More money for affordable rentals, emergency management and firefighters is on tap for 2025.

The council wants more precise information before taking action that could cost thousands of jobs and millions in lost tax revenue.

Paul Cheng, a Texas developer with a criminal past, says he'll use the money to construct phase one of Pulelehua, the island's largest affordable housing project in decades.

The chopper for law enforcement missions also would be used to help the fire department with search and rescue and battling blazes.

The urgency to apply comes despite residents' concerns that Lahaina's infrastructure is yet to be rehabilitated.

The power company says it was Maui that failed to control vegetation and fumbled the response that allowed devastating fires to sweep through Lahaina in August.

There are also significant challenges converting vacation units into long-term rentals, including high rents, HOA fees and accessibility issues.

The county is in the process of purchasing two units from a longtime Lahaina couple.

Chief John Pelletier is credited with implementing a five-year strategic plan, something the department lacked when he joined the force in 2021.

The county plans to shift more of the revenue burden onto vacation rental and investment property owners.