Maui mayor signs $1.61B council-approved budget

MAUI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui County’s $1.61 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year has been signed into law.

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Mayor Richard Bissen signed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget Friday after it was unanimously approved by the Maui County Council earlier this month.

County officials said the spending plan includes about $1.26 billion for operating expenses and $351 million for capital improvement projects.

The budget includes funding for affordable housing initiatives across Maui County, including support for projects on Lanai and in Hana, Wailuku and Kihei. Additional funding is earmarked for infrastructure projects intended to support future housing development.

Recovery efforts also received significant funding, including projects in Lahaina such as rehabilitation of the Lahaina Aquatic Center, a new community center, rebuilding historic structures and support for organizations assisting wildfire recovery.

“This budget reflects our commitment to keeping our people home, keeping our community safe and moving Maui Nui forward,” Bissen said.

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“It invests in housing for local families, strengthens essential public services, supports our ongoing recovery and makes strategic investments that will help build a stronger, more resilient future for generations to come,” he added.

Other budget priorities include programs for the houseless community, park improvements, cultural and community events, water system acquisitions, invasive species control, watershed protection, agricultural initiatives and workforce development programs.

County officials said the budget also establishes a new Grants Oversight and Leadership Division to help manage grant funding and includes about $1.6 million for a small grants program aimed at supporting community organizations.

The budget is set to take effect on July 1.

More information on the County budget process can be found online at www.mauicounty.gov/Budget.

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