Aloha Maui Councilmembers and Respected Community Leaders,
My name is Joey Dang, and my husband and I have been part of Maui’s wedding industry for over 15 years through our small business, Manutea Nui E. I’m writing to you today on behalf of an entire community of creatives, service providers, and entrepreneurs who have built their livelihoods around celebrating life’s most meaningful moments on this island.
The wedding and event industry on Maui is made up of hundreds of small, locally owned businesses working together to create intimate, intentional, and deeply meaningful experiences for visitors. These events—whether weddings, anniversaries, or corporate retreats—are more than celebrations. They’re opportunities to honor Maui’s natural beauty, living culture, and spirit of aloha.
From florists and officiants to musicians, caterers, and coordinators, we collaborate to deliver high-quality, culturally respectful experiences rooted in the values of community, kuleana, sustainability, and respect. Together, we serve a visitor demographic that often engages more meaningfully with the island than the average tourist. These guests travel here with purpose and heart—celebrating their most cherished milestones in a place that becomes part of their story forever.
And the impact goes far beyond emotion. The economic benefits of this industry are substantial. A single wedding with 60 guests can generate $500,000 or more in local spending—supporting not just vendors, but also hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, shops, tour operators, and many more. Multiply that by hundreds of weddings a year, and it becomes clear: our industry is a powerful, sustainable economic engine that keeps money circulating right here on island.
These guests return year after year. They tell their friends and family. They support local businesses. This is regenerative tourism in action—visitors who build a lasting, respectful relationship with Maui and its people.
But despite all this, our industry has historically lacked meaningful recognition and support from local government. We’ve quietly and consistently contributed to Maui’s economy and community for years without asking for help—but now, without urgent action, many businesses will be lost. Livelihoods will vanish. A whole ecosystem of locally owned services—rooted in aloha and built by hard-working residents—could collapse.
We are asking for your kōkua.
We urge you to recognize the wedding and event industry as a vital part of Maui’s economic and cultural landscape. With your support, we can continue to grow this sector in a way that aligns with the values of this island: honoring the land, uplifting local families, and promoting mindful, meaningful visitor engagement.
By investing in this community, you’re not just protecting jobs—you’re protecting a way of life.
Mahalo for your time, your leadership, and your aloha.
Aloha Maui Councilmembers and Respected Stakeholders,
My name is Angela Nelson, and I am writing to express my deep support for the proposed budget initiatives aimed at strengthening the wedding and event industry here on Maui. As a dedicated member of this vibrant and essential sector, it is crucial for us to secure the support necessary to sustain and grow this industry for the benefit of our local economy and community.
The Maui wedding and event industry comprises a network of small, locally owned businesses that work together to create unforgettable, love-centered experiences for visitors. These celebrations—whether weddings, milestone anniversaries, or corporate events—are opportunities to showcase Maui’s unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and sense of aloha. We work tirelessly to provide high-quality services that reflect the island's values of respect, sustainability, and community.
Beyond the beauty and significance of these events, the industry has a measurable economic impact. Weddings and events bring not only direct revenue to our businesses, but also support the local economy in numerous ways. The families and guests who travel here to celebrate life’s milestones engage deeply with Maui’s economy—booking accommodations, dining at restaurants, shopping locally, and participating in recreational activities. A single wedding, for example, can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in local spending, benefiting a wide array of businesses from florists and photographers to hotels and transportation providers.
In addition to the financial benefits, weddings also play a critical role in fostering a positive relationship with Maui’s visitors. These guests often develop a deep attachment to the island and its people, returning for future visits and recommending Maui to others. They are not typical tourists but rather individuals who have experienced the island during one of the most meaningful moments in their lives, leading to a sense of respect, connection, and responsibility to our community.
Unfortunately, despite the profound impact of our industry, the wedding and events industry has faced ongoing challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic and the devastating fires. The wedding and event sector has historically lacked substantial support from local government, and this gap has only deepened in recent years. Without immediate action, many small businesses within this industry will continue to struggle, and the livelihoods of countless Maui residents will be at risk.
We are asking for your help to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of this vital sector of tourism. By supporting the wedding and event industry, you are investing in Maui’s economic future, its small businesses, and its cultural heritage. Together, we can build a more resilient and thriving community for both our residents and visitors alike.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and unwavering support.
Aloha,
Angela Nelson
Angela Nelson Photography// Engaged on Maui
www.angelanelsonphoto.com // www.engagedonmaui.com
My name is Rev. Julienne, and I am writing in strong support of the proposed budget line items that promote the wedding and event industry here on Maui.
This industry is made up of many dedicated small businesses who work collaboratively to create meaningful, love-centered experiences for our clients—experiences that celebrate connection, culture, and place.
My colleagues and I recognize that every gathering—whether a wedding, corporate retreat, or milestone celebration—is a powerful opportunity to highlight Maui’s natural beauty while honoring its people, traditions, and ʻāina. With integrity, innovation, and aloha at the core of our work, we are building an industry rooted in kuleana, respect, and shared community prosperity.
Maui is more than a breathtaking destination. It is a living culture and a vibrant community—one where love stories have unfolded for generations. People from around the world choose Maui for their most intimate and important life moments: proposals, weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries. These visitors, along with their families and guests, tend to engage deeply with the island, supporting local businesses and contributing meaningfully to the economy.
We believe these guests represent the future of regenerative tourism—visitors who travel with intention, respect, and heart. Yet, this sector has historically lacked meaningful support from local government. We are asking you to change that.
