What's Being Discussed

The Kōmike Aloha ʻĀina (Maui County Council Environmental Committee) will hold a public meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss one main topic:

• Transitioning Kalawao County into Maui County — Kalawao, the smallest county in the U.S. and home to the historic Kalaupapa settlement on Molokaʻi, would be absorbed into Maui County under Act 171 (2026), a recently passed state law. The committee will explore what new responsibilities Maui County would take on and what it might cost.

Presentations will be given by representatives from several state and federal agencies, including:

• Kalaupapa National Historical Park (National Park Service)
• Department of Hawaiian Home Lands
• Department of Land and Natural Resources
• State Department of Health, including the Hansen's Disease Branch (leprosy services historically tied to Kalaupapa)
• Department of ʻŌiwi Resources and Department of Management

Decisions Expected

No votes or formal legislative action will be taken at this meeting. This is an informational discussion only — the committee will receive presentations and ask questions to better understand the transition.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Residents of Molokaʻi and Kalaupapa, whose communities are most directly affected
• Anyone interested in how Maui County's services and budget may change as a result of this transition
• Native Hawaiian community members concerned about land, cultural, and health resources in the Kalaupapa area
• Maui County taxpayers who may be affected by new county costs