Maui County Council considers $30M bond for Molokai land

The Maui County Council has passed the first reading of a proposal to establish $30 million in general obligation bond funding to acquire land on Molokai. Proposed by Mayor Richard Bissen, the measure aims to protect essential public services and water infrastructure while preserving resources for future generations.

According to a county news release, the acquisitions are intended to return control of ancestral lands to organizations accountable to the Molokai community. The funding would cover various properties, including land in Kaunakakai used for essential county operations. The proposal passed the first reading with an 8-1 vote, with Council member Yuki Lei Sugimura dissenting.

In a separate political development, incumbent Mayor Richard Bissen is seeking reelection to a second term. In a discussion regarding the upcoming November General Election, Bissen emphasized his priorities of maintaining housing affordability, increasing infrastructure, and securing water resources to ensure community stability and safety.