From My Desk to Yours: 2025 Recap

Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou!

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year to all. 

As we reach the final stretch of 2025, I am reflecting on the many milestones, events, and memories we’ve shared across Maui Nui. This year has brought both challenges and triumphs. Yet through it all, the strength, resilience, and aloha of our Maui community have continued to shine.

Looking ahead to 2026, there is much to look forward to. We will continue working towards strengthening Maui County’s infrastructure, advancing community resilience and wildfire recovery, investing in our communities and local way of life, and advocate for attainable housing initiatives to ensure Maui County families can continue to call this beautiful place home.

Together, let’s carry the spirit of aloha into a new year of growth, connection, and community.

Happy New Year,

Tom Cook

South Maui Councilmember, Maui County Council

A Year in Review: 2025 by Quarter

Quarter 1: January, February, March 

2025 began with renewed energy as our community came together to celebrate the New Year and mark the start of a new council term with the Council’s Inauguration. 

The year also kicked off with the State Legislature Opening Day, setting the stage for important policy discussions affecting Maui County. In these early months, our focus remained on strengthening infrastructure, supporting local businesses, while advancing recovery from both lingering challenges and new ones that emerged.

South Maui faced ongoing flooding early in the year, causing significant damage to roads, parks, and other community areas. In response, our office hosted a South Maui Townhall in February, connecting directly with residents to hear concerns regarding flood mitigation efforts. Field visits to Kulanihākoʻi Gulch allowed our Office to assess damages firsthand and plan for upcoming improvements.

March brought additional community milestones, including the blessing and opening of the Lanai Skatepark and Youth Center, South Maui Community Plan Commission Meetings, the launch of the 2026 Affordable Housing Fund Plan, and a $15.4 million grant for West Maui Greenways.

Quarter 2: April, May, June

Spring marked a season of planning, community celebration, and ongoing recovery efforts across South Maui. Council Budget Sessions kicked off in April, with late nights dedicated to ensuring resources for infrastructure, recovery, and community priorities in the next fiscal year.

In April, the Department of Hawaiian Homelands (DHHL) held Phase II lot selections for the Puʻuhona project in Waikapu, opening the door for local families to take an important step toward building their future homes.

In South Maui, the Maui Metropolitan Planning Organization organized a South Maui Quick Build project that added vibrant sidewalk murals, while enhancing safety and celebrating local culture. 

May brought a series of community celebrations, including the Binhi at Ani Barrio Fiesta, High School graduations, Maui AgFest, the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association Charity Walk, and Memorial Day races at the racetrack — many supported by funding approved in the prior fiscal year. The Aloha House dormitory blessing and the Maui Fire Department’s new apparatus truck blessing highlighted the community’s dedication to service and well-being.

In June, Lahaina wildfire debris was transferred from the temporary site in Olowalu to the permanent disposal site in Central Maui, a key step in long-term recovery. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also announced a $1.6 billion Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds (CDBG-DR) for Lahaina, providing critical funding to support rebuilding and strengthen community resilience. 

That same month, we welcomed Chaelin to our team, joining Bill at the South Maui Residency Area Office and enhancing our Office’s ability to serve residents across the district.

Quarter 3: July, August, September

Our summer months brought many wonderful opportunities to connect.

On a national level, our Council participated in the National Association of Counties (NaCo) Conference, while on the state level, the Hawaii State Association of Counties (HSAC) brought together counties across Hawaiʻi for meaningful collaboration. Discussing housing, transportation, infrastructure, and community engagement with other city, county, and municipal representatives provided insights into how other local governments are navigating these universal issues.

The Maui County Council’s South Maui Residency Area Office, which also serves as my District Office  has relocated to a more accessible location in the Ke Alahele Center, MEDB Building’s main courtyard at LĪPOA, formerly known as the Maui Research & Technology Park. Rooted in a neighborhood designed to support Maui’s innovation and community vision, this centrally located office makes it easier for residents to stop by, connect, and engage.

The successful five-part Sunset Tunes Series celebrated the newly renovated and polished Kalama Park in Kihei. Each event was accompanied by talented local artists, including: Marja Lehua Aprisaloma and Wailau Ryder, Ikaika Blackbrun and Kaulike Pescaia, Ron Kuala’au and Pelekila, Josh Kahula, and Logan Kalawaia. Mahalo to all the artists for the awesome tunes to go along with South Maui’s beautiful sunsets. And thank you to Maui families and friends gathered to enjoy the events.

And this energy followed through our winter months with the Maui Fire Department’s Wildfire Awareness and Training Events held in South Maui and Upcountry, uniting community members to learn fire prevention practices and meet our everyday heroes. A key takeaway was the importance of simple, everyday best practices—such as keeping areas clear of brush and trees that can serve as fuel for fires. 

Thoroughly grateful for these moments to connect with and talk story with the people who make Maui – Maui.

Quarter 4: October, November, December

It’s been an eventful few months, marked by several key moments for our community.

After six years, the beloved Maui County Fair made its much-anticipated comeback, once again bringing neighbors, families, schools, and nonprofits together. For many, it was a joyful return to familiar sights and sounds; students proudly showcasing projects, local organizations connecting with the public, and families sharing the simple excitement of rides, food, and quality time together. The fair not only supported local schools and community groups, but also reminded many of us of those small-kid moments that make Maui feel like home.

