

Okay, Department, do you want to follow up on that?

Director, if I may, we stand behind the language in this plan. It was provided to us by community through community listening sessions and extensive surveys, and then the community vetted it through two rounds of editing. So we we stand behind each of these actions. And we took it a step further by identifying action leads, partners who are already doing this work, but most plans don't have that phase by the time that they're published, right? That's something that happens during implementation. So I think that we can all rest assured that these actions are in alignment with our community's needs, that they've been vetted by community. As a department, we're working to find those action leads, but I do think that each of these actions, even if it doesn't have an identified lead yet, is still necessary to push food security forward in Maui County.

Thanks. I'm not disputing any of that. My concerns are what happens once we codify a plan that doesn't have all of those details flushed out and what does it mean for enforceability. I heard the buzzer and we'll wait for a second round. Thank you, Chair.

Okay, sure. We'll have some second rounds by showing hands once we get there. It's my turn to ask some questions. So, you know, Department, Ms. Nelson, Director, whoever would like to respond. You know, the Farm Bureau came before today and I just wanted to see all your outreach. Did you reach out to the Farm Bureau? Did they get to have a chance to talk on this?

Yes, the Farm Bureau is actually included as an action lead in the plan. They are the Action Lead for Action 3.4.1 because of their amazing work to build Ag in the Classroom programs. So they were included and we have a great working relationship with Warren Watanabe and actually sat down and discuss the plan and then shared all of the draft versions of the plan with him to comment. And we also got comments from several Farm Bureau members and edits that were incorporated into both drafts before finalizing.

Okay, thank you for that. let's see, in the five-year update proposed by this bill with the Department of Ag, will the Department of Ag work with the Maui Farm Bureau? So as we move forward, as the years come on and we do the yearly update and we do the five-year update, you, I assume, and I'm just going to get this on the record, you're going to keep reaching out to the folks who you have reached out and say, how's it going? Here's the update. And you guys can certainly work on making that

plan even more robust is that the plan for the plan miss nelson yes each of our action leads will provide us with the metrics that they're using to track progress on the plan and we do hope that this plan can help inform the rewrite of title 19 um but i feel like that's just it's a growing conversation okay fair enough you know members uh we can do second round by great uh show of hands

I thought maybe we could do that. If you guys need a recess break, we can take a 10-minute break, but it's only 10.05. You guys don't mind doing a second round? We can keep going? Okay. By show of hands, I see Council Member Paulton. I assume Council Member Batonga as well. Council Member Paulton, the floor is yours.

A couple things I wanted to clarify. You're talking about if Department of the Ag reached out to the Farm Bureau on the food and nutrition security plan, right? Yes. you're introducing this bill did you reach out to them in regards to this bill.

FRED PODESTA. No but you know we've talked to the ag working group plenty of times but I have not wrote I had a meeting with them particularly.

DIRECTOR RIVERA- Oh okay. Maybe maybe that was the concern because they know about the plan but not the bill it seems like.

FRED PODESTA. I have no problem reaching out with them. We can certainly do that before first second reason or reason. DIRECTOR RIVERA- Thank you.

The other question I had what would be the impact on uh folks that want to grow either on their own personal land or um other governmental land or other lands not only food like um like flower farmers or flowers or yeah other other things that aren't food like how would this impact that even if it's like counting stewarded lands or whatever?

Great question. And I'm glad we have really good resources like Department of Wuibe as well as Department of Ag. But for me personally, flower farmers add to the cultural practices. Here on Mauna Ne'i, we have to import our leis. And, you know, those orchids, you know, that's... I think we could do a better job. And not only that, the flower section in my farm... brings so much pollinators that the cucumbers go crazy. All the other plants, my lilikoi get bigger and stronger because there's so many bees because of all the flowers. But I love that. I think it's connected. But let's hear from departments. Do you guys want to add anything on that? Oh, Director Arcee.

Hi. I'd like to just clarify that our role is not to tell agencies or tell farmers and landowners

how to use their land is our role is to advocate for agriculture production so what was that what about lands that the county stewards as a county department do you have a role in um guiding what the county looks to grow on county stewarded ag lands

Yes, we do only Kula Ag Park because that's the only county property that we're assigned to manage.

Okay.

The county lands are managed by many different departments, and I believe it's beginning to get streamlined. It's going to take a long process, but we are only assigned to Kula Ag Park right now.

