Maui County Council Hears Molokai Community Testimony on Budget Priorities – April 15, 2026

The Maui County Council's Budget and Finance Committee, chaired by Councilmember Yukile Sugimura, held a community meeting on Molokai on April 15, 2026, to hear public testimony on the upcoming fiscal year 2027-2028 budget. Councilmembers Nohelani Uuhajis, Kawananui Batangan, and Gabe Johnson were present, along with council staff. Over 20 testifiers spoke, nearly all urging the council to restore or maintain funding for critical local programs, with the Molokai Rural Health Community Association's Kupuna Program emerging as the most discussed issue. Testifiers also advocated for continued support for MEO Head Start, MEDB STEM Works, Molokai Community Health Center dental services, the Family Life Center homeless services, and other community organizations. Councilmembers indicated the Kupuna Program would be a priority during budget deliberations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Vaugh (community member): Expressed strong support for continued funding of MEO (Maui Economic Opportunity), particularly its transportation services, calling it essential for his mobility and independence.
• Clayton Ching (54-year Molokai resident, kupuna): Voiced support for kupuna programs, emphasizing the importance of elders and activities like pickleball that keep seniors active.
• Kavika Gonzalez (fifth-grade teacher, with students): Presented strong support for the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) and its STEM Works program, noting its role in providing life-changing opportunities like the Hawaii International Film Festival selection of student films. Five students shared their favorite aspects of the program.
• Mark Scott (farmer, John's Farm): Stated that the Molokai Rural Health Community Association's Kupuna Care program is not funded for 2027-2028. He noted the program serves 750 active customers (980 registered), about 10% of Molokai's 7,500 population, and requested $600,000 in funding, which is 0.0375% of the county budget. He highlighted services like podiatry and barber access.
• Puolani Akaka (kupuna resident): Commended the Kupuna Program, requesting restoration of $600,000 for 2027. She personally benefits from Lomi services for severe arthritis and scoliosis.
• Emma Velasco (kupuna, wife of disabled Vietnam vet): Shared how she uses the Kupuna Program for haircuts and food distribution, supporting enhanced services.
• Gwendolyn Orse (outreach worker for Kupuna Program): Asked for continued funding, emphasizing the program's role in socialization and health services like diabetic foot care and haircuts.
• Eugene Santiago (kupuna, Kualapuu resident): Requested approval of $600,000 for the Kupuna Program, citing professional staff and services like massage that maintain quality of life.
• Barbara Bostwick (kupuna, 1960 tsunami survivor): Addressed three budget items: commended agriculture budget for feral animal control but requested more for Molokai's cat/dog population; thanked county for $2 million ferry study; and strongly urged funding for Molokai Rural Health Community Association, noting missed deadline led to its omission. She asked for specific increases for Maui Humane Society feral animal control and the Humane Society line item.
• Gregory O'Shea (on behalf of wife): Presented a proposal for a mobile veterinary service nonprofit called Compassionate Animal Resources Everywhere (CARE), requesting capital investment for mobile unit, equipment duplication, and subsidized care for low-income households.
• Jennifer Pupouli (parent in Halawa Valley): Expressed deep appreciation for MEO Head Start, noting it provides early childhood education when local schools are full. She credited extended hours for enabling early intervention for her dual-language child.
• John Arthur Kikukawa (75-year-old kupuna, retired): Supported the Kupuna Program, describing its efficient operation and the therapeutic massage he receives. He noted his 98-year-old mother-in-law was denied services during COVID due to lack of funds.
• Catherine Akee (kupuna): Supported MEO rental assistance as a landlord, then strongly criticized the budget cut to the Kupuna Program. She listed lost services: yard work (forcing her to push lawnmower at 74), Lomi Lomi, podiatrist, housekeeping. She also thanked county for repairing the electric charging station at Cook Pool.
• Patty McCartney (kupuna): Thanked the council and asked for reinstatement of the Kupuna Program, noting it collaborates with other agencies to fill service gaps. She is a recent program participant in lauhala weaving and Social Security classes.
• Luanne Kahiki (on behalf of Hoolehua Homesteaders Association): Thanked council for grants supporting Molokai Paniola Heritage and Prince Kuhio events.
• Ivan Everhart (80-year-old widow): Expressed strong support for Kupuna Program, sharing personal benefits: nutritional classes during husband's cancer, estate planning, Lomi Lomi, haircuts, podiatry, computer classes, painting. She requested refunding.
• Kuulei Arsi (program coordinator, Kupuna Program): Provided detailed overview: program serves 700+ active kupuna (nearly 1,000 registered, age 65+). Services include transportation, haircuts, Lomi Lomi, diabetic foot care, classes (hula, crafts, computer), monthly wellness calls, and social gatherings. She noted they discovered one uncle's cancer through these calls, but the caregiver auntie needed more support. She acknowledged missing the budget deadline and pleaded for reinstatement, emphasizing the program fills gaps no other organization addresses.
• Milton Cortez (CEO, Molokai Community Health Center): Thanked council for past dental funding that generated 1,600 visits (1,400 patients) last year, projected 4,600 visits this year. He reported $545,000 request for 2027, noting the center faces $1.8 million in federal cuts over four years due to Medicaid changes. He also advocated for Molokai Heritage Trust to address sea rise and flooding (Kona Low event). Councilmember Rollins Fernandez indicated she would prioritize this.
• Iolani Kuoha (vice principal, Maunaloa Elementary): Requested continued investment in Molokai Arts Center, MEDB (STEM), and MEO (transportation). She noted the arts center provides healing and cultural expression; STEM opens career pathways; MEO buses address transportation barriers.
• Amber Nakih (program manager, Family Life Center Molokai): Requested continued county funding for homeless services. Reported working with 40+ individuals, over half now housed; assisted 20 households with prevention; currently case managing 11 households (24 individuals). County funding is essential for day-to-day operations while federal funds cover property purchase.
• Courtney Demagio (community member): Thanked council for supporting Hale Makua's adult day health program, which provides respite for caregivers and an alternative to long-term care off-island. She urged continued funding for all Molokai programs, saying they work together.
• Prihan Kadirikani Kamanu (volunteer, Papa Makua program under Hui Kani Connections): Testified that the parenting program, rooted in Hawaiian values, helps parents improve relationships with children. She asked for continued funding.
• Hulunani Opio Campbell (parent of two autistic children): Supported continuing Maui Family Support Services' Papa Makua program, noting it taught her better parenting using Hawaiian values. She praised program leader Anakala Kavika Matos.
• Matt Yamashita (filmmaker, entrepreneur, multiple board member): Expressed 100% support for kupuna and youth programs. He thanked council for $50,000 pilot film program (Maui Film Commission) that supports local filmmakers telling nonprofit stories, and advocated for expansion countywide. He also requested ~$130,000 matching funds from open space program for Hui Va'a O Molokai to acquire 24 acres for cultural/educational use. Councilmember Rollins Fernandez clarified the pilot is intended to expand countywide.
• Nani Kahinu (Hawaii Farmers Union, Naiki LLC): Thanked council for supporting HFU Farm Apprentice Mentor program and MDOA grants for agriculture. She requested moving away from reimbursement grants, as they are burdensome for small businesses on DHHL land who cannot obtain loans. She also supported sustainable Molokai and Hui Va'a O Molokai.
• Lori Buchanan (project coordinator, Molokai Maui Invasive Species Committee): Thanked council for flat budget line item. Announced detection of coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB) on Molokai the previous week, triggering emergency response. She asked for additional resources if needed, and confirmed state Department of Agriculture is assisting. Councilmember Rollins Fernandez inquired about sufficiency of funds; Buchanan said she is seeking capacity support.
• Gandharva Mahinaho Ross (taro farmer in Halawa Valley, Hawaiian immersion teacher): Supported kupuna programs, MEDB STEM (taking 20 students to conference), but raised concern about East Molokai Watershed Partnership fencing, arguing it pushes deer east, destroying understory and reefs. He advocated for north-south fencing and more support for kuleana land farmers. Filled out Kona Low disaster form seeking recovery help.
• Jantel Duroalindo (CEO, Molokai Heritage Trust, and community member): Thanked council for supporting Molokai Ranch purchase efforts. She expressed strong opposition to any homeless shelter on Molokai, arguing it would attract uncontrolled population growth. She instead advocated for sealing the gates and paying for flights off-island. She praised council for using district funds to fill gaps like the Kupuna Program.

