Testimony to the Water Authority, Social Services, and Parks Committee
Regarding Senior Services in Maui County
Submitted by: Edward Codelia
Aloha Chair and Members of the Committee,
My name is Edward Codelia, and I am a full-time resident of Maui County. I am submitting this testimony to address the urgent need for improvements in Maui County’s senior services. The senior population in our county is growing at a rate that we are simply not prepared to handle. Without immediate action, our kūpuna—who have spent their lives building and contributing to this community—will continue to suffer due to the failures of our current systems.
In the past three months, I have personally witnessed multiple seniors discharged from the emergency room at Maui Memorial Hospital via an Uber, left to fend for themselves with no follow-up care. Some of these same seniors were readmitted the very next day because they lacked the proper support after being sent home. This is a clear sign that our system is failing, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the care, respect, and resources they deserve from the County of Maui.
Holding Agencies Accountable
Senior service agencies in Maui County must be held to higher standards. There are too many reports of long wait times, inadequate services, and a lack of transparency in funding allocations. Without proper oversight, seniors are left struggling to access basic services they desperately need.
I urge the County to implement regular performance audits, public reporting on senior services, and a clear accountability structure to ensure that senior programs are actually serving their intended purpose. Additionally, the senior housing departments under the County’s jurisdiction must be re-evaluated. It is completely unacceptable that local seniors are waiting up to 10 years to find safe and secure housing provided by the County. Many do not have a decade to wait.
Increasing Funding for Senior Services
Many senior programs suffer from chronic underfunding and understaffing, which directly impacts the quality of care and accessibility of services. Without sufficient funding, our kūpuna are left without adequate home care assistance, transportation, meal programs, and social services. The County must take the following actions immediately:
• Increase the budget for senior home care services, medical transportation, meal programs, and senior centers.
• Seek state and federal grants to expand essential programs and develop new initiatives.
• Provide tax incentives for businesses and nonprofits that invest in senior services, encouraging private-sector participation in improving care.
Better Training & Cultural Understanding
Maui’s senior population is deeply diverse, and the services provided must reflect the cultural traditions, languages, and values of our communities. Currently, many seniors struggle to find care providers who understand their needs. To address this, the County should require:
• Cultural competency training for all staff working with seniors, focusing on the needs of Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, and other local communities.
• Specialized elder care training that includes dementia care, mental health support, and end-of-life assistance.
• Language accessibility improvements so that non-English speaking seniors receive proper guidance and communication in their preferred language.
Discounted Services for ALL Local Seniors
Many senior programs in Maui County are income-restricted, meaning that middle-income seniors who still struggle with the high cost of living are often left out. All local seniors, regardless of income, should receive discounted services to help them age in place with dignity. The County should provide:
• Free or reduced-cost public transportation for all residents aged 60 and older to ensure they can access medical care, groceries, and community activities.
• Discounted access to county parks, pools, recreational activities, and cultural programs to promote active and engaged aging.
• Lower utility and property tax rates for seniors to help them remain in their homes without financial strain.
Enhancing Senior-Friendly Spaces & Social Programs
Isolation and lack of activity can lead to serious physical and mental health issues among seniors. The County must take proactive steps to enhance community spaces and social engagement opportunities for kūpuna, including:
• Expanding senior-friendly park spaces and walking paths to promote physical activity and well-being.
• Funding more community events and workshops tailored for seniors, including cultural activities and lifelong learning programs.
• Establishing senior volunteer and mentorship programs to keep kūpuna engaged with the community, allowing them to share their knowledge and skills while staying socially connected.
Conclusion
Maui County is at a turning point. With a growing senior population, we cannot afford to continue neglecting the very people who helped build this community. Our kūpuna deserve dignity, respect, and support in their golden years. I strongly urge this committee to take decisive action by increasing funding, improving oversight, and ensuring that all seniors in Maui County—regardless of income—have access to the resources they need to live full and healthy lives.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
If any one has questions regarding my experiences within these services, I am happy to discuss.
