On Tuesday, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen introduced a $1.5 billion proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year as the county continues to work to fund wildfire recovery efforts and bolster emergency response measures.

“After bolstering emergency preparedness and response, we have transitioned from crisis management to long-term recovery,” Bissen wrote in a letter to the Maui County Council.

Bissen said that under the Maui County Department of Management, the Office of Recovery serves a crucial role in coordinating county, state, federal and private sector resources to streamline and accelerate recovery efforts.

The mayor has proposed increasing the wastewater sewer rates by 9% and a tiered increase in water rates based on usage.

According to the mayor, the budget includes real property tax relief without any proposed increases for any category and owner-occupied properties seeing a reduction.

“This budget is a blueprint for Maui County’s future — grounded in kahua and kuleana,” Bissen said. “With the support of our council and a shared commitment to our community, we move forward with unity, purpose and aloha — dedicated to building a stronger Maui Nui for generations to come.”

A public hearing about the budget is scheduled for Monday before the council’s Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee.

Committee Chair Yuki Sugimura said the major focus of the budget last year was Lahaina’s recovery from the 2023 wildfire, and the focus this year needs to be broadened to look at everything including health and safety, roads and emergency exits for communities, as well as operating with more efficiency.

“My focus is on the greater community,” she said.

In presenting the proposed budget, Bissen also noted how the county has secured $1.6 billion in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“These funds are critical for rebuilding our community,” said Bissen, who added that their use will be guided by the Lahaina Recovery Plan and the CDBG-DR action plan.

Bissen has also proposed a capital improvement program budget of $461.4 million for fiscal year 2026 through various sources, including the county, grants and special funds.

He said $128.6 million, or 27.9%, will be funded through grant revenue and $124.4 million, or 27%, of projects will be funded through bonds.

The proposed budget also continues to support Maui wildfire disaster recovery as well services for other areas of Maui, such as countywide roadway resurfacing; pavement preservation; traffic and safety; Ha’ikū Fire Station; Waiʻale Road Extension; Upper Kula transmission improvements; West Maui recycled water system expansion; rockfall and embankment repairs; water upgrades, replacements, and improvements; and Nāpili Wastewater Pump Station No. 2 modifications and force main replacement.

Other pieces of the proposed budget highlighted by the mayor include:

• The county’s financial health: The county remains in strong fiscal condition with an excellent bond rating. Debt service is projected at $76.5 million — only 6.2% of operating expenditures and well below the County’s self-imposed 10% cap.

• Emergency preparedness: $25 million has been allocated to the Emergency Fund, with plans to explore the creation of a fiscal reserve fund to further strengthen readiness and response capabilities.

• Public safety: Investments include expanded police radio coverage, standardization of the Fire Department fleet, and new MEMA staff positions to improve coordination and community outreach.

The proposed budget also focuses on three of the mayor’s core priorities — Kamaʻāina housing, recovery and well-being, and cultural and natural resources.

Kama’āina housing

• Over $40 million in general excise tax funding is proposed for water and wastewater infrastructure to support housing.

• $32.5 million is allocated to the Affordable Housing Fund — exceeding the 3% charter minimum.

• Twelve housing projects totaling 843 units are proposed for funding.

• A new affordable housing project is planned for Lānaʻi.

Recovery and well-being

• Continued support for nonprofit partners providing essential health, education and social services.

• Funding for the Safe Parking Program and houseless outreach and medical services.

• $1 million for a new shade structure at One Aliʻi Park on Molokaʻi and $1.1 million for park and ADA improvements in East Maui.

• Transportation initiatives include a new electric bus for Maui Economic Opportunity and funding to assess a potential County-owned ferry system.

• Economic development efforts will expand through investments in diversification, workforce development, education and research — supporting a sustainable economy for future generations.

Cultural and natural resources

• Pending federal funding, the county is pursuing acquisition of 423 acres to connect Pōhākea (Mā’alaea Mauka) to the ocean — supporting reef restoration and stormwater management.

• Collaboration with Mā’alaea Village Association to plan a regional wastewater system.

• Funding for an Upcountry wastewater study.

• Over $10.5 million in grants proposed for local farming, food production, and animal management.

The full proposed budget is available at mauicounty.gov/budget]www.mauicounty.gov/budget. To view the FY 2026 proposed budget presentation online, visit Maui County’s Facebook page or www.akaku.org and click on Channel 53.