Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee Meeting on FY27 Budget – April 13, 2026

The Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee (BFED) met in a recess session to continue deliberations on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Maui County. The meeting featured budget discussions with the Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and a review of Bill 63, which would rename and expand the Hawaiian Cultural Restoration Revolving Fund to the Lahaina Royal Complex Restoration Revolving Fund. No public testimony was heard; oral testimony had closed on April 10, but written testimony remains open.

Discussion Items

• Maui Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Budget Review

  • MEMA Administrator Amos Lonokailua-Hewett and his team addressed questions on hazard mitigation, response capabilities, and coordination with other county departments.
  • MEMA is requesting six new positions (three for hazard mitigation) and $1 million for hazardous fuels removal on 10 high-priority parcels totaling 1,100 acres. Estimated costs for full mitigation of these parcels is $3.3 million.
  • Community resiliency hubs: MEMA is developing a strategic plan via an RFP; a $150,000 remainder from previous funding is being used for planning.
  • EV battery response: $70,000 is requested for specialized consulting; MEMA, DPW, Fire, and DOH are collaborating on an end-of-life program (30,000 pounds of batteries already deconstructed at a temporary facility).
  • Public siren system: MEMA noted delays with HI-EMA’s process and is exploring radio caches and the “adopt a siren” program. Kuau siren has been down for years.
  • Training: $92,000 for travel and $30,000 for registration requested; MEMA will provide a breakdown of the training plan.
  • The new Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is expected to move in June, delayed due to a spectrum cable issue. Furniture and equipment are being installed.
  • MEMA’s coordination with the Office of Recovery (OOR) and Public Works was discussed; lines between short-term and long-term recovery remain gray, but MEMA and OOR meet regularly to ensure seamless transition.
  • MEMA confirmed four DM-89 positions are currently filled, two of which will be converted to full-time county positions.
  • The Red Cross did not apply for the $55,000 shelter operations grant; MEMA is exploring alternative sheltering options.

• Bill 63 – Hawaiian Cultural Restoration Revolving Fund (Chapter 3.38 MCC)

  • The administration proposed renaming the fund to the Lahaina Royal Complex Restoration Revolving Fund and expanding its use to cover the entire Lahaina Royal Complex area (from Hauola to Mokuʻula, including Kamehameha III School, the old library site, and Pakala).
  • The fund currently holds $1.1 million but has no ongoing revenue because the 500 Front Street parking lot (approx. 30-35 stalls) is not generating income. The Department of Transportation is exploring dedicating about 120 parking stalls within the Royal Complex to generate revenue for the fund.
  • The fund has not had recent community outreach, but OEV Resources Director Kayla Medeiros is regularly engaging with community groups (Nā ʻOhana, Kūpuna Lahaina, etc.).
  • OEV Resources is not requesting general fund support for proposed EP positions (ʻAloha ʻĀina ambassadors) at this time; they intend to use the revolving fund in the future if the kuleana is assigned to their department.
  • A minor amendment to the bill title was noted: “Lahaina Royal Complex” instead of “Royal Lahaina Complex.”
  • The fund previously supported restoration of Mokuʻula and Mokuʻinia, and a $2 million National Park Service grant has been obtained for Mokuʻula restoration.
  • Committee members expressed support for using the revolving fund to maintain the historic and cultural significance of the Royal Complex, emphasizing that it should not be managed as ordinary parkland.

Key Outcomes

• MEMA’s budget requests will be further considered; follow-up questions and a request for a written breakdown of the 10 priority parcels and training costs will be provided to the committee by April 14.
• Bill 63 will be taken up for a vote when the committee considers all proposed bills; exact voting date not specified.
• No formal votes were taken during this recess meeting; the committee will continue budget deliberations in upcoming sessions, including a public meeting in Molokaʻi scheduled for 6:00 PM on April 13.
• The committee will receive written clarification on potential double-dipping between the revolving fund and general fund for canoe restoration funding.
• The Budget Director will compile and transmit requested amendments to Bill 63.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:15 AM HST.