Respectfully submitted,
Testimony to the Water Authority, Social Services, and Parks Committee
Regarding Senior Services in Maui County
Submitted by: Edward Codelia
Aloha Chair and Members of the Committee,
My name is Edward Codelia, and I am a full-time resident of Maui County. I am submitting this testimony to address the urgent need for improvements in Maui County’s senior services. The senior population in our county is growing at a rate that we are simply not prepared to handle. Without immediate action, our kūpuna—who have spent their lives building and contributing to this community—will continue to suffer due to the failures of our current systems.
In the past three months, I have personally witnessed multiple seniors discharged from the emergency room at Maui Memorial Hospital via an Uber, left to fend for themselves with no follow-up care. Some of these same seniors were readmitted the very next day because they lacked the proper support after being sent home. This is a clear sign that our system is failing, and it is our responsibility to ensure they receive the care, respect, and resources they deserve from the County of Maui.
Holding Agencies Accountable
Senior service agencies in Maui County must be held to higher standards. There are too many reports of long wait times, inadequate services, and a lack of transparency in funding allocations. Without proper oversight, seniors are left struggling to access basic services they desperately need.
I urge the County to implement regular performance audits, public reporting on senior services, and a clear accountability structure to ensure that senior programs are actually serving their intended purpose. Additionally, the senior housing departments under the County’s jurisdiction must be re-evaluated. It is completely unacceptable that local seniors are waiting up to 10 years to find safe and secure housing provided by the County. Many do not have a decade to wait.
Increasing Funding for Senior Services
Many senior programs suffer from chronic underfunding and understaffing, which directly impacts the quality of care and accessibility of services. Without sufficient funding, our kūpuna are left without adequate home care assistance, transportation, meal programs, and social services. The County must take the following actions immediately:
• Increase the budget for senior home care services, medical transportation, meal programs, and senior centers.
• Seek state and federal grants to expand essential programs and develop new initiatives.
• Provide tax incentives for businesses and nonprofits that invest in senior services, encouraging private-sector participation in improving care.
Better Training & Cultural Understanding
Maui’s senior population is deeply diverse, and the services provided must reflect the cultural traditions, languages, and values of our communities. Currently, many seniors struggle to find care providers who understand their needs. To address this, the County should require:
• Cultural competency training for all staff working with seniors, focusing on the needs of Hawaiian, Filipino, Japanese, and other local communities.
• Specialized elder care training that includes dementia care, mental health support, and end-of-life assistance.
• Language accessibility improvements so that non-English speaking seniors receive proper guidance and communication in their preferred language.
Discounted Services for ALL Local Seniors
Many senior programs in Maui County are income-restricted, meaning that middle-income seniors who still struggle with the high cost of living are often left out. All local seniors, regardless of income, should receive discounted services to help them age in place with dignity. The County should provide:
• Free or reduced-cost public transportation for all residents aged 60 and older to ensure they can access medical care, groceries, and community activities.
• Discounted access to county parks, pools, recreational activities, and cultural programs to promote active and engaged aging.
• Lower utility and property tax rates for seniors to help them remain in their homes without financial strain.
Enhancing Senior-Friendly Spaces & Social Programs
Isolation and lack of activity can lead to serious physical and mental health issues among seniors. The County must take proactive steps to enhance community spaces and social engagement opportunities for kūpuna, including:
• Expanding senior-friendly park spaces and walking paths to promote physical activity and well-being.
• Funding more community events and workshops tailored for seniors, including cultural activities and lifelong learning programs.
• Establishing senior volunteer and mentorship programs to keep kūpuna engaged with the community, allowing them to share their knowledge and skills while staying socially connected.
Conclusion
Maui County is at a turning point. With a growing senior population, we cannot afford to continue neglecting the very people who helped build this community. Our kūpuna deserve dignity, respect, and support in their golden years. I strongly urge this committee to take decisive action by increasing funding, improving oversight, and ensuring that all seniors in Maui County—regardless of income—have access to the resources they need to live full and healthy lives.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
If any one has questions regarding my experiences within these services, I am happy to discuss.
Respectfully submitted,
Edward Codelia
Direct: 808-283-8288