The Maui County Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee meeting held on April 19, 2025, highlighted significant community programs and their impact on local families. Debbie Amoral, the program director for Lehi Head Start, addressed the committee, expressing gratitude for the county's long-standing support of the Head Start program, which currently serves 160 children and their families across eight centers, including one in Lahaina.

Amoral emphasized the economic benefits of the Head Start initiative, noting that 95% of families involved have at least one working parent. She shared that 41% of the families are two-parent households, while 59% are single-parent households. The program not only supports children's education but also fosters workforce development, with 36% of Head Start employees being current or former parents of the program. Among these employees, four hold degrees or credentials in early childhood education, and one is currently pursuing a degree.

The meeting also touched on the importance of community engagement, with Amoral sharing a personal story about a veteran and single parent from Molokai whose children are transitioning to kindergarten. She thanked the committee for their investment in programs like the Imagination Library, which provides free books to children from birth to age five, encouraging families to participate.

The session underscored the critical role of early childhood education in Maui County and the lasting impact of community support on families. The committee's continued investment in such programs is seen as vital for fostering a strong educational foundation and economic stability within the community.