The East Maui Water Authority says it wants to work with Mahi Pono to preserve and protect the water system as rainfall becomes less predictable. But the farm has its own plan.

It’s a four-hand race to fill the council seat left vacant by decade-long incumbent Yuki Lei Sugimura, who is running for Maui County mayor.

The incumbent member is facing one challenger for a council seat.

Roughly 7,000 apartment-zoned units were set to be phased out by 2031 to create more long-term housing. More than half of those may now keep operating as short-term rentals.

“I support establishing visitor-funded impact fees at popular county parks to directly fund their conservation and upkeep.”

“The taxing of the vacation rental class may create more long-term units and possibly some owner units as needed.”

“We have a small window to act before invasive species take over, making recovery more difficult and expensive.”

“I would try to convince the council that we need to drill for more wells.”

“We have to bring the island into the timeline that will make future generations proud to know we fought hard for them to be on an island that stayed with its roots.”

“As a generational resident, our local neighborhoods being reserved our residential use is important to me.”