Maui County's Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee convened on October 7, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the management of economic development grants. A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing review of the Office of Economic Development's (OED) grants administration, prompted by concerns raised earlier in June.
During the session, committee members discussed the findings of a working group tasked with recommending improvements to the OED's grant processes. Director Rojas Letizi presented the proposed changes, which aim to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of grant management. The committee is set to evaluate these recommendations further, with a timeline for implementation expected to be outlined in future meetings.
In addition to the grant discussions, the committee also tabled three bills for further consideration. These bills are scheduled for first reading on November 24, with a second reading planned for November 7, ensuring compliance with a deadline imposed by the seller involved in the projects.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to reconvene the following day to continue discussions and review title reports related to 18 parcels of land, which are integral to the county's economic development strategy. The collaboration between committee members and the Office of Economic Development is expected to yield significant improvements in grant administration, ultimately benefiting the community through enhanced economic opportunities.