Maui County businesses are encouraged to participate in upcoming community budget meetings hosted by Mayor Richard Bissen's administration. These meetings, scheduled for next week in Pāiʻa-Haʻikū, West Maui, and South Maui, are designed to gather resident input for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, which begins July 1, 2026. Participating in these meetings is a key opportunity for business owners to directly influence the allocation of county resources, impacting everything from infrastructure improvements to community programs.
According to Maui Now's announcement, the meetings are a platform for residents to share their priorities and provide feedback on the upcoming budget. This input is critical, as Mayor Bissen emphasized the importance of community participation. As stated by Maui News, the Mayor encourages residents to attend budget community meetings or utilize online options to send their input, highlighting how valuable resident's feedback is to the process. Business owners can advocate for specific initiatives, such as funding for tourism promotion, infrastructure projects that support commercial activity, or workforce development programs, to help stimulate the local economy.
The county's budget, as highlighted by Civil Beat, is a substantial $1.5 billion, encompassing various departments and initiatives. This substantial budget impacts various aspects of Maui's business environment, making it essential for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals to be informed and participate. For example, the budget can influence the availability of resources for small business support, the development of tourism infrastructure, and environmental sustainability projects, all of which directly affect business operations and profitability.
This proactive engagement allows business leaders to ensure their needs are considered in the county’s financial planning process and contribute to a vibrant and prosperous economic future for Maui. The meetings provide a direct line of communication with county decision-makers, fostering collaboration and ensuring that the business community’s voice is heard. With the fiscal year beginning in July 2026, this is the time to make a difference.
