(MAUI, HI.) — Council meetings over the past few months have brought more questions than answers for locals. With a lack of firm answers on incorrect water meter readings, rehashed building proposals from decades ago, and Lahaina recovery delays, there has been a lot of buzz at recent council meetings. Mar. 6 was no different. For months, the Maui Council has been discussing whether the Maui Police Department should join the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) Agreement, Honolulu Division.
Photo Credit: Maui County, Caption: Resident sharing concerns about JTTF Agreement and what it could mean for the MPD
Bill 92 was originally passed in late 2025 by the council and allowed for the mayor to enter into an agreement with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for Maui County to participate in a Joint Terrorism Task Force, Honolulu Division, according to Maui Now.
“I do not trust this federal administration. I’ve seen too many breaches of contract and too little regard for the Constitution,” resident Rita Massie shares. “The language has to be very clear and plain, and it must truly protect our people, because they are overstepping and doing horrible things. I don’t want to see that coming into our community or our law enforcement getting entangled in it.”
Massie was among several residents who voiced strong objections to Bill 92, arguing that federal agencies have not earned the community’s trust. Their testimony comes amid broader national tensions over federal authority, reflected in recent “No Kings” marches held across the United States, including in Hawaiʻi. Distrust around federal agencies has grown since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term with rises in federal violence crimes committed against citizens.
Two people were killed in Minneapolis earlier this year while protesting ICE presence in their community, both were killed by agents employed by the government. Maui residents' distrust and lack of support for Bill 92 isn’t surprising as it seems like ICE presence has caused more harm than good for all American citizens. Bill 92 was quickly killed after the council unanimously voted no. Another government-funded proposal was effectively denied by the council and residents after discussions during the meeting.
An environmental impact statement for a proposed Air Force telescope facility on Haleakalā was submitted for a project that faced denial due to concerns over significant environmental and cultural impacts.
“Haleakalā is not just a site for development — it is sacred, it is ancestral, and it is deeply personal to our families,” Hina Noble, Haleakalā native states. “Resolution 26-54 is about protecting the mountain from further environmental harm and spiritual degradation. We cannot continue allowing federal projects to move forward without meaningful Native Hawaiian consultation or accountability.”
Photo Credit: Maui County, Caption: Hina Noble speaking about Haleakalā’s native significance and importance to her own family
Haleakalā is a historic and culturally significant site, valued not only for its natural beauty but for its deep ancestral connections to Native Hawaiian families and cultural practitioners. Testifiers emphasized that any federal initiative affecting the mountain must be approached with caution and intention, prioritizing meaningful consultation and ensuring that the voices of Hawaiians and local residents are considered first and foremost in decision-making processes.
The council’s decision to deny Bill 92 marked a significant moment in the March 6 meeting, reflecting widespread public testimony and concerns about federal involvement in local governance. Council members expressed hope that their vote would encourage thoughtful consideration across the state as other counties face similar decisions about the role of federal agencies in local authority. For many residents who testified, the outcome represented a reaffirmation of local control and community voice.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at allyson.w@lead4earth.org and be sure to leave a comment below.
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