b'2025 State ReportPost WPMAEXPOHEMA identified at the commencement of this years legislativeleaders. He spoke of the Countys path to healing, community-led session approximately sixteen bills which it considered priority,and government-supported recovery milestones and initiatives, with many of these proposed bills being related to tobacco, fam- and the bolstering of emergency preparedness and response. He ily leave, fuel dispenser labeling, and the unemployment reservealso summarized the priorities for 25 that include kamaaina fund. Furthermore, HEMA identified approximately eighty ad- housing initiatives and solutions to keep local residents in their ditional bills for on-going monitoring.communities, advancing recovery and well-being efforts, and HEMA provided written testimony of opposition regardingprotecting cultural and natural resources. the fuel dispenser labeling and family leave bills. Both bills As follow-up to WPMAs and HEMAs financial contribution did not progress through the legislative session and are no longerto the Maui United Way, below is a summary of certain support being considered. Furthermore, HEMA provided written testi- programs resulting from the donations received:mony of opposition to the proposed increase in the unemploy-Allocated over $12.7MM to individuals and organizations ment reserve fund. As of the date of drafting this newsletter, this bill remains in consideration by the legislature, though is facingacross Maui County, with a focus on long-term resilience, significant resistance. providing resources for mental health, education and recov-ery, including but not limited to:Maui Wildfire o$7.8MM in emergency financial assistance to nearly 8,000 residentsMaui Countyand State Officials continue their progress inoFunded forty-two nonprofit initiatives with support of Lahainas residents impacted by the wildfire, in addi- grants totaling $417Ktion to their rebuild planning for Lahaina. Below is a summary ofoAddressed food insecurity by dedicating significant milestones: $1.2MM to programs ensuring access to nutri- All fire debristious, locally sourced meals. has been cleared Invested $1.5MM in the Lahaina Community Land Trust to from commercial properties as ofhelp protect and preserve lands for future generations.February 26, 2025, Provided a program providing a one-time $1,000 financial which was ahead of schedule. Thisassistance payment to adult survivors in Lahaina and Kula, is in addition to thewith a limit of $5,000 per household. prior completion Providing $240,000 in gift cards to wildfire survivorsMaui County of all fire debrisfacing transportation challenges, while HEMA Member removal from resi- Company, Hawaii Petroleum contributed an additionaldential properties5% in gas cards.during 24.211 Resource Helpline available, providing direct referrals Hawaiis to over 4,000 social service resources available in the state. Supreme CourtLastly, to further augment the Maui disaster recovery effort,ruled that a Maui County will be expending $1.6 billion in federal Commu-$4Bn settlementnity Development Block GrantDisaster Recovery (CBDG-DR) for victims mayfunds. These CDBG- DR funds may be used to: move forward. Replace damaged affordable housing and build it backTransportation and placement continue for the modular housing for the Ka Lai Ola development. more resiliently.Residential home rebuilding has begun, with six nowStrengthen infrastructure through repairs, upgrades,and activities to increase the resilience of publicreportedly fully completed. facilities and infrastructure including roadways, Public utility services continue to be restored, with sewerwater systems, and utilities.service now being active for an additional 183 properties in Support economic revitalization including supportthe Lahaina area. It is estimated that 98% of the citys sewer services have been restored in Lahaina. for small businesses, creation of jobs, and assistancefor residents. Work commencing to removing pilings along Front Street Implement disaster mitigation measures to reduceto commence in April, which will be an early step in the rebuilding of Front Street. risk of damage from future extreme weather anddisaster events. In addition, Mayor Bissen delivered his 25 State of the County Address on March 7 to hundreds of residents and community WPMA News / Spring 202545'