Maui Economic Recovery
The Maui Economic Recovery Commission (ERC) convened its second in-person meeting on May 14, 2024, at the University of Hawaii Maui College in Kahului, Hawaii. The Maui ERC, co-chaired by DBEDT Director James Tokioka and the County of Maui Office of Economic Development Director Luana Mahi, is a coalition of vibrant community leaders representing the richness of Maui and Hawaii’s diverse tapestry. The vision of the Maui ERC is to keep local people home, steer hope, and rebuild its economy so that local people can return home.
Leading up to May 14, the Maui ERC met every other week in learning groups to listen, exchange insights, and gain an understanding to chart the best course forward for long-term economic recovery. This involved meeting with subject matter experts to begin generating ideas and recommendations.
With nearly 120 participants including community and local philanthropic partners and county, state, and federal representatives, the group presented more than 30 projects generated from the following learning groups: Housing, Workforce Development, Community Interest, Healing, Lele Ahupuaa (modern day ahupuaa approach), and Wai. Maui ERC members regrouped into seven combined projects and identified 13 additional ones to move forward through the ERC project process that includes support from key federal agencies. Project teams include members from the community, different levels and branches of government, and local funders.
Key presenters included Governor Josh Green, Mayor Richard Bissen, and Maui County Deputy Managing Director Keanu Lau Hee. From the federal government, the group heard from Alejandra Castillo, U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration team. Leads from other state recovery support functions were invited to foster collaboration and identify potential projects and priorities to submit for funding in the coming months.
The next steps for the Maui ERC include finalizing project ideas, collaborating with federal partners, and reconvening on August 26. This final in-person meeting of the Maui ERC will focus on identifying the key elements for Maui’s economic recovery framework, which is projected to be finalized in the fall of 2024.
For more information on the Maui Economic Recovery Commission, please visit www.mauinuistrong.info/mauierc
In September 2023, DBEDT launched the Pathways to Recovery webinar series to provide updates about the relief and recovery efforts for the Maui wildfires. For more information on the webinar series and related resources, please visit dbedt.hawaii.gov/pathwaystorecovery.