OEV Resources presents ‘Kahua’ platform, cultural work and staffing needs in FY26 budget

Aye Molita, director of the Department of OEV Resources, opened the department’s FY26 budget presentation by describing a guiding platform called Kahua and outlining core values (Kuleana, listening, patience, swift action and Awamu) that the department will use to structure its work.

The nut graf: OEV Resources told the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee that FY26 funding will focus on cultural stewardship and recovery work — including archive/storyboard development for Mokuhinia/Lahaina, burial vaults, archaeological support, and grants to community organizations — and requested multiple new positions to carry out those responsibilities.

In committee comments and exchanges, the director said a storyboard project for Mokuhinia/Mokuhinia–Lahaina cultural corridor was budgeted at $250,000 to develop interpretive materials both on site and digitally (physical signs, QR/digital access, and web content). The department said some funding is intended for materials and contracting professional services to capture history and context for that coastal corridor.

OEV Resources described existing and proposed work on burial/vault sites, noting two vaults completed and two additional requests pending; the department estimated concrete and materials costs and flagged uncertainty about exact construction costs, which it will refine. The department indicated concrete and construction costs are a factor but did not provide a guaranteed per‑site figure.

Staffing requests include a chief Hawaiian cultural specialist and archaeological positions; the director said work load and the department’s span of duties justify additional senior cultural staff to coordinate kuleana across divisions. The director said position descriptions have been developed and that OEV is working with Personnel Services on classifications. The department also noted a grant program with a competitive application window (applications due April 25; awards expected in early May) and said its grant coordinator is actively assisting applicants and pursuing outside grant funding.

Committee members asked whether storyboards and vault work would be limited to Lahaina; the department said Lahaina area work is a priority because of concentrated post‑fire needs but that cultural preservation work covers Maui Nui.

Ending: The committee took questions and did not make budget decisions at the hearing. OEV Resources said it will follow up with additional budget detail, application links for community grants and timelines for position classifications.