Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee Meeting – April 7, 2026

The Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee of the Maui County Council met on April 7, 2026, to continue deliberations on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 county budget. The committee heard presentations from the Departments of Human Concerns, Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Planning, and received public testimony on various grants, contracts, and community needs. The meeting was chaired by Vice Chair Calonar Batungan, acting for Chair Yuki Lee Sugimura.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Scott Hopkins (Executive Director, Feed My Sheep) testified in support of increased funding from $125,000 to $135,000 for the Healthy Diet program, citing rising food costs and increased demand. He reported serving 3,000 unduplicated individuals annually, with a spike to 9,000 during the wildfires.
• Dana Thorne (Program Manager, Best Buddies Maui County) requested continued funding for programs supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving 103 participants through seven school-based chapters and one community chapter.
• JD Wyatt (Executive Director, Kalimo Maui) supported the Parks and Recreation budget, highlighting that the organization employs 50+ adults with disabilities and holds county contracts totaling $1.84 million for custodial and grounds maintenance. He noted challenges from rising minimum wage and operational costs.
• Paige DePont (Director, Spirit Horse Ranch) stated her organization was left out of the Department of Human Concerns funding despite delivering over 4,600 trauma-informed care sessions. She requested $700,000 (half of her budget) and noted a 98% improvement in mental/behavioral health outcomes.
• Patrick Saka (Controller, Kalimo Maui) detailed contracts: $845,000 for parks custodial, $735,000 for grounds maintenance, $233,000 for police department, and $27,000 for fire department.
• Debbie Kabibi (CEO, Maui Economic Opportunity) thanked the committee, reported serving 18,000 individuals (touching 57,000 lives), and requested support for the mayor's proposed budget increases due to prevailing wage and operational cost increases.
• Kevin Kelly, Brady Yap, Andrew Osaka, and Gloria Calcito (employees of Kalimo Maui) shared personal testimony about the value of employment and the opportunity to work with people with disabilities.
• JC Long (community member) commented on bus system operations, requested an audit of the Salvation Army, and suggested consideration of biodiesel buses.

Department Presentations and Discussion

Department of Human Concerns

Deputy Director Jessica Krauss presented a proposed FY2027 budget of $36,979,384, including 10 new grants ($1,374,765) and six expansion positions. The department is focused on rebuilding the West Maui Senior Center ($27 million in FEMA funds).

• Chair Lee encouraged proactive partnerships with religious organizations and Ka Hale A Ke Ola for homeless services and resource center rebuilding.
• Councilmember Sugimura inquired about homeless efforts on Pulehu Road and coordination with the Affordable Housing Fund.
• Councilmember Paulton questioned vacancy priorities and grant-funded positions.
• Councilmember Johnson asked about the Kamaʻāina Grant (Maui United Way) status; the department received an updated application on April 1 and is reviewing.
• Councilmember U’u-Hodgins expressed concern that $4.7 million spent on homeless services does not show improvement and questioned the effectiveness of the Housing First approach.
• Vice Chair Batungan asked about the county’s housing policy given federal changes, and about the split between Department of Human Concerns and Mayor’s office homeless outreach budgets.

Department of Parks and Recreation

Director Pat McCall presented a $49.9 million operating budget (15.4% increase) and $75 million CIP, focusing on tree trimming, fire mitigation, and preventative maintenance. The department has 68 vacancies.

• Councilmember Johnson asked about using ADA funds for a new restroom on Lanai; funds are only for upgrading existing facilities.
• Councilmember Cook inquired about impediments to CIP timelines; department cited improved inter-department coordination and is targeting 90%+ on-time delivery.
• Councilmember U’u-Hodgins asked about Ho‘okipa restrooms (expected reopening week of April 20) and parking congestion from tour buses. Director McCall noted ongoing discussions about tour bus management.
• Councilmember Sugimura raised concerns about storm damage at Kula Community Center (built in 1930s) and Kipaniwai Heritage Garden; assessment ongoing, possible removal of pavilions.
• Councilmember Paulton questioned the 1,031.9% increase in premium pay (explained as reinstatement of council cuts) and asked about re-organization and union consultation for positions.
• Councilmember Johnson asked if the department would support exempting park fees for county-led farmers markets; department is open to discussion for Lānaʻi and Molokaʻi.

Department of Transportation

Director Mark Takamori presented a budget with 5–5.7% increases for transit contracts, $1.4 million for ADA paratransit, and $850,000 for MEO vehicle replacements. CIP includes multimodal projects and ferry planning.

• Councilmember Johnson asked about waiving fixed route fees for county employees and students; fiscal impact expected minimal, and code amendment is not needed—appendix B change suffices.
• Councilmember Cook asked about bus stop planning; department has 200+ stops, 50 with shelters, and requests $800,000 annually for improvements.
• Councilmember U’u-Hodgins asked about safety and disruptive behavior on buses; security is present at Kahului Transit Center 24/7.
• Councilmember Sugimura inquired about the $77 million base yard CIP; department is finishing master plan and working on electric bus charging infrastructure.
• Councilmember Paulton asked about adding a stop at Hanaka‘ō‘ō Beach Park; director will consider but noted scheduling and safety concerns.
• Councilmember Rollins Fernandez asked about the ferry timeline; environmental assessment solicitation closes April 9, service targeted for end of Q3/beginning Q4 FY27 for Lānaʻi, with Molokaʻi one to two years later.
• Councilmember Batungan asked about a school bus picking up at a county bus stop; likely DOE using the location, but department will investigate.

Department of Planning

Deputy Director Anna Lillis presented a $10.8 million budget (15.8% increase) with three expansion positions, no CIP, and plans for 10 land use ordinance and rule updates.

• Councilmember Paulton asked about expansion positions (none require union re-org) and hiring processes; department uses DM89 only when no open recruitment, but is working on retention incentives.
• Councilmember Rollins Fernandez asked about expediting affordable housing permits; department said it dedicates resources but complex projects may take time.
• Councilmember Cook suggested tracking total value of permits in queue as a performance measure; department will explore.
• Councilmember U’u-Hodgins asked about fee increases for rule changes and building permit fee waivers for 100% affordable housing; department to follow up on process.
• Councilmember Sugimura asked about SMA permits for lifeguard towers; can be fast-tracked as SMA minor if under $500,000.
• Councilmember Johnson clarified budget discrepancies: Upcountry community plan engagement is $250,000, historic records compilation is $450,000.
• Councilmember Senense asked about consolidation/subdivision process; it is administrative unless in SMA. Department does not administer subdivision code (Public Works).

Key Outcomes

• The committee continued budget deliberations; no formal votes were taken.
• The meeting calendar was adjusted due to storm: South Maui residency meeting postponed; Police and Environmental Management added to new dates.
• Deadline for council members' budget proposals and priority lists: Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.
• Additional budget questions for departments heard today (Human Concerns, Parks & Rec, Transportation, Planning) must be submitted by 9:00 a.m. on April 8, 2026, to staff.bfed@mauicounty.us.
• The Office of Council Services confirmed that no code amendment is required to implement a bus fare waiver for county employees; adjustments to the rates and fees schedule (Appendix B) are sufficient.
• Next meeting: April 8, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., with presentations from the Department of Water Supply and the Department of Management (including Office of Recovery).