What's Being Discussed

• Sister-City Relationship with Laoag, Philippines: The committee will talk about a resolution already passed by the full Council that would formalize a friendship agreement between Maui County and the City of Laoag in the Ilocos Norte region of the Philippines. The goal is to encourage cultural, business, and educational exchanges.
• Accepting Donations During Emergencies: Three proposed ordinances would change how the county handles monetary donations during a declared disaster. Key changes include allowing the Mayor to accept and immediately use disaster relief donations without waiting for Council approval, extending the review deadline for other gifts from 30 to 45 days, and requiring quarterly reports to the Council on how donated funds are used. A new $100,000 budget line item for disaster donations is also proposed.
• Emergency Fund Review: The committee will review the county's Emergency Fund — how much money is in it, what it has been spent on, and whether it is adequate. Spending discussed will include costs related to the August 2023 Maui wildfires, the Kona Low storms, and Hurricanes Lala and Lowell. Possible reimbursements from FEMA will also be covered.

Decisions Expected

• The committee may vote to advance the three donation-related bills to a first reading before the full Council, with or without changes.
• The sister-city and Emergency Fund items are discussion only — no votes are planned for those topics.

Who Should Pay Attention

• Maui residents affected by recent disasters, including the 2023 wildfires
• Nonprofit organizations or individuals who have donated to Maui disaster relief
• Anyone interested in Maui's international relationships or economic development
• Taxpayers concerned about how emergency funds are managed and spent