Budget Finance Economic Development Committee – FY27 Budget Deliberations

On June 3, 2026, the Budget Finance Economic Development Committee (BFED) of the Maui County Council met to continue deliberations on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The meeting began at 9:07 AM and included a moment of silence for former Governor George Ariyoshi, who died at age 100. The committee heard public testimony, discussed departmental budgets, and voted on numerous amendments. The meeting recessed for lunch and reconvened, continuing until adjournment at approximately 6:40 PM. Key actions included adjustments to the Department of Environmental Management, Finance, Fire & Public Safety, Housing, and other departments, with a net increase of $2.6 million from the previous day’s changes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Tutu and Me Traveling Preschool: Several parents and a program representative testified in support of continued funding. Kiana Kawe, a parent, described the program’s importance for her toddler and grandmother, noting that all four Maui sites are closing due to loss of federal Native Hawaiian Education funding. She stated the program costs approximately $600,000 per teaching team supporting two sites. Brittany Ake (Partners in Development Foundation) clarified that the 1.2 million in the mayor’s budget is needed to maintain four Maui sites, with one-third match already secured. Multiple parents (Joseph Cutney, Amina Grumet, Carolina Glover, Angela Sarsona, Diana Shembri, Serena Fukushima, Monique Duplantis) shared emotional testimonies about the program’s impact on early childhood development, family bonding, and mental health support for wildfire-affected families.
• Ho’ala Health Outreach: Alika Monakea (University of Hawaii, Maui Wildfire Exposure Study) testified in support of $2 million co-funding for Ho’ala, a health initiative to expand screening and prevention services for Maui residents affected by the 2023 wildfires. He noted that over 2,000 residents have participated, with high rates of depression (1 in 2) and respiratory impairment. The program partners with multiple community organizations.
• Camp Maluhia: Glenn Katagawa (Scouting America) and Leaf Adachi (Camp Ranger) requested $500,000 for upkeep and development of the camp, noting roof damage from storms and the need for pool and building maintenance.
• Housing Projects: Director Richard Mitchell and Deputy Director Mata Afa (Department of Housing) discussed the Affordable Housing Fund RFP process, supporting Aloha House ($1 million for supportive housing), Habitat for Humanity Hana ($6.595 million for homeownership), and Kui Kahi projects. They also mentioned the potential acquisition of Cove Beach Park (32 units, appraised land value ~$2.5 million, asking $8.5 million).
• Managed Retreat Fund: Kaina Shiki testified against using $2.5 million for Pa’ia Mantokuji without a clear project, urging relocation instead of shoreline hardening. She noted that the applicant is seeking state legislation to exempt themselves from environmental review (SB 3169, HB 2490), which did not pass.
• Other Testifiers: Ruben Juarez (HMSA professor) supported Ho’ala; Matt Bachman (Habitat for Humanity) emphasized the need for homeownership; Nicole Hokoana requested $2 million for Aloha House; Tom Crowley criticized water rate increases; Christopher Salem raised concerns about unaccounted developer infrastructure agreements.

Discussion Items

• Department of Environmental Management (DEM): Members prioritized several items. Member Paulton moved to add $300,000 condition for Marine Maui Ocean Center Institute (coral reef restoration). Member U’u Hodgins moved to add $40,000 for Haiku Community Association stream testing. Member Johnson moved to insert $2.4 million for ‘Ulu Cloud Revival (reforestation with Malama Haleakala Foundation, ʻUiwai OʻHaleakala, and Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission). Member Paulton’s second priority (Malama Kakanilua) was moved to OEV resources. A $500,000 cut from wastewater operations (Category B) was approved to reduce bond funding for Waiahuku wastewater pump station modifications.
• Department of Finance: Member Paulton proposed several cuts to expansion positions (e.g., accountant, motor vehicle licensing) based on vacancies and historical carryover. A motion to defund two accountant positions from FY21 was approved 7-1. A subsequent reconsideration restored funding for the accounts program per department request. A motion to cut $50,000 for internal control software failed 3-6.
• Department of Fire & Public Safety: Member Paulton cut $94,556 from admin positions and $300,000 based on carryover. A cut of $65,000 for a motor vehicle was approved. A motion to cut $71,656 for ceremonial uniforms (hats and ties) was amended to cut half ($35,828) and passed. A cut of $115,000 for training yard repavement was approved. An increase for explosive materials fees from $100 to $500 was deferred for research.
• Department of Housing: Member Paulton added $6 million for Lahaina Community Land Trust (passed). Member Johnson added $4.5 million bond for transitional housing for victims of domestic violence (passed). Chair Lee added $165,000 for Hali‘imaile Homeowners Program (passed). Member Batangan added one EP for a long-term rental program. Member Johnson amended the first-time homebuyers fund condition to remove the $30,000 cap. Chair Lee proposed $8.62 million for Cove Beach Village acquisition, but after discussion, the amount was amended to $2.5 million (bond) and passed. Member Rollins Fernandez added $2 million for the voluntary deed restriction program. A motion to add $3 million for the Paris program (Homestead CDC) was withdrawn for further information.
• Department of Liquor Control: Minor corrections to fees were approved. A motion to incorporate missing classes and increase penalty maximum from $2,000 to $5,000 passed.
• Department of OEV Resources: Member Paulton added $250,000 for Malama Kakanilua (passed). A $140,000 cut to Category A was approved. A motion to cut $20,000 from the B account (for travel, training, advertisements) was withdrawn after discussion.
• Department of Personnel Services: A motion to cut $35,000 for training space rental failed 4-5.
• Department of Planning: A $200,000 cut from Category B was approved, offsetting street medicine funding.
• Department of Transportation: A $170,000 increase for security at Kahului Transit Center was approved. Member Johnson amended transit fares to remove the age cap (24 and under) for free fares, extending to all students with valid ID (passed).
• Department of the Prosecuting Attorney: A $3.35 million bond increase for 24 North Church Street renovation was approved, with an offset from police.

Key Outcomes

• Votes on Major Amendments:
  • Tutu and Me funding: $1.2 million remained in mayor’s budget; no additional cuts. The committee expressed support but did not increase funding beyond the proposed amount.
  • Ho’ala health initiative: $2 million co-funding request from University of Hawaii was supported by members but not formally voted as a separate item; it was included in the overall budget discussion.
  • Camp Maluhia: $500,000 request deferred to later discussion (not voted on this day).
  • Cove Beach Village acquisition: Approved $2.5 million bond (amended from $8.62 million) for land and entitlements, with negotiation authority for Department of Housing.
  • Pa’ia Mantokuji managed retreat: $2.5 million request was not removed; the motion to delete failed 4-4 (one excused). The item remains in the budget.
  • Ma’alaea Village injection well project: Motion to delete $2.5 million failed 4-4 (one excused). The funding remains.
• Net Changes: The committee added $2.6 million in net changes from the previous day, distributed across departments.
• Next Steps: The committee will continue deliberations on June 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM, covering Departments of Human Concerns, Management, Mayor, Parks, Police, Public Works, Water Supply, and countywide items. Staff will accept written testimony and proposed amendments by 9:00 AM.

Consent Calendar

• None included; all items were discussed individually.

Public Comments & Testimony

• See above for detailed testimony on Tutu and Me, Ho’ala, Camp Maluhia, housing projects, managed retreat, and water rates.

Discussion Items

• See above for departmental discussions and amendments.

Key Outcomes

• See above for votes on major amendments and net budget changes.