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Boys & Girls Clubs, Malama Family Recovery ask council to keep county funding for youth and recovery services
Summary
Representatives and program participants from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui and Malama Family Recovery Center described services for children, teens and parenting women and asked the County Council to maintain funding in the FY26 budget.
Leaders, staff and participants from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui and Malama Family Recovery Center told the Maui County Council they rely on county funding to deliver youth programs, basic needs and recovery services.
“Without their support, I wouldn't be able to work, with such peace of mind,” said Shulin Kaneho, a parent and program user describing the Boys & Girls Club’s flexibility and support for working families. Kelly Maluo Pearson, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, said the nonprofit’s county funding helps operate programs that reached thousands of children and families.
Pearson said the organization operates with a budget “of over $4,000,000” and secures most of its revenue from grants, foundations and donors. “The funding we receive from the county plays a huge role in the delivery of our services and achieving our mission,” she said.
Malama Family Recovery Center staff and graduates also described program services for pregnant and parenting women with substance use disorders and asked for continued county support. “We provide an early learning center where the women can take their children so that they can attend their classes, their therapy, and their individual sessions,” said Breeze Carvalho, a substance‑use disorder counselor. A Malama counselor described services including care coordination, counseling, and assistance obtaining IDs and documents.
Why it matters: Testifiers said these programs offer childcare and wraparound services that help parents work and pursue treatment; staff described how funding enables free or low‑cost access and outreach across the island. The Boys & Girls Clubs emphasized its role during crisis response and ongoing community needs.
Details and requests: Speakers asked the council to continue the current level of county support that underpins staffing, outreach (including a mobile “Club on the Go” RV) and mental wellness programming. They also highlighted partnerships with county departments and the need to sustain operations in Molokai and other communities.
No council votes were taken during the hearing.
