July 19 marked the anniversary of the Maui County Comprehensive Housing Plan, which was developed by Hawaiian Community Assets under a $300,000 contract with the County of Maui.

MCCAHP called for the development of 5,000 affordable homes — rent or for purchase — in the next five years and was presented to the Maui County Council last year.

June 29, Stand Up Maui sent an email to Maui County Council and the administration requesting an update of their actions to implement this much-needed housing plan.

The response from Council Chair Alice Lee began with Ordinances 5315 and 5369 and Resolution 21-182, which gave residents preference to affordable housing projects — rental and for-purchase, created a county-operated master list of residents for this housing, expanded the purposes that the Affordable Housing Fund could be used for and resolved that all residents have a right to housing.

Two workforce-housing projects, Hokuao on Lanai and Hale Pilina in Kahului, were approved, adding 254 affordable housing units.

Stand Up Maui will continue to work with all government agencies, nonprofits and the people of Maui County to get homes built to rent or for purchase at incomes that our local people earn. We call on all political candidates to pledge to implement the priorities and strategies recommended by the MCCAHP.

For additional information about MCCAHP and Stand Up Maui, visit mauihousingplan.org/standupmaui.org.

Stan Franco

Wailuku