The Maui County Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee convened on April 19, 2025, to discuss critical funding for the Maui AIDS Foundation (MAF) and its impact on the community. The meeting featured testimonies from several key individuals associated with MAF, highlighting the essential services provided to the residents of Maui County.

The first speaker, a receptionist and administrative assistant at MAF, shared her personal journey from being a client to becoming a staff member. She emphasized the compassion and support she witnessed at the foundation, noting how it helped her transition from a troubled past with drugs and alcohol to a role where she could inspire others facing similar challenges. Her responsibilities include organizing client services, ensuring staff have necessary supplies, and providing a welcoming environment for clients seeking assistance.

Following her testimony, Brian Chin, a nurse practitioner at MAF, expressed gratitude for the county's continued funding. He detailed the foundation's role in providing free HIV prevention and care, STI treatment, and connections to other health services, particularly for those who are uninsured or underserved. Chin highlighted the clinic's welcoming atmosphere and its commitment to meeting clients' needs, including offering life-saving medications and support for those affected by recent disasters.

Mona Shaw Rodriguez, co-director of prevention and education at MAF, also spoke about the foundation's comprehensive services, including testing for HIV and other STIs, harm reduction programs, and food assistance through partnerships with local organizations. She thanked the committee for their ongoing support, which has enabled MAF to serve hundreds of individuals in the community and maintain a safe space for clients to discuss their health concerns confidentially.

The testimonies underscored the vital role of the Maui AIDS Foundation in addressing public health needs and providing essential services to the community. The committee members listened attentively, with no questions raised following the presentations, indicating strong support for the foundation's mission and the importance of continued funding.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the significant impact of the Maui AIDS Foundation on the lives of many residents, reinforcing the need for sustained financial support to ensure these critical services remain accessible to all in Maui County.