Maui County Mayor Highlights Housing, Water, and Economic Progress in 2026 State of the County Address

Mayor Richard Bissen outlines plans to expand affordable housing, secure public water systems, and drive long-term economic resilience.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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In his 2026 State of the County Address, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen highlighted the county's continued progress across housing, recovery, well-being, and economic stability. He announced plans to expand affordable housing production, transition more water systems to public ownership, and transform the Office of Economic Development to drive long-term resilience. Bissen also discussed the ongoing recovery efforts in Lahaina following the 2023 wildfires and initiatives to address homelessness.

Why it matters

Mayor Bissen's address outlines key priorities and initiatives that will shape the future of Maui County, addressing critical issues like housing affordability, water security, and economic diversification. The plans he unveiled demonstrate the county's commitment to supporting local residents, strengthening communities, and building a more resilient future.

The details

In his address, Bissen announced that Maui County is on track to produce an average of 414 affordable homes per year over the next five years, building on the 880 affordable and workforce homes delivered in the past three years. To support this effort, the county will invest over $1.29 billion in housing-related infrastructure and $250 million directly toward affordable and workforce housing. Bissen also detailed plans to increase public ownership of water systems in West Maui from 25% to 65%, with public stewardship of drinking water systems rising from 45% to 93%. This will involve acquiring key water assets from entities like Kamehameha Schools and Maui Land & Pineapple Company. Regarding the economy, Bissen said the county is transforming the Office of Economic Development to be a strategic driver of long-term economic resilience, investing $75 million over the past three years. The visitor industry is also showing positive growth, with Maui leading the state in visitor spending recovery.

  • In 2025, Maui reached a critical turning point as the county shifted from response to readiness across housing delivery, public safety, and resilient infrastructure following the 2023 wildfires.
  • Over the past three years, Maui County has delivered 880 affordable and workforce homes.
  • Looking ahead, the county is working to deliver nearly 3,000 affordable and workforce homes by 2030.

The players

Richard Bissen

The mayor of Maui County who delivered the 2026 State of the County Address, outlining the county's progress and future plans.

Kamehameha Schools

An entity that the County of Maui is in negotiations with to acquire key water system assets, including the Olowalu and Launiupoko irrigation and water companies.

Maui Land & Pineapple Company

An entity that the County of Maui is in negotiations with to acquire key water system assets, including the Honokōhau Ditch System and multiple wells and related infrastructure.

West Maui Land

An entity that the County of Maui is in negotiations with to acquire key water system assets.

Mike Victorino

The former mayor of Maui County who served as the Grand Marshal of the historic return of the Maui County Fair last year.

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What they’re saying

“My number one priority is to keep our people home. If you are thinking about moving away from Maui County—please don't. Change is not coming. Change…is…here.”

— Richard Bissen, Mayor of Maui County

“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that a commitment made three years ago is becoming a reality. For the first time in our history, Maui County is taking intentional steps toward long-term agreements for water security while protecting the public trust resource.”

— Richard Bissen, Mayor of Maui County

“The parade was led by our Grand Marshal, [former] Mayor Victorino. It wasn't just an event—it was a homecoming.”

— Richard Bissen, Mayor of Maui County

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Mayor Bissen's address highlights Maui County's commitment to addressing critical issues like housing affordability, water security, and economic diversification. The plans he outlined demonstrate the county's focus on supporting local residents, strengthening communities, and building a more resilient future for Maui.