Aloha Neighbors,
On June 5, 2026, your Maui County Council gave unanimous final approval to a $1.6 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (effective July 1, 2026).
Reviewing a county budget is about balance - responsibly managing public funds while making the investments necessary to help local families thrive. My priorities focused heavily on affordable housing, key social services, wildfire recovery and disaster mitigation, and creating targeted property tax relief to ease the financial burden on our residents. BFED Committee Report, FY 27 Budget
In collaboration with my colleagues, I am proud to have delivered on several key budget priorities that directly support our community:
1. Continuing a Legacy of Affordable Housing
To support housing and community development, I championed a $2 million appropriation to the Homestead Community Development Corporation for the Permanently Affordable Rental Unit Strategy (PARUS) program. This funding will advance long-term rental housing opportunities for local, income-restricted families. I am proud to help carry forward the legacy of the late Councilmember Kama by continuing to champion the PARUS program that she co-created.
2. Enhancing Public Safety & Emergency Response
A key public safety priority of mine was securing resources for the Critical Outreach and Response Through Education (CORE) program. I successfully conditioned funding for the purchase of a dedicated 4x4 vehicle under the Police Department’s Organizational Development Bureau. This critical investment will enhance the program’s ability to respond to community needs across Maui County, ensuring help can reach residents in our most remote or difficult-to-access areas.
Additionally, in response to requests from nearby residents, I partnered with the Department of Transportation to secure additional around-the-clock security for the Kahului Transit Center, ensuring a safer environment for local commuters and families.
3. Protecting Our Keiki & Early Childhood Education
Recognizing the vital importance of early childhood education, I fought to ensure Partners in Development (PID), which operates the invaluable Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool Program, received the funding necessary to maintain operations despite federal funding uncertainties. To promote the program’s long-term sustainability, I added a budget condition requiring PID to continue pursuing funding sources outside of Maui County while retaining all existing Maui County program sites. This approach ensures uninterrupted support for our keiki and families while encouraging the diversification of funding streams.
To further support our local youth and community spaces, I also secured dedicated funding for essential campus improvements at both Camp Maluhia and the Kahului Hongwanji Mission Preschool.
4. Protecting Medically Fragile Residents During Power Outages
In response to utility companies' increasing use of Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and the risk of unplanned power outages during emergencies, I prioritized a $150,000 appropriation for a new initiative called the Special Medical Needs Power Supply Program.
Developed in response to a direct request from a constituent, this program is designed to assist residents who depend on electrically powered medical equipment and are disproportionately impacted by power outages. The initiative seeks to mitigate harm to these individuals and their caregivers by helping them get the backup power they need to remain safely and comfortably in their homes during emergency situations.
5. Humane Animal Welfare & Population Management
Alongside supporting vital programs within the Department of Agriculture, I supported animal welfare efforts by securing a $25,000 appropriation for a Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) program. Administered through the Rusty Maui Cat Collective, this program is intended to help humanely manage Maui County’s free-roaming cat population, reduce intense pressures on the Maui Humane Society, and improve outcomes for both the animals and our neighborhoods through targeted spay and neuter services.
... Moving Forward Together
This budget reflects hundreds of hours of community input from every corner of Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. The spending plan now heads to Mayor Bissen's desk for consideration before taking effect on July 1.
As always, my door is open. Please reach out to our office with your thoughts, questions, or ideas for how we can continue to serve you better.
 The spring, the spotlight shines on Joyce Harris - Hawaii Commercial Foods, Inc.
Joyce's Harris' business, Hawaii Commercial Foods, Inc., located in Kahului was awarded the 2026 National Small Business Week Award for Women-Owned Business of the Year. She was honored at the Maui Chamber of Commerce Annual Small Business Luncheon in May. Joyce is the only women-owned business award winner for Maui County, and 1 of 3 in the state of Hawaii.
You've likely seen her products on store shelves across the islands. Through Hawaii Commercial Foods, Inc., Joyce shares authentic Korean recipes passed down from her mother, Yeong Suk. Honoring her mother's legacy, Joyce named her first business and signature product after her, bringing the flavors of South Korea to everyone to enjoy.
 Hale Pilina on the Rise
Hale Pilina, Catholic Charities' 386-unit affordable housing project in central Maui is taking shape. Despite the project experiencing a number of rain out days in the past couple of months, we are pleased to report there are no damages to the build and completion of the project is generally on target for the end of 2027.
Facts about Hale Pilina:
- 4 Buildings consisting of 178 family units, 89 1-bedroom and 89 2-bedroom units for rent between 30-60% AMI
- 263 parking stalls, 2 multi-purpose community rooms, playground, and perimeter fence
- Broke ground in May 2025 and expected to be completed between Q2-Q3 of 2027
- Waitlist priority will be given to those impacted by Maui wildfires for 2 years from completion
 
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