Discussion Items

• Councilmembers engaged in Q&A with several testifiers, primarily seeking clarification on funding amounts, program details, and policy issues.
• Councilmember Rollins Fernandez indicated the Kupuna Program would be a priority item during budget decisions week, and expressed support for the Molokai Community Health Center's request.
• Councilmember Batangan clarified that the feral animal control funding is a competitive pot separate from the Maui Humane Society line item.
• Councilmember Uuhajis asked about the date of the Kupuna Program's budget submission; chair noted the program missed the deadline, which is why it was not in the mayor's proposed budget.
• Councilmember Johnson questioned Molokai Community Health Center CEO about federal funding cuts and pressures to remove DEI language.
• Councilmember Fernandez asked about readiness to expand the film pilot program; Yamashita said it should be expanded countywide.

Key Outcomes

• Councilmembers heard overwhelming testimony in support of restoring $600,000 for the Molokai Rural Health Community Association (Kupuna Program) in the FY27-28 budget. Several councilmembers indicated it would be a priority for them.
• The Kupuna Program was omitted from the mayor's proposed budget due to a missed submission deadline; councilmembers can include it via amendments.
• Councilmember Rollins Fernandez stated the Molokai Community Health Center's $545,000 request would be among her budget priorities.
• No formal votes were taken at this public hearing; the council will deliberate during budget decision week.
• The council received written testimony and encouraged further submissions.