Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee (2025-2027) - 2026-03-10
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee received an update from the Employees Retirement System (ERS) showing the county contributes approximately $65-67 million annually to ERS with a 63.5% funded status. The committee deferred action on Resolution 25-53 authorizing acquisition of 0.41 acres at 104A Lower Waiahu Beach Road (Kaeyhu Bay) for $480,000 from the LDS Church after testimony from the Mayo family disputed the church's title claim, asserting the land was never legally transferred from their ancestors.
Key Decisions (1)
Acquisition of Kaeyhu Bay Property at 104A Lower Waiahu Beach Road
Bill 102-2025 and Resolution 25-53 proposing $480,000 acquisition of 0.41 acres (TMK 2-3-3-001-034) from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for open space conservation. The Mayo family testified the LDS Church lacks valid title, claiming the 1938 transfer from Wailuku Sugar Company was an indenture establishing conditions rather than a deed transferring ownership. Family representative Dane Mayo stated his grandfather Henry Mayo Jr. fought for years in court disputing the title before passing on January 29, 2026.
Market Signals (3)
Other
ERS employer contribution rates are 24% of salary for general employees and 41% for police/fire, with a proposed 3% increase for police/fire (SB 3096) to address slower funding progress in that category.
Other
County of Maui is projected to reach 100% funded status for EUTF (employee health benefits) this fiscal year, which would reduce future budget obligations.
Labor
Approximately 12,500 of 66,826 active ERS members are eligible to retire immediately, indicating potential workforce transition challenges.