WAILUKU — Supporters and beneficiaries of nonprofits and social service agencies dominated a Maui County Council hearing to gather input on the annual county budget.
Nonprofits typically march before the council each year to plead for funding, but the stakes could be higher this year, with a tighter budget and less money available for grants.
At Thursday’s hearing they sang the praises of their programs — literally. The Maui Choral Arts Association choir gathered at the podium to belt out an a capella rendition of the “William Tell Overture,” also known as the theme to “The Lone Ranger.”
The Maui Choral Arts Association is asking for $25,000 to support its program.
Also making an appeal for funding was Diane Ho of Hawaiian Kamalii, the summer youth program of Hawaiian Canoe Club. Like many program leaders she reminded council members that the $22,000 she was asking for would go a long way and would help leverage other funding.
“You’re talking about pennies per hour for the service,” she said.
The program serves about 150 children and includes paddling, cultural education, and activities including a canoe-paddling trip to Kahoolawe.
“It is a life-changing experience,” she said.
Wesley Chun of Advanced Biological Research, a local company that develops a plant growth enhancement product, testified on behalf of funding for the Maui Economic Development Board, which he said offered the research company critical networking opportunities.
“It’s a supportive, proactive group that has helped small business grow,” he said.
Lloyd Reinhardt was one of many who turned out to testify on behalf of Maui Economic Opportunity programs. He made an emotional plea for the council to support funding for MEO transportation programs serving children, the elderly and the disabled.
His brother and father relied on MEO to get to and from dialysis treatment, and the program had helped fulfill his mother’s wish to be transported from the hospital so she could die at home, he said.
“MEO was there to provide that service, and I’m forever grateful,” he said.
Mayor Charmaine Tavares has proposed a $561 million budget. While revenues are nearly the same as they were last year, labor, energy and other costs have increased significantly, leaving less money overall for discretionary spending.
The council is reviewing Tavares’ proposal and has until the end of May to pass a budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Some of the agencies making their plea Thursday were already feeling the pinch of a tight year.
Speaking for the Maui Family YMCA, Mike Morris said his program hadn’t made the cut in the mayor’s proposal. He was asking for $2 million toward a project to develop a new building for the facility.
“I need the council’s help to get us back into the budget,” he said.
• Ilima Loomis can be reached at iloomis@mauinews.com.
