The Maui County Council voted today to approve Mayor Richard Bissen’s request for an emergency appropriation to cover repairs and costs related to the March 2026 kona storm system that caused extensive damage to infrastructure and properties in Maui County.

The funds, approved in the amount of $12 million, will be drawn from the County’s emergency fund to help pay for increased operational costs, including emergency services and overtime pay, to begin making emergency repairs countywide.

“Mahalo to our Councilmembers for their swift response to this urgent funding request, and for recognizing the urgency of this moment,” Mayor Bissen said. “The impacts of the March 2026 kona storms have caused significant impacts and caused dangerous conditions across our community, and this $12 million emergency appropriation allows us to immediately begin restoring critical services, supporting affected residents and beginning essential repairs.

“With evacuation advisories issued this morning for some areas on Maui as a second storm system is approaching, this emergency funding is especially timely. I appreciate the Council’s partnership and their shared commitment to taking quick action to protect our community, strengthen our response capabilities, and ensure we are able to help our community recover safely and effectively.”

The funding request was submitted to Council on Monday, March 16, 2026 under the “Emergency Proclamation Relating to March 2026 Kona Storm,” issued March 10^th, which includes provisions allowing the Mayor to “take any and all steps necessary or appropriate… during an emergency period.”

The emergency appropriation was sought as non-lapsing funding, since current funding would not allow departments to absorb the additional costs within their operating budgets.

To view the kona storm emergency proclamation, visit www.mauicounty.gov/2006/Declarations.