Maui County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Maui County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Maui County Kokua Fund for emergency donations (Bill 93)
After the 2023 wildfires, over $140 million in donations went largely to an O'ahu-based nonprofit without Council oversight. Chair Lee's Kokua Fund bill would let the County accept emergency donations directly with quarterly reporting, giving the Council a window into where the money goes.
Financial element requirements under 2.80B.070
Chair Paltin pressed Deputy Corporation Counsel Hopper on whether the plan's TBD costs and deleted revenue policies (like traffic impact fees) satisfy the code; Hopper said it meets minimum requirements but adequacy is the Council's call.
County hiring is slow, rigid, and losing candidates
Departments can't fill vacancies fast enough — one applicant applied 16 times before being hired. Members want faster hiring, fewer HR filters between managers and applicants, and flexibility on minimum qualifications and pay steps.
FY 2027 County Budget Proposal
Mayor Bissen's proposed budget raises spending by about $60 million (3.8 percent). West Maui residents say rising taxes and fees are pricing families off the island, and want more scrutiny of spending.
Proposed FY 2027 County of Maui Budget
The committee is deep in add-and-cut mode on the Mayor's proposed budget, with about $30 million cut and $40 million added so far — but a $17 million general fund gap still has to be closed, likely through property tax decisions on Friday. What survives these deliberations shapes county services, staffing, and your tax bill.
Fiscal Year 2027 County Budget
The committee is gearing up for budget review season, with updated department calendars and standardized question formats posted online. Deliberations begin at the March 17 meeting.