So my understanding is MEMA oversees county ag lands for fire prevention, but that doesn't necessarily flow in. Like a lot of our fire prone ag lands are ag lands or WUI type of areas, but that doesn't, does that empower them to also like grow things on ag lands that ag lands are, I mean, I know it's a default zoning category based on the occupation and overthrow and whatnot. But, I mean, really, ag land should be for ag, right?

Whatever. Yeah, I agree. So... I can't give you a clear answer on that but what I do know is that we do have our ag conservation liaison that does work with MEMA in regards to the fire mitigation and fuel reduction. As far as the agricultural part it will be probably part of the restoration process in the future once they identify which lands are in the right zone and which you know which ones are capable of providing the best quality soil because a lot of the lands have been eroded and been impacted by ungulates, natural disasters, and it's going to take a long process before it gets restored. But I think the interest now is to just identify which lands need to be addressed with the fuel load So that's the connection with the department and the MEMA department.

Okay.

Thank you.

All right. Thank you, Council Member Walton. Let's move on to Council Member Batonga.

Thank you, Chair. I again want to reiterate my support for the food and nutrition security plan itself. And I don't want the department to think that me questioning the proposal before us is a sign that, you know, I am wavering on that position. I do want to, I guess, get back at we are codifying goals, we are codifying objectives, and we are codifying action items that are somewhat subjective. And so I'm satisfied with the response that Corporation Council gave me initially, and just want to clarify or confirm that the strategies that are still being developed to implement those action items are not automatically going to become law. There's a provision in here that requires amendments to the plan to be done via ordinance. And so anything that will become part of the code will need to go through the legislative process. Correct, department? Okay. So for the record, I see nodding heads. And then the last thing I want to ask is that we are not mandate by codifying this we're not placing a mandate on any of the external partners correct. We can only control the actions of the county departments included in this plan. And so for the record I just want to make it clear that by codifying the plan we are not making we're not obligating any of our outside partners to something that they were not already subject to correct. Correct.

Thank you, Chair. I'd like to clarify also that the invitation for participation was made by the department. So if the agency feels like they can't fulfill their goal, that's totally fine. We are in the beginning of the implementation stage. So we don't have all the identified organizations and partners, and it just got implemented. So we're working hard to make sure that we can cover all the bases. And even if our department needs to step in for a bit, we will. And that will also identify what other pieces of capacity that we need for this department as they build the capacity. Thank you.

Thank you so much Director and thank you Councilmember Patangan for that line of questioning. Members do we have anyone else who needs a second round. Oh go ahead Councilmember Cook.

Councilmember Cook Thank you Chair. I just want to remember Patangan's questioning was in alignment with my concerns. Very supportive of the plan very supportive of agriculture support of the department hopeful that we can, as the local government, become more conscious and realistic about being able to provide the necessities for people to do farming, land, water. The two-acre ag lots and, quote, the creation of Gentleman Estates, from my perspective over my lifetime, has been to a great extent because the county has not expanded the water services. And so we have an abundance of two-acre lots with either no water meter or a five-eighths water meter, which isn't very practical or realistic to really be able to do any farming. I'm hopeful and optimistic that now the Department of Agriculture can help with co-ops, small farms, composting, soil regeneration, basically what the council has done as far as allowing larger water tanks and not having to have a permit, encouraging rain catchment. All of these different components that have happened over the last few years and that we slash are working on makes it optimistic, makes me optimistic. I'm supportive. But I just want to say I kind of cringe when the gentlemen of states keep catching heat because like my upcountry, I lived for 35 years, Copacabana, it's like I bought four and a half acres, no water at all. It's zoned ag, rain catchment. We did have a truck garden and an orchard and made it work with 165 inches of rain. So I just want to be hopefully optimistic pragmatic and realistic with our perspectives as we move forward. And I am supportive. I just don't want to be making a lot of regulatory overlay that now people have to navigate through. So thank you for letting me say my piece. I am supportive.

Okay. Thank you, Council Member Cook. And much of what you said, I agree. We do want to help our farmers. We have another question from Council Member Paulton.

Thank you Chair. I did read the correspondence from the managing director but since he was unable to join I was wondering if we could also draft another response specifying 20.03.050 that that would be like the director him managing director's responsibility and if he's prepared to you know meet that 120 day online dashboard and has the capacity I guess to coordinate with the various agencies to do those things in the allotted time. I saw he said he's supportive of the bill. I just want to I know there's a lot on his plate and and that he's prepared to meet those deadlines and that stuff.

