The Hawai‘i Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and the County of Maui Office of Economic Development (OED) convened the first meeting of the Maui Economic Recovery Commission (ERC) in January at the University of Hawai‘i Maui College. Governor Josh Green, M.D., and Mayor Richard Bissen were in attendance to kick off the meeting with nearly 90 members.
The Maui ERC is led by co-chairs, DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka, and OED Director Luana Mahi. It is a collaborative effort that includes subject matter experts, community members, cultural advisers, union and business leaders, and representatives from the government at the county, state, and federal levels. Many ERC members live and work on Maui or work with teams there.
Maui ERC members will provide guidance and feedback that will support local recovery priorities in sustaining and rebuilding businesses and employment, and developing economic opportunities that align with the community’s vision.
The initial phase involves learning, listening, and exchanging insights to chart the best course forward for Maui.
The Maui ERC will continue to convene as learning groups and focus on the following priority areas, which were identified through collaborative discussions at the January meeting: housing, workforce development, community interests, healing, ‘āina, and wai.