Maui County Council Water, Social Services, and Parks Committee Meeting - March 18, 2026

The committee met to review two items: the continuum of care for substance abuse provided by Aloha House (Maui Behavioral Health Resources) and the operational and budgetary review of the East Maui Water Authority for fiscal year 2026. The meeting included presentations, public testimony, and council questions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• For the first item, JC Law testified, expressing support for Aloha House's work and raising concerns about the coordinated entry system for homeless individuals, including the need for proper identification documents.
• For the second item, JC Law testified again, emphasizing the importance of water infrastructure in East Maui and expressing trust in Director Young. The Royal House of Hawaii testified, advocating for recognition of original royal patents and land titles in East Maui, and questioning whether the authority will research land claims.

Discussion Items

• Continuum of Care for Substance Abuse (Aloha House): Nicole Hokoana, CEO of Maui Behavioral Health Resources, presented the operations of Aloha House, including its medically monitored withdrawal management program and residential treatment. She highlighted the program's partnership with the emergency department since 2000, its 24/7 nursing staff, and its role as a safety net. Hokoana noted that the program has operated with flat funding from the county and state for over a decade, while costs have risen, leading to a $500,000 annual gap. She reported that the program is 85% Medicaid-funded and discussed the impact of federal Medicaid cuts (the "Big Beautiful Bill"), including increased documentation requirements (proof of citizenship, residency, work history) and delays in enrollment. Council members asked about success rates (approximately 60-70% transition from detox to residential), the opioid settlement fund, and the need for additional funding. Acting Director of Human Concerns Jessica Krause confirmed that county grants can fund payroll.
• Operational and Budgetary Review of East Maui Water Authority: Director Young and grant coordinator Leslie Tamarabucci presented the authority's FY 2026 budget, including nine staff positions (eight positions filled, one in recruitment). The budget includes $75,000 for a community grant program, which awarded five grants to community-based stewardship projects in the license area. Young discussed the authority's strategic planning process, which included 12 community meetings and 2 field trips, and coordination with the Department of Water Supply and DLNR on infrastructure acquisition. Council members inquired about grant oversight, the need for a larger grant program, and the status of the strategic plan and lease negotiations with DLNR. Young noted that the authority is seeking federal funding through programs like the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's impact investing program.

Key Outcomes

• The committee unanimously approved (without objection) designating Nicole Hokoana as a resource under Rule 18A for the first item, and Leslie Tamarabucci as a resource for the second item.
• Both agenda items were deferred without objection, pending further review.
• The committee expressed support for Aloha House's funding needs and encouraged Director Young to continue developing the grant program and strategic plan.
• The committee requested that the administration provide more information on the opioid settlement fund and its potential allocation to treatment centers.