Mayor Bissen Reaffirms Commitment to Fifth Street Extension at Budget Meeting

On Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, during Maui County’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget meeting held at the Lanai High and Elementary School (LHES) cafeteria, Mayor Richard Bissen referenced the budget adjustments the county has undertaken in response to the Lahaina wildfire. He spoke about the 5% cut he directed department heads to implement in order to manage the anticipated revenue shortfall. In this context, Mayor Bissen also reaffirmed his commitment to extending Fifth Street. “But I have not wavered from my commitment to extend Fifth Street, despite what’s happened [in Lahaina],” Mayor Bissen said. “That hasn't changed.”

An extension of Fifth Street would bolster access and enhance infrastructure connectivity for the 115 acres of Maui County-owned land below LHES and the Department of Hawaiian Homelands. This would mark a significant step towards future community development plans in the area and address Maui County’s 30 year delay in developing affordable housing on Lanai.

Present from Maui County, along with Mayor Bissen, were Patrick McCall, director of parks and recreation; Shane Agawa, director of environmental management; Robbie Sanches, Lanai district supervisor; and Lt. Kimberly Masse from the Lanai Patrol District of the Maui Police Department.

The meeting drew a very small number of Lanai residents, each sharing their concerns and priorities. The need for affordable housing emerged as a predominant theme. During her testimony, Diane Preza highlighted the necessity of extending infrastructure down Fifth Street to support affordable housing development and requested regular visits from county liaisons, particularly from housing and the Office of Economic Development.

In his letter testimony, read aloud by MaryLou Kaukeano, Cody Patterson shed light on the housing crisis’s impact on Lanai’s younger generation. As a 27-year-old carpenter and lifelong island resident, he emphasized the need for affordable housing opportunities that allow for ownership, highlighting the challenges faced by young residents like himself. “If we wanted to leave, we would have long ago, right after high school, and many have!” said Cody in his letter. “While these houses that I build become available for those ranked above me and my coworkers, we go home to our childhood home, sleep in the same bed we slept in since when we were fifteen, and must live a life we do not choose for ourselves.”

Cody’s letter, underlining a deep-seated longing to remain on the island and the stark realities of limited housing, concluded with a call to action: “We need affordable housing. We need to keep Lanaiians on Lanai. We need to preserve what we have worked so hard to create.”

Manna Negus, representing both himself and as president of the Hawaii Farmers Union Lanai chapter, spoke on the needs for agricultural education, affordable housing for agricultural workers, and the establishment of a regular farmers market on county property. He pointed out that currently in Maui County, farmers markets are held only on private land. By advocating for the use of county land, he shared that this would allow for more frequent markets, potentially up to twice a week, significantly aiding Lanai’s agricultural community.

Addressing the deteriorating condition of the Fifth Street Maui County courts, MaryLou Kaukeano called for timely repairs, given their critical role in Lanai’s limited sports infrastructure. She noted the poor condition of the basketball and volleyball courts, “a lot of the rims and the backboards are all bust up.” With the county’s initiation of the repair project not expected for another two years, MaryLou stressed the importance of addressing these issues promptly to support the island’s youth. In addition to these immediate repair needs, she also encouraged continued support for youth sports programs.

Adding a critique, Butch Gima voiced disappointment over the absence of several key Maui County officials, including the planning director, Office of Economic Development and Maui Emergency Management Agency. This meeting was a missed opportunity for their direct engagement with the Lanai community, a crucial aspect of effective governance and responsiveness to local needs.

Despite this, Butch reiterated support for the Fifth Street extension, aligning with the community’s call for action on this critical infrastructure project. He emphasized the importance of this development for Lanai, particularly in addressing the affordable housing crisis and ensuring sustainable growth on the island.

Concerns were also raised about road maintenance and community facilities, with Winnie Basques and Stan Ruidas expressing the need for improved road conditions and a new community center.

While the meeting drew only a modest number of Lanai residents, it brought to light key issues like affordable housing, infrastructure needs and support for agriculture and youth initiatives. Mayor Bissen’s commitment to the Fifth Street extension marked a crucial step, yet the limited community turnout to the meeting suggests there may be additional Lanai concerns that remain unheard. Greater understanding and involvement in the Maui County budget process are essential, not only to reinforce these commitments but also to ensure a broader range of community voices is heard and their needs are addressed in the county’s fiscal strategies.

The Maui County Budget Process

Navigating the Maui County budget process can be complex, and it’s important for residents to know how their input can shape fiscal decisions. This overview sheds light on the key stages of the budget process, highlighting opportunities for community members to make their voices heard. From the initial drafting to final approval, understanding this procedure is crucial for those looking to advocate for their community’s needs and priorities.

Budget Preparation: The mayor’s office works with the community and county departments to draft a budget, considering expected income and expenses. Departments provide their funding requests.

Funding and Economic Considerations: The budget is funded through various sources, including real property tax, which is a significant revenue source for the county. Other sources include fees, charges for services, grants, and state and federal funding. Economic factors like tourism and property values, including impacts from events like the Lahaina wildfire, influence income estimates and budget adjustments.

Public Participation: Before submitting the budget to the Maui County Council, the mayor’s office seeks input from the community on specific funding needs and priorities. Through public hearings and community meetings, residents are encouraged to propose and discuss specific areas or projects they believe should receive funding. Additionally, the mayor’s office accepts detailed budget proposals from individuals and organizations, which can be submitted using the Budget Request Form available at www.mauicounty.gov/budget.

After the proposed budget is submitted to the Maui County Council, there are multiple opportunities for continued public participation. The council reviews the mayor’s proposal and holds additional committee hearings and public hearings, where residents and stakeholders can provide feedback on the proposed budget.

Important Deadlines: The mayor submits the budget to the Maui County Council by March 25th. The council reviews and possibly amends the budget, typically completing this by late April or early May. The County of Maui Charter requires that the council passes the budget on or before the tenth day of June of the fiscal year currently ending.

Maui County Council Review: After reviewing, the council can either amend or approve the proposed budget as is. The Budget Finance and Economic Development Committee leads the council’s review of the budget in committee meetings. This is where the majority of the review’s continued public input takes place. Testimony can be received every weekday during committee review.

Mayor’s Review: The mayor reviews the council’s amendments within a set timeframe and decides whether to accept them.

Handling Vetoes: If the mayor vetoes any changes, the council has the ability to override this decision. To do so, a supermajority vote is required, with at least six of the nine Councilmembers voting in favor of the override.

Final Steps: Following any veto actions, the budget is finalized and signed into law by the mayor.

Implementation and Oversight: The new budget is implemented on July 1st. County departments utilize their allocated funds to carry out their functions and services. Throughout the year, the budget is monitored to ensure that expenditures align with the approved budget.