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County economic development director and DBEDT back enterprise‑zone designation to aid small businesses

Maui County Council · November 7, 2025

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Summary

The Office of Economic Development and the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism told the council they support enterprise‑zone resolutions (Reso. 25‑193 and related items) as a tool to strengthen local small businesses and diversify Maui's economy.

Jade Roxas Letizi, director of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, testified in support of resolutions concerning the enterprise‑zone program and asked the council to adopt local designation to strengthen small business growth and workforce opportunities. "Expanding the designation at the county level is an important step towards strengthening our local economy," Roxas Letizi said, and thanked council members for their collaboration.

Jason Nishijima of the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism (DBEDT) stated DBEDT stands by written testimony supporting the related resolutions. Roxas Letizi said county outreach included meetings with the mayor's Lahaina advisory team and that local stakeholders were "on board" and seeking more detail about recovery‑specific incentives; she noted that certain incentives at the county level would be addressed separately from the state program.

Council members asked about removing specific industries from the designation; Roxas Letizi said such changes would require action at the state level. The transcript segment records support and outreach plans but does not include a council vote in the provided excerpt.