HI HCR117

Urges Maui County to adopt a financially prudent budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 in response to the August 2023 wildfires that killed over 100 people and caused billions of dollars in estimated recovery costs.

Notes the proposed fiscal year 2024-2025 budget includes a $429,200,000 increase (33.9 percent) over the prior fiscal year while expecting $150,000,000 in state funding for recovery efforts.

Identifies mandatory budget increases including new departments (Department of 'Oiwi Resources, Department of Housing, East Maui Regional Community Board) mandated by 2022 Maui County Charter amendments and funding for wildfire after-action report recommendations.

Urges the Maui County Council and Mayor to adopt a fiscal year 2025-2026 budget that maintains current operational levels and staffing except for charter-mandated increases or those critical to wildfire response, citing the county's existing staffing shortages and high vacancy rates.

Requires certified copies of the resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Mayor of Maui County, and members of the Maui County Council.