Kahoʻolawe commission adopts three legislative priorities for 2026: boathouse match, Kihei facilities and staffing

The Kahoʻolawe Island Reserve Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to adopt three legislative positions for the 2026 legislative session: request a state capital improvement (CIP) match for the NOAA Kihei boathouse grant, seek CIP funding for phase 2 of Kihei facilities, and convert a grant‑funded ocean resource specialist position to the commission’s general‑fund budget.

Executive Director Mike Naho'opee described the three items as the commission’s highest priorities for the session. He said the boathouse expansion has an estimated total cost that exceeds NOAA’s $1 million award and that state CIP matching could help complete the project. The second item requests roughly $4 million for phase 2 of Kihei facilities—design, planning and construction management for what staff called a resiliency/education and operations center. The third position seeks to convert an ocean resource specialist 2, currently funded by grants, into a permanent general‑fund position.

Commissioner Saito moved to adopt the legislative positions; Commissioner Chang seconded. Commissioners present recorded aye votes and the motion carried unanimously.

Why it matters The positions articulate the commission’s funding priorities to legislators and the governor’s administration in the 2026 budget process. The requests link directly to projects discussed elsewhere in the meeting: the NOAA boathouse grant, planned boathouse work and Kihei facility development, and staff capacity for ongoing restoration and ocean programs.

What’s next Staff said they will pursue inclusion of the CIP requests in the administration’s budget and, if necessary, seek legislative sponsors to introduce stand‑alone bills. The commission also noted ongoing outreach to Maui County and legislators to explore matching dollars and support for the Kihei priorities.