The Pāʻia-Haʻikū community budget meeting, which was postponed due to a recent brush fire, has now been rescheduled for October 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. Interested attendees can make their way to the Pāʻia Community Center to participate in the discussion. As part of a series of eight meetings, Mayor Richard Bissen and his administration are engaging with the Maui County residents to extract their priorities for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, beginning July 1, 2026. Canceled Tuesday, the meeting is aimed at fostering public input to guide the fiscal planning process.
According to a release from the County of Maui, meetings are continuing this week, with sessions in West Maui having taken place at the Lahaina Civic Center Social Hall and a second one in South Maui at the Kīhei Community Center. Both events were planned, running from the same 5 to 7 p.m. slot.
For those who can't attend in person, the opportunity to follow the proceedings isn't lost. The meetings are being streamed on the County of Maui's Facebook page for wider accessibility, ensuring that digital doors remain open for participation from all corners of the community. Additionally, written and verbal comments will be welcomed at the events, ensuring a multitude of avenues for constituents to express their economic visions and concerns.
Further, citizens still inclined to have their input heard can make use of the Budget Request Form available on the county's website. The remaining meetings are spread across Maui County, providing numerous occasions for residents to engage. Upcoming locations include the Helene Hall Community Center in Hāna and the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku, set for September 30 and October 14 respectively. Other meetings, like the one scheduled to take place on October 15 at Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani, are awaiting the public's voice in shaping the County's financial roadmap. Finally, Molokaʻi residents will have their opportunity to weigh in on October 21 at the Mitchell Pauʻole Community Center in Kaunakakai.
