Multiple nonprofit leaders, school staff and MEO representatives urged the committee to continue or increase funding for programs that serve Hana's youth, kupuna and farmers.

Lipo Kahale'uwahi, representing Makahana Ka'ike, told the committee the nonprofit leverages county Office of Economic Development dollars: "Through our careful financial stewardship, we leverage every OED dollar at an impressive rate. Last fiscal year, we earned an additional $6.25 for every dollar that the OED invested in us." He described Makahana Ka'ike's role in culinary, agriculture and construction training and noted the group's participation on the Maui County food and nutrition plan steering committee.

Kane Kanakaole, branch manager for Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) in East Maui, asked the council to "continue to support this, and help us sustain this vital lifeline source and service," citing MEO's transportation and services to kupuna and keiki. Several speakers described the importance of MEO buses for students and elders; student Keaka Helekahi described Makahana Ka'ike's culinary program: "Most of everything we cooked is grown from our own hands and planted with the same hands that prepare everything, and then cooked into really delicious foods."

Mary Kalikala Brooke, who instructs culinary and financial literacy for Makahana Ka'ike, said the program currently prepares roughly "1,200 up to 2,200 meals a month" and packages 25 kupuna distribution bags weekly; she asked the committee to consider funding that would allow a shorter distribution cycle and more recipients. Committee members asked for specific dollar requests and were told program leaders would supply budget details after the meeting.

STEM and school representatives asked that outreach programs remain funded. Teacher Maya Ross described student trips to STEM Works and the "Excite" STEM camps, which she said had a demonstrable effect on students' interest in college and STEM majors. Supporters also requested continued microgrant and ag-education funding; farmer Matt Kiley and Kahanu Garden director Mike Opgenorth detailed how small grants and county funding helped purchase equipment and support invasive-species work that protects agriculture.

The mayor's proposed budget includes $20,000 flagged for Hana student travel, which speakers said could help cover trips to Molokai and Lanai. No votes occurred at the public-input session; committee members and staff said they would record and consider the testimony during budget deliberations.