Comparing the resiliency and strength of Maui Nui’s people to the koa tree, Mayor Richard Bissen vowed to remain rooted in his kamaʻāina housing priorities by continuing to deliver on homes, water and infrastructure during some of the most challenging times in recent history.

“We are not finished – we are committed to seeing this work through,” Mayor Bissen said during the annual State of the County Address. “My number one priority is to keep our people home. If you are thinking about moving away from Maui County — don’t. Change is not coming. Change is here.”

Mayor Bissen said that affordable and workforce housing under his administration has increased 190% from previous years, and nearly 3,000 affordable and workforce homes will be built by 2030.

Also, the mayor is making an unprecedented shift toward public stewardship of water management. He announced that the County is in negotiations with several companies to acquire key water system assets in West Maui. Once completed, public stewardship of drinking water systems will increase from 45% to 93%, representing a major step toward restoring balance.

Mayor Bissen spoke before hundreds of residents and community leaders in his fourth State of the County Address from 5 to 7 tonight at Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater in Kahului. He highlighted significant progress across housing delivery, wildfire recovery, infrastructure investment, community well-being, environmental stewardship and economic diversification — marking a key move from disaster response to long-term resilience and readiness.

Housing increases under Bissen administration

According to real property data, for nearly a decade, affordable housing delivery averaged fewer than 100 homes a year. Since 2023, the County of Maui has seen an average of 293 affordable homes per year — a 190% increase in affordable housing delivery.

The County is expecting to produce an average of 414 affordable homes per year over the next five years. In all, the mayor projected nearly 3,000 affordable and workforce homes will be built by 2030.

To achieve that, Mayor Bissen is committing to investing more than $1.29 billion in housing-related infrastructure, and another quarter-billion dollars in County investments directly toward affordable and workforce housing.

Including recovery-related and market housing construction, the County is on track to deliver more than 5,000 homes and apartments over the next five years, averaging more than 1,000 homes annually.

“Through the collective work of the County, the State, House Maui, private and nonprofit developers, and our community partners, we are generating real, sustained momentum to confront our housing crisis and deliver homes that keep local families in Maui Nui,” Mayor Bissen said.

‍Reclaiming water systems for public stewardship

Alongside developing new water sources countywide, Mayor Bissen said the County is strengthening public stewardship of water systems in West Maui.

Mayor Bissen announced that the County is in negotiations with Kamehameha Schools, Maui Land & Pineapple Company and West Maui Land to acquire key water system assets, including the Olowalu and Launiupoko irrigation and water companies, the Honokōhau Ditch System, and multiple wells and related infrastructure. Once complete, water systems in West Maui, including both drinking and irrigation, will transition from 25% to 65% publicly-owned.

“More importantly, public stewardship of drinking water systems will increase from 45% to 93%, representing a major step toward restoring balance and ensuring this essential resource is managed in the public trust,” Mayor Bissen said. “This work will continue as I believe water stewardship belongs in the hands of our people.”

Infrastructure as the backbone of housing delivery

The County of Maui plans to invest more than $1.29 billion over the next five years in major infrastructure projects to support housing growth across the island. Investments will focus on water, wastewater, transportation and drainage systems needed to expand long-term housing capacity.

Key projects include:

• Central Maui Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility – More than $125 million proposed this year to begin construction. The project will expand housing capacity in Central Maui, reduce reliance on the Kahului wastewater plant in a tsunami inundation zone, increase wastewater reuse opportunities and support the new Central Maui School in Waikapū.
• Waiʻale Road Extension (Central Maui) – With more than $80 million already invested, the project will support housing growth in Waikapū, create a key transportation and utility corridor, and improve emergency access and public pathways.
• West Maui Water System Upgrades – The Lahaina Waterline Improvement Project, four new wells, a storage tank, reservoir and upgrades at the Mahinahina Water Treatment Plant will support up to 3,500 additional housing units while aiding wildfire recovery.
• North-South Collector Road (South Maui) – Critical for future housing development and regional connectivity, with construction targeted for bid in summer 2027.
• Upcountry water Improvements – Upgrades at the Kamole Water Treatment Plant and two new wells are expected to support up to 3,000 additional homes.

Prioritizing economic development and diversification

Mayor Bissen is advancing a kamaʻāina-centered economy focused on creating living-wage jobs, supporting local businesses and building long-term economic resilience.

“A strong economy is one that works for the people who live here — creating living-wage jobs, supporting local businesses and giving our youth a reason to build their future here,” he said.

Highlights include:

• Economic development focus: OED has shifted from a primarily grant-focused office to a strategic economic driver centered on four pillars: construction and rebuilding trades, healthcare, technology and innovation, and creative industries.
• Workforce Pathways: County programs such as the HFUU Farm Apprenticeship Program and Grow Some Good are helping train the next generation of farmers and strengthen local agriculture.
• Youth career opportunities: Partnerships with the Maui Economic Development Board support initiatives like the High School Automotive Program and STEMworks, connecting students with future career pathways.
• Strategic Grant Investments: Over the past three years, Maui County has strategically invested $75 million in grants to strengthen priority industries and build local economic resilience.
• Economic recovery: Maui’s economy is showing positive momentum, with recovery and rebuilding efforts creating jobs and supporting local businesses.
• Visitor spending growth: According to the University of Hawaiʻi Economic Research Organization (UHERO), Maui led the state in visitor spending recovery, with real visitor spending increasing more than 9% last year.
• Operational efficiency: Energy efficiency initiatives are reducing County operating costs, saving nearly $2 million annually while expanding renewable energy investments.
• Strong financial management: Maui County continues to maintain high-grade bond ratings from all three major rating agencies, lowering borrowing costs for taxpayers.
• Retiree benefits secured: The County has made $28.4 million in supplemental payments toward retiree health liabilities, eliminating its unfunded Other Post-Employment Benefits liability as of Fiscal Year 2027 — ensuring retiree benefits and strengthening long-term fiscal stability.

To view a recording of the 2026 State of the County Address, visit the County of Maui Facebook page (no account needed to view).

For a copy of the full speech, presentation and to learn more about housing delivery, wildfire recovery, infrastructure investment, community well-being, environmental stewardship and economic diversification, visit https://www.mauicounty.gov/2954/2026-State-of-the-County-Address.

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