Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen presented a proposed $1.616 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 to the Maui County Council on March 25, saying it prioritizes housing, recovery, community well-being, environmental stewardship and economic opportunity.

“As we’ve seen over these past weeks, our community has been through a lot, and we are still walking that road together,” Bissen said. “As we move forward, this budget reflects both the needs in front of us and the future we are building.”

The mayor’s proposal includes $1.616 billion in county funds, along with $402.2 million in grant funds and $174 million in revolving funds. As required by the county charter, the budget is balanced.

According to the mayor’s office, county fund revenues are projected to increase by $58 million over fiscal year 2026, supporting an operating budget of $1.245 billion and a capital improvement budget of $371.1 million.

The overall capital improvement program totals $698.2 million across all funding sources. Debt service is projected at $73.7 million, or 5.9% of operating expenditures, below the county’s self-imposed limit of 12%.

The county continues to maintain strong credit ratings from Moody’s (Aa2), Standard & Poor’s (AA+) and Fitch (AA+).

Kamaʻāina Housing

The mayor’s spending plan would allocate $79.5 million to the Affordable Housing Fund to support 10 projects, adding about 600 units on Maui and Lanai and funding predevelopment on county-owned land.

The proposed budget also includes funding to expand the Rental Assistance Program and support workforce housing at Hale ʻO Lāʻie in Kihei, along with $2.5 million for temporary housing as residents transition to permanent homes.

Infrastructure projects tied to housing include the Waiale Road extension, Central Maui Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility, North-South Collector Road and West Maui improvements. Upcountry water projects, including two new wells, are expected to support up to 3,000 additional homes.

Recovery

The budget continues support for Lahaina recovery, including the West Maui Senior Center, water infrastructure hazard mitigation and the Lahaina Aquatic Center.

Economic recovery efforts include support for the Lahaina Town Action Committee, workforce development programs and the Lahaina Restoration Foundation.

A Hazard Mitigation Section would be established within the Maui Emergency Management Agency to focus on wildfire risk reduction, flood and coastal resilience and infrastructure protection.

Well-being

The proposal would also continue funding for the Safe Parking Program and expanded services for unhoused people, as the Department of Human Concerns would increase support for programs addressing health, food security, youth services, kupuna care and safety.

Parks and recreation projects include the South Maui Community Park, Central Maui pickleball courts, Puu Hauoli Park playground and the Lanai Community Field House.

The budget also supports community events such as the Maui County Fair and cultural programming during Makahiki season.

Natural and cultural resource protection

The plan includes $44.5 million for acquisition of water systems and wells to strengthen public water management, along with watershed management grants through the Department of Water Supply.

Open space efforts include partnerships to protect sites on Molokai and at Honolua Bay. Agricultural programs, including microgrants and sector-wide assistance, are also supported.

Economic development and diversification

Workforce development investments include programs such as the Hawaii Farmers Union United Farm Apprenticeship Program, Grow Some Good, the High School Automotive Program and STEMworks.

The budget proposes creating a centralized grants division and a new small grants program offering awards of up to $25,000.

Next steps

The Maui County Council will review the budget and has a number of upcoming meetings so residents can have a voice, according to Council Vice-Chair Yuki Lei K. Sugimura.

The meetings on Maui, Molokai and Lanai will help gather community input on the county’s financial plan for the upcoming fiscal year, said Sugimura, who is encouraging in-person and written testimony for all meetings throughout the budget session.

“Engaging with residents where they live and work helps shape a proposed budget that reflects community priorities in these challenging times,” said Sugimura, who chairs the council’s Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee.

All meetings are scheduled to start at 6 p.m.:

• April 2, Paia Community Center, Social Hall, 252 Hana Hwy., Paia

• April 6, Helene Hall, Social Hall, 174 Keawa Pl., Hana

• April 8, Kihei Community Center, Main Hall, 303 E. Līpoa St., Kihei

• April 9, Lahaina Civic Center, Social Hall, 1840 Honoapiilani Hwy., Lahaina

• April 13, Mitchell Pauʻole Community Center, 90 Ainoa St., Molokai

• April 15, Lanai High & Elementary School Cafeteria, 555 Fraser Ave., Lanai City

• April 16, Council Chamber, Kalana o Maui Building, 8th floor, 200 S. High St., Wailuku (County Council public hearing)

Daytime committee meetings are also planned throughout the budget session in the Council Chamber, Sugimura said.

Community members are also encouraged to complete the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Priority Survey, which is available now through 3 p.m. on April 10. For a link to the survey and meeting agendas, visit mauicounty.us/bfed. For more information, call the Office of Council Services at (808) 270-7664.

The full proposed budget is available at mauicounty.gov/budget.