DIRECTOR HERSEY- Okay. Director Arcee plans to take the lead on this, but let's turn it over to Director Arcee.

Okay, thank you. I would like to also address Councilmember Cook. I understand what you're saying and what you had pointed out is all listed in the powers duties and functions in title 22 we have a through n and the infrastructure part is in there and i believe that in the last four years we've been able to address through projects and program implementation each one of those and every year we strive to uh you know, take on one of those, but it's all dependent on what the community asks of us. So, um, I just wanted to say that, um, also the dashboard, what you're, what you're calling it as is, I don't feel comfortable calling it that I feel like it's more like, um, I would like to call it the food mapping system. Because we're so new, we don't have enough data to create a dashboard. What we're starting with in collecting the data as mandated in Title 22, we're beginning with Kula Ag Park. Once we get the data that's listed in there, that'll be the foundation for that area. Then we plan to branch out to the nine regions and continue that data collection. In time, we'll have enough data that will provide for a sufficient dashboard. So right now, it's in the data collection stage.

Okay. I know Council Member Paulton had a question and Director Arcee was speaking about Council Member Cook's concern. So Council Member Paulton, let's hold off for a minute and we'll let Lauren Nelson speak and then we'll get back to what you were just saying because I want to try to keep everybody together. Ms. Nelson.

I just wanted to share that our dashboard for the Food Nutrition Security Plan will look very much like the dashboard for the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan. And we do eventually have a plan to launch an entire agricultural dashboard for all of Maui County's ag lands, but that will come in a couple of years. So they're two separate projects, both titled dashboard, but we'll just use the same model that already exists with the Climate Action Resiliency Plan for our dashboard. Pardon me, Council Member Paltin, for not answering your question.

All right. Thank you, Ms. Nelson. Now, Council Member Paltin's question was in regards to, hold on, Council Member Batana, 2.030.050 and about how managing director is going to be over this dashboard. But my understanding is managing director is giving that, he's designating that responsibility to Cali RFC's team and director of the Department of Agriculture. So does that clarify or do you need more information from managing director's office?

Well I think that as we're codifying it we should be clear because in your definitions it says the director and in this bill when we say director we're referring to the managing director so then I would propose to amend 20.03.050A to say the director or their designee because then we're being accurate And then I'm not sure about what Director Arcee said and Ms. Nelson said who they were responding to. But if Director Arcee said that we're not creating an online dashboard, we're creating a food mapping system, then we should call it a food mapping system. But I'm not sure about that. But basically, I think the words on the paper, if we're codifying it, should match what the expectation of work is because otherwise, I don't know what we're doing.

So it's very similar to the way the CARP was rolled out where the managing director was in charge of the CARP, but they designated EPNS to do the CARP. So this is very similar language, very similar way we did it as that way as we did in CARP. So that's just following that model. If you want to make an amendment to change it, I'm willing to hear it, but I think that I don't want to complicate the system that we were already moving ahead for with the different, you know, the way we did the CARP. I'm open to it, and I understand that you want to, you know, if it says that, we should do that if it says that. But the way we followed this was just in the way we did, like, the CARP.

Yeah, it felt like the CARP process was a little bit rushed. I forget what kind of, why we were rushing it, but... um you know some new guy or some guy off the street or whatever could say the director but it's not accurate if the language in the bill says we're referring to the managing director but we know or expect that the director of ag is the unit so i i would feel more comfortable with designee um i didn't get clarity if online dashboard in this case is the correct word our food food mapping system is the correct words

So let me first start with your first section where Corporation Council has told us in the past that the term designee is already included in that, like the manager can designate someone. But let's hear what Corporation Council says to that.

Hi, Chair. Yeah, thanks for the question. Yeah, Managing Director has the authority to designate, you know, certain tasks and ventures. If you wanted to add it for clarity, that's perfectly fine, but not necessarily, yeah, not necessary.

Okay. I hope that, so if you guys feel like making an amendment for that, I'm totally fine with it. All right. Was that all your questions, Council Member Palten?

Just in the context of this particular legislation, if online dashboard is still the correct word or if Director Arcee would like this or the department would like this specific wordage to say food mapping system. I was a little confused on that. Okay. Director Arcee, what's your preference?

