Prevent staffing cuts to HUD for Maui wildfire recovery

To: Sen. Hirono, Sen. Schatz, Rep. Case

From: A constituent in Ewa Beach, HI

February 21

The proposed staffing cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Community Planning and Development would deal a severe blow to Maui's recovery efforts. The $1.6 billion in Community Development Block Grants awarded to Maui County is essential for rebuilding housing and infrastructure devastated by the 2023 wildfires. However, this critical funding hinges on HUD having adequate personnel to process reimbursements and disburse the grants as work progresses. Reducing the office's staff by 84% from 936 to just 150 employees would grind the recovery to a halt, delaying the rebuilding of communities like Lahaina indefinitely. This aid cannot be squandered through bureaucratic sabotage - Hawaii's residents and businesses impacted by the fires are counting on it to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. The administration must reconsider these misguided staffing cuts that threaten to derail Maui's long-term recovery.

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