In the heart of Lahaina, a community member passionately addressed the Maui County Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee, highlighting the urgent needs of local residents. The meeting, held on April 19, 2025, became a platform for voices advocating for better facilities and support for the community, particularly in the wake of recent challenges.

The speaker, a longtime baseball coach, expressed frustration over the limited availability of community resources, specifically the only community center in Lahaina, which had been closed for a basketball tournament during a critical time for local families. “We are lucky because we know how to survive,” he stated, emphasizing the resilience of the Lahaina community. His words resonated with many, as he called for action to improve local parks and recreational facilities, which have suffered from neglect.

He recounted his experiences coaching youth sports, underscoring the importance of safe and well-maintained parks for the children. “After the fire, they just fixed the one down there,” he noted, referring to the La Henna Recreation area, while lamenting the lack of basic amenities like trash cans. His plea for a batting cage at Napili Park highlighted the community's desire for better facilities, with a clear call for the county to expedite funding and construction processes.

The discussion took a broader turn as he addressed the wages of county workers, advocating for fair compensation and housing solutions to retain essential staff. “We gotta work together,” he urged, pointing out the need for collaboration between the county and unions to address these pressing issues. His frustration with the bureaucratic finger-pointing between the county and state officials was palpable, as he called for unity and action rather than blame.

As the meeting drew to a close, the speaker’s passionate appeal encapsulated the sentiments of many in Lahaina, who are eager for tangible improvements in their community. The urgency of their needs was clear, and the call for collaboration among local leaders and state officials echoed in the hall, leaving attendees with a sense of hope for a more responsive and supportive future for Maui County.