Maui County Council committee voted 6-3 to advance a $480,000 purchase of Kaʻehu Bay shoreline property despite objections from a Native Hawaiian family claiming disputed ownership. The family requested deferral for further consultation on title issues.
- Committee approved buying 0.41-acre Kaʻehu Bay parcel from LDS Church for $480,000, below its $571,500 appraised value.
- Native Hawaiian family members testified against the purchase, claiming unclear title and demanding further investigation of ownership history.
- Family warned of potential litigation if county proceeds without resolving disputed ownership claims.
- Purchase would be funded by redirecting money from a dropped Lahaina land acquisition in the 2026 budget.
- Matter now advances to full County Council for final approval despite unresolved title concerns.
Source: Maui Now
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