FY27 Budget Decision-Making Meeting - Maui County BFED Committee - April 20, 2026

The Maui County Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee (BFED) convened on April 20, 2026, at 9:07 AM to begin decision-making on the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. Chair Yuki Lei Sugimura presided. The day focused on the real property tax (RPT) certification, public testimony, establishing member priorities, and making initial cuts and additions to the mayor's proposed budget. The meeting recessed at 5:53 PM and will continue on April 21.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jeff Ueoka proposed the county purchase a one-acre parcel at 82 Kanani Road in Kihei for $8.62 million (subject to appraisal), which is fully permitted and shovel-ready for 32 affordable housing units. He asked for an appropriation to allow the administration to negotiate.
• Travis Liggett advocated for a referendum to adopt a solution to stringent total nitrogen requirements in the Lahaina NPDES permit and to fund wastewater disinfection via philanthropy instead of litigation.
• Mike Reyes, Executive Director of Malama Hālaʻikala Foundation, supported Councilmember Johnson's priority to remove invasive black wattle on 107 acres at Kaʻonoulu Ranch and plant 462 native ʻōhiʻa trees to restore the Naulu cloud bridge. He agreed to ensure the trees remain in perpetuity.
• Christopher Salem criticized the February 2026 fraud risk assessment by Spire Hawaii LLP, arguing the county charter already gives the council, auditor, and Cost of Government Commission authority to investigate fraud, but these powers have not been used.
• Kalana urged scrutiny of church property tax exemptions, suggesting some churches may be detrimental to society.
• Sanoe (nonprofit shelter provider) thanked the committee for $257,500 in shelter grants, noted families are staying longer than the 120-day limit due to lack of transitional housing, and requested county support for scattered-site housing for domestic violence survivors. She also mentioned need on Molokaʻi.

Discussion Items

• RPT Certification (9:07 AM – 11:00 AM): Director Martin presented the 2026 real property tax certification, showing a certified value of $83.02 billion, a slight decrease of less than 1% from the prior year. Revenue projections totaled $660.37 million, about $156,548 more than the mayor's proposed budget. Discussion included the 41% share of revenue from property taxes, circuit breaker statistics (2,094 owner-occupied parcels paying minimum tax), and wildfire tax waivers covering 1,300 properties. Committee members asked about appeal trends, exempt properties (churches, credit unions), and trends in assessed values. Members submitted written questions due April 21 at 9 AM.
• Budget Process and Priorities (11:00 AM – 5:53 PM): After the RPT presentation, the committee received the member priorities matrix. Chair Sugimura outlined the week's plan: first address duplicate priorities, then take up broad cuts and department-by-department reviews starting with the legislative branch. Each member was allowed up to 2 residency area proposals, 3 countywide proposals, 2 revolving fund conditions, and 2 grant conditions. Eight overlapping priorities were identified, including Maui Mediation Services, Street Medicine/Project Vision, Kaʻahumanu Church, and others. Members resolved duplicates through substitutions or withdrawal.
• Broad Cuts and Department Reviews: Member Batangan proposed a 1.25% across-the-board cut to non-first-responder general fund departments (excluding police, fire, DEM) to reduce carryover savings, but the committee favored a more targeted approach. Member Sugimura proposed removing funding for all expansion positions (EPs) except the Maui United Way-funded warm body, but this was deferred to department-level discussions. The committee then proceeded department by department, making specific reductions and additions.

Key Outcomes

• Department of Agriculture Additions:
  • Approved (9-0) a condition to allocate up to $564,000 to Maui County Farm Bureau.
  • Approved (9-0) adding $1 million to the Farm to Family grant program (total $2 million).
  • Approved (9-0) a condition that grantees follow the Food and Nutrition Security Plan.
  • Approved (9-0) adding $500,000 for a Lokahi Pacific animal feed crop pilot program (countywide).
  • Approved (9-0) adding $25,000 for the Rusty Maui Cat Collective trap-neuter-release program.
  • Approved (9-0) adding $250,000 for a Maui Humane Society pet retention program.
  • Approved (9-0) adding $20,000 for a Humane Society vehicle (revolving fund).
  • Approved (9-0) adding $40,000 for spay/neuter services (condition).
• Department of Agriculture Cuts:
  • Approved (8-1) a reduction of $83,723 to category A (reducing months funded for FY26/27 expansion positions not yet created).
  • Approved (6-2, 1 recused) a reduction of $52,656 for a secretary to boards and commissions position (later reconsidered and withdrawn after learning it was filled).
  • Approved (5-3, 1 recused) a reduction of $160,000 from category B contractual services (outsourced grant writing).
• County Clerk: A motion to cut $86,628 from category A failed (3-6).
• Office of Council Services: A motion to cut $1.5 million from CIP was amended to $1 million cut (leaving $900,000) and approved (voice vote).
• Corporation Counsel: Approved (9-0) a cut of $24,884 from category A (safety specialist position).
• East Maui Water Authority: Approved (9-0) adding $39,882 for a Planner V position (6 months). Also approved (9-0) a cut of $26,998 from category A (FY27 expansion positions).
• Emergency Management Agency: Approved (9-0) adding $2.3 million for top two wildfire risk priorities. Approved (9-0) a cut of $129,000 from FY27 expansion positions (excluding a Maui United Way-funded position). Approved (9-0) a cut of $50,000 from category B (excessive line items). Approved (9-0) deleting $10,000 for Maui Search and Rescue (non-compliant vendor).
• Procedural Motion: The committee voted (6-3) to allow departmental requests to be considered as separate from council member priorities, enabling the administration to submit items missed or changed since the mayor's proposal.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:53 PM and will resume April 21 at 9:00 AM starting with the Department of Environmental Management.