Budget Finance Economic Development Committee Community Meeting – April 3, 2026

This was the first in a series of community budget meetings held by the Maui County Council’s Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee. The meeting, chaired by Councilmember Yukile Sugimura, took place in Pukalani and focused on receiving in-person oral testimony from residents on any topic related to the county budget. No formal agenda items were discussed beyond public testimony. Councilmembers present included Chair Alice Lee, Tamara Paulton, Rollins Fernandez, and Shane Senensi; Nohe Lani Uuhajan was absent. The meeting was recorded and streamed live.

Public Comments & Testimony

Transportation (MEO Bus & Paratransit)

• Stephanie Berger testified that the MEO bus system enables her to work part-time and access recreation. She praised the booking system, reminders, and drivers Arlie and Loretta.
• Warren Govea, who is totally disabled, stated he depends entirely on MEO for medical appointments and errands. He thanked the chair for accommodating his needs with a special van.

STEM Education (MEDB STEMWorks & Robotics)

• Multiple students, teachers, and parents testified in strong support of continued and increased funding for the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) STEMWorks after-school program and robotics teams at Pukalani Elementary School. Key testimonies included:
  • Matteo Liang (5th grader): Participated in VEX IQ regionals and Japan Cup; learned life skills; urged continued funding.
  • Tyson Keating (student): Thanked donors and said robotics teaches programming, driving, and teamwork.
  • Daryl Sato (teacher/coach): Stressed that STEM prepares youth for high-paying careers and creates a pipeline of local talent.
  • Melissa Ramos (vice principal): Called the program a bridge to the 21st century.
  • High school students from Maui High’s Girls Can STEM club (Elisha Rabanis, Melanie Edmulin, Zelene Galizia, Therese Novelin Matilinus, Ariani Yap Wilsie) described how MEDB funding enabled STEM nights, internships, and skill development in communication, adaptability, and leadership.
  • Crystal Henkel (parent, engineer): Highlighted the program’s role in encouraging girls to pursue STEM.
• Councilmember Tamara Paulton asked students and teachers to inform youth about county career opportunities in engineering and IT, noting a supplemental bonus for engineers.

Youth Cycling (Maui Mountain Bike Coalition Cycle Strong Program)

• A large group of students, parents, educators, and business owners testified in support of funding for the Cycle Strong program, which provides mountain biking and mentorship for youth. Speakers included:
  • Aaron Rikert (Crank Cycles owner): Described the program’s mental health benefits, especially after the fires; noted partnerships with MPD and Parks & Rec; requested $125,000.
  • David Mason (educator): Cited a survey where over 50% of middle schoolers wanted a mountain bike club.
  • Students Isaac Jackson, Taj Berg, Kingston Corba, Aero Campus, Ariella Collins, and Aiden Collins: Shared that biking builds confidence, keeps them active, and provides a positive outlet.
  • Shaila Koomoa (parent, bike business): Emphasized the program as prevention for at-risk youth.
• Councilmember Paulton clarified the requested amount and whether it was in the mayor’s budget. She encouraged the group to provide written details.

Early Childhood & Family Services (MEO Head Start, Ho’Okaika Partnership, Maui Farm)

• Danielle Evans (parent, former staff): Requested continued funding for MEO Head Start and urged the county to improve nutritional quality of meals by sourcing local, fresh foods.
• Deb Manawis (Ho’Okaika Partnership coordinator): Asked the council to restore and increase funding for child abuse prevention. The partnership was not included in the mayor’s proposed FY27 budget. She noted that their $175,000 allocation from the previous year supported navigation services for over 500 individuals and outreach to 4,000 people. She submitted written testimony.
• Emily Erickson (Maui Farm executive director): Requested $323,000 (a $43,000 increase) for transitional housing with a farm component for homeless families. The farm currently houses eight mothers and 15 children. Councilmember Paulton noted the increase was not in the mayor’s budget and asked for details.
• Ka’io Martin (Maui Farm board member): Spoke to the program’s founding vision and the need for long-term support.

Agriculture & Food Security

• Jerry Ross (co-farmer, Kupa Farms; Maui Coffee Association): Testified in support of funding for Maui County Farm Bureau and commodity groups. He described diverting 25 tons of food waste annually into compost, and his farm’s success in absorbing 1.6 million gallons of rainwater from the Kona storm. Councilmembers asked about the process of obtaining county grants; Ross credited relationships and persistence.
• Ethan Romanchak (board member, Maui County Farm Bureau): Supported continued funding for the Farm Bureau, noting it gives a voice to farmers and supports AgFest, Ag in the Classroom, and the fair. He estimated the total request at $564,000.
• Annette Niles (rancher): Called for more grants for deer fencing, stating deer are destroying pastures and farmlands.
• Teresa Thompson (Maui Cattlemen’s Association): Reported that her herd has been cut 50% due to deer competing for grass. She praised the new partnership with Mahipono to sell beef locally. She said Farm Bureau funds help with research, education, and feed supplements.
• Tiair Lawrence: Requested increased grant funding for deer management, specifically for programs like Maui Nui Venison that process and distribute venison to local food banks.

Disaster Recovery & Environmental Management

• Kyle Ellison (Malamakula executive director): Detailed the organization’s work since the 2023 Kula Fire, including removing 2 million pounds of hazardous fuel, distributing wood chips for erosion control, and providing 160 roll-off bins for green waste. He noted that the mayor’s budget proposes $280,000, but they requested $480,000 to scale operations. He highlighted rapid response to recent Kona storms, clearing 80+ properties and opening county roads.

Reentry & Workforce Development

• Gregory Garcia (formerly incarcerated): Shared that MEO’s BEST program helped him re-enter society, obtain a cosmetology license, and secure employment. He urged continued funding for such programs.
• David Daly (MEO Business Development Center): Thanked the council for support of microenterprise and agricultural microgrant programs.

Other Items

• R. Street: Criticized the county’s handling of the Wailuku Historic District and water rights. He was interrupted by the chair for not adhering to the budget topic; the meeting continued.
• Tiair Lawrence: Also requested funding for a revitalization plan for Hali’imaile Park, drone technology for lifeguards, high-speed public Wi-Fi, and a reevaluation of speed bump installations.
• JC Law: Asked for funding to support the family of Trey Evans, a hero.

Clarifications from Council

• Councilmember Paulton and others asked testifiers for budget amounts, whether requests were in the mayor’s budget, and encouraged written submissions. No formal decisions were made during the meeting.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken. The committee will receive a written summary of testimony from staff.
• Councilmembers directed testifiers to submit written testimony via e-comment or at the meeting to ensure their requests are considered in the budget process.
• Several councilmembers noted that some requested programs (e.g., Cycle Strong, Ho’Okaika Partnership, Maui Farm increase) were not in the mayor’s proposed budget and indicated they would advocate for inclusion.
• The meeting was adjourned without further discussion.