The Maui County Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee convened on April 19, 2025, to address pressing issues related to housing and food security. The meeting featured public testimony highlighting significant concerns about the impact of federal funding cuts on local housing programs.

A key speaker raised alarms regarding potential funding reductions from the Trump administration, specifically mentioning the implications for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and emergency housing vouchers, which currently face a $3 million budget shortfall. The speaker emphasized the urgency of addressing these gaps, noting that rental assistance funds are often depleted by September, leaving many residents without support for several months.

The testimony underscored the dire situation faced by individuals struggling to pay rent and car payments, with some on the brink of eviction. The speaker urged the committee to consider proactive measures to fill federal budget gaps and to engage with mortgage agencies to assess the rising delinquencies affecting local homeowners, particularly in Lahaina.

The speaker concluded with a call for the committee to scrutinize federal subsidy allocations, urging a reallocation of $350 million to better support the community's housing needs. The meeting proceeded without further questions for the speaker, transitioning to the next agenda item.

Overall, the discussions highlighted the critical intersection of federal policy and local housing stability, with community advocates pressing for immediate action to safeguard vulnerable populations in Maui County.