Thank you. So like Lauren said, it's That food dashboard that she's talking about is another project but for the department we're building up to create an agricultural dashboard. So the one that she's talking about is specific to the food nutrition security plan. And Lauren you can clarify that please.

I think the terminology dashboard is fine to use.

In the context of this bill.

Yeah. Thanks for asking, Councilmember.

Okay. Thanks. That is the end of my round. Okay.

Great. Sorry. I'm trying to get out everybody's hands who were raised. I thought I said Councilmember Batonga's hand up.

Is it correct? Yes, Chair. Thank you. Okay. You did. I was also going to point out that the definitions designate the Director of Department of Management rather than Department of Agriculture. For Corporation Council, can I just confirm So normally when we don't include the designee in later in the chapter, it's because it's specifically stated earlier within that same chapter, not just throughout the code as a standard of practice. Can you just confirm that you're comfortable with us not including this in this instance? Corporation counsel.

Sorry, council member. Can you sort of clarify what your question is? I wasn't quite sure what you're asking.

So my understanding was that you don't have to have the designee clause when drafting code when it's stated previously within the chapter itself, not that the entire code allows for the omission of designees because it's an understood practice. Can I just confirm that you are satisfied that we don't need it?

And we can also bring up Ms. Moniz if Corporate Council wants to add to, or both of you guys can add.

Okay. Yeah. So are you sort of saying like in the definition section 22.03.020, just sort of clarify and say director means the director of management or designated representative? Correct. Yeah. I mean, we can add it. I mean, it makes it much clearer that way, but again, it's not necessary.

Ms. Moniz, can you chime in on that one? Ms. Moniz.

And from a drafting perspective, we don't need to reiterate that it goes without saying that the designate applies there when we refer to a director.

Thank you. Thank you.

All right, Council Member Cunningham, does that answer your question?

Great. All right, members. Oh, Council Member Cook, go ahead.

Can we take a five-minute break? Most certainly, members.

I'll be right back. Thank you. It is 1025. We'll come back at 1030. Okay, members? The Adept Committee of 866 2026 is in recess until 1030. Aloha and will the Adept Committee of 8-6-2026 come back to order from our short recess members. I hope we're back and ready to refresh because we're about ready to get in some work. So I'd like to thank the director thank the departments. Thank you Director Arcee. Thank you Miss Nelson. and Ms. Hunter and Deputy Director Robinson for coming and providing all of your information, answering all of our questions. I think we're ready to go into the chair's recommendation, members. The chair will entertain a motion to recommend passage of Bill 98-2026 on first reading, including any non-substantive revisions. Got any move, anyone to raise their hand and say, so move. There we go, we got a motion by Council Member Patongan. Do we have a second by Council Member Paltin? Okay, now we're gonna have to do a little bit of a finagling here. Members, I'd like to entertain a motion to amend Bill 98 and replace it with the CD1 version in the amendment summary form that the staff has distributed. So can we get a move by, okay, we got moved by Chair Lee, second by Council Member Patongan. Okay, members, and I read the AASF before, but I'll just go because it's only three sentences, right? So the move to replace Bill 98 with the attached proposed CD1 version. The CD1 version incorporates the following changes. Number one, it amends the bill's title to identify the new Maui County Code chapter being established. Number two, in proposed section 22.03.010A, Amends the bill's proposed purpose by replacing the language for the purpose of insuring with to guide policy towards the goal of insuring. And number three, proposed section 22.03.020 adds a definition for food security. And the reason why the proposed CD1 version is based on input from the managing director and consultation with Department of Corporation Council members. Any discussions on that amended version? What do you call it? Replacement. Seeing none. Okay. All those in favor of, oh, there we got it. Council Member Lujanis. All those in favor, raise your hand and say aye.

Aye.

All right. Thank you, members. Staff, if you want to call that out, that's everybody. Back to the main motion as amended. Any discussion? Okay. Council Member Cook.

I like the amendment that basically reframed rephrased it to a guiding guiding us towards a goal. My my concern as I stated previously and I think what Member Patongan was addressing was that we are setting the stage for a regulatory process without clear guidelines and implementation. So since that isn't the fact and we're basically striving towards this, and this is a guideline to where we want to go so that we can create that type of legislation, I'm supportive of this.

