The decision by Judge Otake rejected an attempt by the Front Street Apartments developer to unilaterally end restrictions that are meant to keep rents affordable there until 2051.

Lahaina Front Street Apartments, a 142-unit development built using federal housing tax credits, cannot be converted to market-rate housing or sold without the tax credit program's rental restrictions.

The lawsuit challenged a developer’s attempt to increase rents to market rate, or sell the property without restrictions.