Maui County taxpayers given opportunity to help shape 2026 budget

KIHEI (HawaiiNewsNow) – Maui County taxpayers are getting a chance to help county leaders prepare the next budget.
The Kenolio Recreation Complex in Kihei was packed Tuesday evening as community members showed up to make their voices heard.
They want upgrades to their parks, their sewage system, and more evacuation routes.
“Getting evacuation routes out of Kihei is very important. We basically live on a cul-de-sac, which is Piilani Highway, and if Piilani Highway, or South Kihei Road gets clogged, it’s going to be very hard for this population to evacuate. If there is a crisis, be it a wildfire, a tsunami, or any other crisis,” said Andrew Beerer, Kihei Community Association (KCA) Board Member.
Residents also say more sidewalks and bike paths are needed.
They said more sidewalks and bike paths will make it safer for pedestrians, which could help alleviate the traffic.
“It’s dangerous. There are very few places that it’s really safe to ride, and when we talk to parents about getting the children to walk, or if they are a little farther away to bike to school, ‘I would love to do it. If it was safe. I am not going to jeopardize my child’s safety. So, I add to the traffic. I drive them to school. I pick them up from school,’” said KCA former president Mike Moran.
It was an opportunity for taxpayers to testify and provide input as departments begin to shape the budget for Fiscal Year 2026, which begins July 1, 2025.
The meeting is the seventh of eight budget meetings that are being held in communities throughout Maui County.
The final community budget meeting will be held Wednesday evening on Lanai.
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