In the heart of Maui County, community voices rose in unison during a recent government meeting, echoing the deep cultural ties and aspirations of the Filipino community on Lanai. As council members gathered to discuss the proposed budget for 2025-2027, passionate testimonies highlighted the urgent need for funding to support cultural initiatives and community development.

Kathleen Kosales, treasurer of the Lanai Filipino Community Coalition (LFCC), passionately advocated for a $40,000 allocation from the Lanai Economic Development and Cultural Program. She emphasized that this funding would not only sustain the LFCC's mission but also empower the community through cultural events that celebrate Filipino heritage. "We are nurturing cultural pride, educational enrichment, and community cohesion," Kosales stated, urging council members to consider the impact of their support.

Echoing her sentiments, Naomi Barbadillo, president of the LFCC, shared her personal journey of returning to Lanai and her commitment to reviving the LFCC as a beacon of cultural pride. "Our island is over 70% Filipino, yet our voice in community spaces has grown quiet," she lamented. Barbadillo's heartfelt plea underscored the importance of reconnecting the youth with their roots and fostering leadership within the community.

The meeting also featured Shelly Kaiaokamale, executive director of the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center, who highlighted the center's role in preserving the island's history and culture. She shared details about their community stewardship program, which engages local hunters in managing invasive species while promoting environmental conservation. Kaiaokamale expressed a desire for potential funding to ensure the program's continuation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

As the evening unfolded, the council members listened intently, recognizing the significance of these initiatives in shaping the future of Lanai. The testimonies painted a vivid picture of a community striving to reclaim its cultural identity and foster connections among its members. With the budget deliberations underway, the voices of the LFCC and the Lanai Culture and Heritage Center serve as a reminder of the power of community engagement and the importance of investing in cultural heritage for generations to come.

As the meeting concluded, the hope lingered in the air that the council would heed these calls for support, paving the way for a vibrant future where cultural pride and community cohesion flourish on the island of Lanai.