Maui County BFED Committee FY27 Budget Meeting – April 27, 2026

The Budget, Finance, Economic Development (BFED) Committee of the Maui County Council met on April 27, 2026, to consider the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The meeting included public testimony, amendments to appropriations, real property tax rate adjustments, and actions on accompanying bills. After extensive deliberation, the committee balanced the general fund through a combination of spending reductions and changes to non‑owner‑occupied tax tiers, and recessed to Monday, April 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to take up general budget provisions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jake Carton of Maui Indivisible testified that the county clerk rejected nearly 1,000 ballots in the last election due to signature mismatches, and urged that the FY27 budget fund voter education on signature matching. He also raised concerns about the MPD’s contract with HSI and the potential for federal election interference.
• Jeff Wyoka, representing Waikapu Country Town, discussed the need for an interim wastewater treatment package plant ($500,000 for design/permitting) as insurance in case the Central Maui wastewater facility is delayed. He expressed full support for connecting to the central plant but stressed the need to keep housing development moving.
• Lisa Darcy, founder of Sherry Mana, urged the committee to pause over $1 million in funding for the Clean & Safe program, arguing it criminalizes homelessness rather than providing solutions. She also opposed $750,000 for gates on Holomua Road and called for more effective problem‑solving.
• Travis Liggett testified about serious illness after exposure to an illegal discharge from the Maui Ocean Center wastewater plant, and requested funding for CBS 1169 to improve wastewater disinfection. He noted that unsheltered people face structural, not just personal, challenges.
• Additional testimony was offered by an individual (Mr. Langford) who thanked the committee for its work and warned about potential corruption, and another who sang a song and requested music at meetings.

Discussion Items

• Revisits and Amendments: Member Cook withdrew a $2 million appropriation for South Maui residents and small businesses affected by Kona low storms after federal disaster funds covered the need. Member U Hodgins moved to reduce $1 million from the Manage Retreat Revolving Fund (page 55 of budget bills, special purpose revenue funds) and use that to offset a $1 million drainage master plan project proposed by Member Cook; the motion passed 9‑0. Member U Hodgins also moved to condition up to $9 million from the GET excise tax fund for the Umani Village mixed‑use development for well and water system improvements; the motion passed 7‑1‑1 (one recusal).
• Fringe Benefits Conditional Language: Member U Hodgins moved to amend conditional language under fringe benefits to reserve $1,184,375 for bargaining units 11 and 15 supplemental agreements, ensuring sufficient funds for potential wage increases. The motion passed 8‑0‑1 (one recusal).
• Bills: Bill 61 (Fiscal Reserve Fund) was referred to BFED. Bill 62 (Solid Waste Management and Environmental Protection funds) passed 9‑0. Bill 63 (renaming Hawaiian Cultural Restoration Revolving Fund and expanding Lahaina Royal Complex area) passed 9‑0 with committee amendments. Bill 64 (Electric Vehicle Charging Fee) passed 9‑0. Bills 66 and 67 (sponsored by Member Johnson) were referred to the GREAT Committee. Bill 76 (Water System Development Fee) was held and later referred to the Water Committee, with the budget director requesting expedited passage by June 30.
• Real Property Tax (RPT) Adjustments: The committee faced a $10.8 million general fund shortfall. Member Paulton proposed changing the non‑owner‑occupied tier thresholds: tier 2 ($1,000,001 to $2,500,000) and tier 3 (>$2,500,000), with no rate changes. This generated $5,668,013. After further budget cuts (see Key Outcomes), the committee needed an additional $5.66 million. The Paulton motion passed 8‑1 (Member Sugimura voting no).

Key Outcomes

• Budget Cuts and Offsets: The committee approved the following adjustments (all votes 9‑0 unless noted):
  • Changed funding source for Office of County Council CIP renovations from general fund to bonds ($900,000).
  • Reduced appropriation for Lahaina Restoration Foundation (rebuild Old Lahaina Courthouse and prison) from $9.7 million to $3.9 million (amended from $3.5 million; motion passed 9‑0).
  • Reduced the Manage Retreat Revolving Fund transfer by $300,000 (amended from $800,000; motion passed 9‑0).
  • Reduced the Paris program by $1 million (new total $2 million; passed 9‑0).
  • Cut renewable energy program grants by $50,000 (passed 7‑2, members Johnson and Sen Nacy voting against).
  • Cut environmental protection grants by $50,000 (absorbed into existing $800,000; passed 9‑0).
• General Fund Balanced: After the RPT tier change and the cuts above, the general fund was $166,461 over the required balance. The committee moved to transfer the excess to the open space fund and gave staff leeway to adjust for rounding (voice vote, ayes).
• Meeting Recessed: The committee recessed at approximately 2:05 p.m. to reconvene at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026 (the same day) via the same teams link to address general budget provisions. No additional public testimony will be taken at that session.