Okay, thank you. Anyone else? Staff is telling me we might want to do one little amendment here. So in section, in the last, it's actually on the last page of the bill, section F, and I'll read it out. It says an updated plan must be submitted to the county every five years for approval by ordinance. And I think we might have slipped that up and instead of saying County, it should be submitted to the council. Okay.

Bit of a difference there, right?

Okay. So. Chair Lee, I think your mic is on just a heads up.

Now she's muted. I think staff might have muted her. Okay. So members, did you hear that little amendment we want to make? And if they get a move on that, it's a, Just changing the county, okay.

So moved by Council Member- Just a heads up, Charity, you unmuted yourself, just a heads up.

Okay, let me get through this and we can get, she can talk all she wants. Moved by Council Member Paltz, seconded by Council Member Ujjain. Any discussion on that minor amendment? Seeing none, all those in favor of that amendment, raise your hand, say aye. Staff, it looks like everyone- Aye. There we go. Aye. All right.

Aye, fair noes, one excuse, members in action.

Thank you so much. Staff was there anything else that we needed to do because we got to do the main motion as amended but was there any other amendments you wanted us to touch on.

DIRECTOR RIVERA- Chair staff does wonder if you want to consider the effective date and its interaction with updating the plan every five years. The current plan says it's effective from 2025 to 2030 but when the ordinance is enacted that would make the first update five years from the date of enactment of the ordinance.

So what's the proposal?

I'm sure if the department is ready, you know, we'd like that delay or they want to keep it, you know, every five years starting in 2030.

Okay. Department of Ag, what you guys, did you understand what they're asking?

I couldn't hear Ellen well.

Okay, Corporation Council, why don't you give us the language that's needed? Because Ellen's a little bit cloudy on her voice.

Sorry, yeah, I was having trouble hearing Ellen as well. So I understand it relates to Section F under 20.03.050. So change that from county to council.

Well, we already did that one. We're trying to get it. Okay.

No, no, no, sorry, but it's now with the effective date. I heard effective date in there, but I wasn't sure exactly what the recommendation was.

Ms. Moniz, can you give us the language?

Well, Chair, Ellen posted it's a policy decision, but because there is a gap between when the council approves the bill and the timing of the plan being updated, I'd like to consider that or change that, but you might wanna consider the ordinance taking effect on approval except that the next updated plan under this section of the code be submitted to the council by a specific date and for that upcoming plan, then that might close that gap. But again, it's a policy decision for you to consider. You might wanna discuss.

I'm just ready for the language that will help us. So if you give us the language, we understand what you guys are trying to do. We just need the language so we can vote yes or no on it. So this ordinance takes effect on approval, fill in the blank, or scratch it however you want to do it.

I guess the question for you, Jerry, is would you like to set a sort of a drop-in date for that next plan, 2030 to 20... 35 plan to be submitted to the council, then we could see something like this ordinance takes effect on approval, except that the next updated plan under subsection 22.03.50F Maui County Code must be submitted to the council by blank 2029 with December 31st or whatever for the 2030-2035 plan. But I need a date from you. And the thing is Nelson is recent.

I see, yeah, let's bring Lauren in on this. This is really, we're trying to help you guys, department. So, Lauren, how's that sound to you?

Well, I appreciate the intention, but I actually prefer the language as written in Bill 98 because it keeps it evergreen for all future food nutrition security plans after 2030.

I like that. Thank you, Mom. Members, do you have any objection with just keeping it as it is? I understand. I want to work with the department. They like that. I like that. I don't see any, and it's a policy issue, so I don't have a problem with it, members. Anybody else? I don't see anybody raising their hand. I think we could just move on with it just the way it is. So having said that, members, then I'm going to vote on the main motion as amended. Any further discussion? All those in favor, raise your hand and say aye. One, two, three, four, five, six ayes. One member excused, and that is Council Member Sinansi. Motion passes. And before we adjourn this meeting, thank you, members. Let's give a shout out to this Council Member Sinansi. He's our vice chair for this committee. We know his family and his, you know, Uncle Don's battling, so we're here for him. Anything we can do to help Council Member Sinansi and his friends and family, we're here for you. Appreciate you. And that takes us to the end of the agenda, members. Anything else, staff? I don't see anything else, right?

No, Chair, just adjourn.

Okay. The Adept Committee of 8-6-2026 is adjourned.