Maui County also marked several meaningful housing milestones, including Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) lease awards for multiple project sites. In West Maui, the dedication of Kaiāulu o Kūkuʻia; an affordable housing development near the Lahaina Bypass; represented an important step in supporting wildfire survivors and addressing housing needs across our County.

On the legislative front, important discussions around Bill 9 (2025) progressed. Mahalo to everyone who shared heartfelt stories in the chamber, over the phone, and through written testimony. Your engagement contributes to thoughtful dialogue, and as future decisions shaping Maui County come forward, I look forward to robust collaboration that reflects our shared commitment to this beautiful place we call home.

During this period, we also came together to honor and celebrate the life, service, and aloha of the late Councilmember Natalie Tasha Kama, whose spirit continues to inspire our community. 

In the holiday spirit and in memory of my colleague and friend, Councilmember Kama; our Office celebrated December by continuing the Salvation Army Bell Ringing tradition that she held close to her heart. Many thanks to all volunteers taking part in bell ringing this year and mahalo nui to Maui County for carrying warm holiday spirit. Let’s continue to share kindness and aloha throughout this season. 

Legislative Tracking

Bill 9 (2025) Phasing Out Transient Vacation Rentals in Apartment Districts

In early December, the Council passed Bill 9 (2025) at second reading, and was signed into law on December 15, 2025 by Mayor Richard Bissen. The legislation remains one of the most significant land-use changes Maui County has considered in decades, with far-reaching impacts on housing, jobs, and our local economy. I voted no; not because I oppose housing solutions, but because Bill 9 moves forward without the safeguards, transition planning, or worker protections needed to ensure it actually helps local families. In South Maui, I am already seeing real economic impacts, from reduced work hours to lost contracts, affecting the very residents we are trying to support. 

The passage of Bill 9 without creating an H3–H4 zoning category to streamline TVR properties that do not meet the criteria for attainable local housing, and the legal rights established by the 2014 Council Ordinance 4167 with Bill 74, invites potential litigation against Maui County

As we move ahead, I remain committed to advocating for balanced, evidence-based housing solutions that bring our community together while protecting livelihoods and economic stability.

Read my Op-Ed re: Bill 9 here: https://mauinow.com/2025/12/15/op-ed-why-i-voted-no-for-bill-9-by-council-member-tom-cook/ 

South Maui Community Plan 

South Maui Community Plan is currently at Phase 6, ready for Maui County Council Review. Maui County Council had the first discussion about the schedule for Council’s review on July 3, 2025 during Maui Council DRIP Committee and is planned for review this upcoming year. Stay tuned for more details on the dates. 

Visit the County of Maui Planning Department southmaui.wearemaui.org to view research, planning drafts, recorded meetings, and more. 

South Maui Community Voice

Concerns for Unhoused Community Members in South Maui 

Our Office has received voice of concerns for congregation and encampment of unhoused community members in South Maui, specifically in West Lipoa. 

On-going efforts to connect with individuals include: 

• Outreach through Maui Police Department’s C.O.R.E. team and personnel from the Office of the Mayor to connect individuals with services and housing resources.

• A street nurse offering medical services. 

• Family Life Center for any assistance needs/ human services. 

• Additional resources from different organizations are also shared for our unhoused population. 

Regarding Hale Kau Kau service provided by Saint Theresa Church, the Office of Councilmember Cook expresses strong support for the important services provided by St. Theresa Church to those in our community experiencing homelessness and hardship.

We hear the concerns of our community members and appreciate your ongoing engagement on this issue. Our Office remains committed to continuing discussions and pursuing measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all community members.

Holiday Message from My Team

As 2025 comes to a close, our team extends heartfelt gratitude to the Maui County community for your continued support, collaboration, and aloha. Your engagement has made this year meaningful and memorable.

We wish you and your ʻohana a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, and aloha.

Mahalo, for the opportunity to serve you, and our South Maui community. 

With warmest aloha,
The Office of Councilmember Tom Cook Team
(Stacy, Jared, Chaelin, and Bill)

Contact My Office

I’m grateful to work alongside an outstanding team dedicated to serving the people of South Maui with professionalism, compassion, and aloha. Their commitment ensures we can respond quickly to community needs and advance the priorities that matter most to our residents. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my staff if we can ever be of assistance.

Council Office Staff

County of Maui - Kalana O Maui Building

200 South High Street, 8th Floor

Wailuku, HI 96793

• Office Main Line: (808) 270-7108

• Stacy Takahashi 

  • [email protected]

• Jared Sam Agtunong

  • [email protected]

District Office Staff

South Maui Residency Area Office; Maui County Council - Ke Alahele Center

1305 North Holopono Street, Suite 4A

Kihei, HI 96753

• District Office Line: (808) 793-0012

• Bill Snipes

  • [email protected]

• Chaelin Ryu

  • [email protected]

Our Office inbox is always open to community members for any questions, concerns, or inquiries. Please don’t hesitate to reach us at (808) 270-7108 or [email protected]