Maui County's Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee made significant strides in their latest meeting, focusing on restoring a $70,000 salary cut for the Board of Ethics. Council Member Kamala led the motion, clarifying that the cut was mistakenly included in previous calculations. The committee unanimously supported the restoration, with a vote of 7 to 2, highlighting a commitment to maintaining ethical oversight in county governance.

The meeting also addressed the overall budget imbalance, which currently stands at approximately $22.2 million. Staff provided insights into the calculations, emphasizing the need for real-time adjustments to align with the committee's decisions. The discussions included potential reallocations to emergency funds or other financial reserves, showcasing a proactive approach to fiscal management.

As the committee continues to refine the budget for the upcoming years, the restoration of the Board of Ethics funding signals a prioritization of ethical governance amidst broader financial considerations. The next steps will involve further calculations and discussions to ensure a balanced budget that meets the county's needs.