Summary
A testifier opposed a $2.5 million managed retreat fund request by the Paia Mantokuji mission, saying it funds shoreline armoring instead of relocation and comes with state bills seeking environmental exemptions.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 5
- Last 30 days
- 0
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Sep 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
$2.5 million requested from the managed retreat fund.
Depends on outcome — relocation advocates say the public shoreline; the applicant seeks shoreline protection.
Critics say public funds for armoring would harm the dynamic shoreline and set precedent.
Mentions & discussions (5)
Disaster Recovery, International Affairs, and Planning Committee (2025-2027) — September 17, 2026
The committee kept the 3.2-foot SLR-XA threshold in policy 2.3.1 and debated a Māʻalaea managed-retreat policy that would support transferring development inland — deliberately worded as a support policy since the county doesn't own the land yet.
Housing and Land Use Committee (2025-2027) — September 9, 2026
Members debated whether the County should flag properties for rezoning based on sea level rise exposure, flood zones, or shoreline setback — and whether conditions like certified shoreline surveys and managed-retreat removal plans should attach. Storm damage from recent Kona Lows and hurricane swells framed the urgency.
Housing and Land Use Committee (2025-2027) — May 26, 2026
Several testifiers warned that many affected buildings are oceanfront, in sea-level-rise impact zones and flood zones, with high insurance costs. One urged a sunset provision reverting vulnerable shoreline parcels to open space when erosion thresholds are hit.
Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee (2025-2027) — April 24, 2026
Members fought over how much to raid from the sea-level-rise fund. A full zero-out was softened to leave $500,000, with Paltin and Rawlins-Fernandez citing eroding churches, condemned shoreline buildings and conservation easement deals already in the works.
Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee (2025-2027) — April 21, 2026
A testifier opposed a $2.5 million managed retreat fund request by the Paia Mantokuji mission, saying it funds shoreline armoring instead of relocation and comes with state bills seeking environmental exemptions.
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