The wedding and event industry is a proven economic engine that uplifts small businesses, honors culture, and fosters responsible, reciprocal tourism. With your support, we can continue to grow this sector in a way that reflects Maui’s values and strengthens its future.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
With aloha,
Rev. Julienne
The Sewing Hui’s Sewing Sewcials have proven to be invaluable to me and my community. As a new mother, I have found this initiative not only beneficial for personal growth but also an essential tool for sustainability and community building.
The Sewing Socials provide me with the opportunity to connect with others while learning new skills, such as advanced sewing techniques, upcycling, and altering clothing. These activities have become a cornerstone of my self-care as a mom, allowing me the space and confidence to sew, to repurpose my family's clothes, reduce waste, and keep perfectly good materials out of landfills. This not only helps me save money, but it also supports environmentally conscious practices, which are increasingly important to me as I raise my children on an island where sustainability matters.
The positive impact extends far beyond personal benefit. By participating in these social events, I am also contributing to a community-wide effort to create and share valuable skills, reduce consumption, and encourage a mindset of reuse and upcycling. I have invited friends and coworkers that have since experienced similar benefits, and this program fosters a strong sense of community through collaboration and shared learning.
I sincerely believe that continued funding for Sewing Socials will enable this program to thrive, benefiting both current and future generations. It helps me connect with my 90 year old grandmother who was a dressmaker, have a creative and cost-effective hobby, while also positively impacting the environment and fostering a sense of community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to continue participating in and supporting this wonderful program.
I am writing in support of The Sewing Hui's Sewing Sewcials. These monthly events are open to anyone who wants to reuse and upcycle textiles into something new. With the guidance of Jennifer and all the tools and machines at the Sewing Hui studio space, I was able to alter several pieces of clothing I can now wear. Furthermore, I learned some new sewing skills from Jennifer and gained more confidence in my own ability to sew. All in all, the Sewing Sewcials have kept nearly 2,000 pounds of textile waste out of Maui’s landfills!
I hope the Recycling Department continues to support Sewing Sewcials for our community and our landfills.
Aloha Maui Councilmembers and whom it may concern,
My name is Kent Rayhill and I am writing to support the wedding industry related line items in the proposed budget. My wife and I have worked in the Maui wedding industry for 13 years. I am writing today because Maui’s wedding industry is very quickly dying and we desperately need your help.
Our industry pumps millions of dollars into our local economy…money that mostly stays on island and is therefore reinvested in our community. Our industry is a collection of locally owned businesses, employing thousands of Maui residents. These are quality jobs that allow locals to have families, buy houses, afford food and live a good life thanks to their hard work.
Just one average wedding employs:
Coordinators
Florists
Venues
Photographers
Videographers
Musicians
Caterers
Hair and Makeup
Performers
Officiants
Bar Services
Decor, Furniture And Tent Rentals
Transportation
Bakers
Photobooths
Lighting and Sound
Calligraphers and Sign Painters
Wedding Dress Attendants
Many more
That’s just the vendors at the wedding. These weddings typically consist of 40-100 (or more) guests who turn their trip into a vacation. They will all book flights, rent cars, book accommodations, go to bars and restaurants, shop at local stores, buy groceries, book excursions, buy gifts, etc.
One wedding with 60 guests can easily pump $500,000+ into the local economy. That’s just one wedding.
I can tell you after filming over 400 weddings these are the kind of people we want as visitors. They are here to participate in one of life’s most important days and this gives them a special attachment to Maui that the average visitor might not have. In other words, they are overjoyed to be here and they want to come back! These are respectful visitors who often volunteer during their time on island. Imagine taking time off from your wedding week in paradise to help distribute food…that’s the kind of visitor Maui needs.
We need your help NOW! Weddings take a year or more to plan so immediate action is needed or our industry will continue to collapse and more good people will lose their homes and businesses. A huge part of our local economy will simply disappear and the ripple effect in our local communities will be devastating.
The Maui wedding industry has been quietly responsible for bringing in millions of dollars and employing thousands of locals. We have done so without asking anyone for help, but since the pandemic and the fires we are struggling to barely survive. Our industry needs your help and honestly we deserve it.
Thank you.
Aloha,
Kent Rayhill
ʻOhana Films
kent@ohanafilms.com
Aloha Maui Councilmembers and Respected Community Leaders,
My name is Joey Dang, and my husband and I have been part of Maui’s wedding industry for over 15 years through our small business, Manutea Nui E. I’m writing to you today on behalf of an entire community of creatives, service providers, and entrepreneurs who have built their livelihoods around celebrating life’s most meaningful moments on this island.
The wedding and event industry on Maui is made up of hundreds of small, locally owned businesses working together to create intimate, intentional, and deeply meaningful experiences for visitors. These events—whether weddings, anniversaries, or corporate retreats—are more than celebrations. They’re opportunities to honor Maui’s natural beauty, living culture, and spirit of aloha.
From florists and officiants to musicians, caterers, and coordinators, we collaborate to deliver high-quality, culturally respectful experiences rooted in the values of community, kuleana, sustainability, and respect. Together, we serve a visitor demographic that often engages more meaningfully with the island than the average tourist. These guests travel here with purpose and heart—celebrating their most cherished milestones in a place that becomes part of their story forever.
And the impact goes far beyond emotion. The economic benefits of this industry are substantial. A single wedding with 60 guests can generate $500,000 or more in local spending—supporting not just vendors, but also hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, shops, tour operators, and many more. Multiply that by hundreds of weddings a year, and it becomes clear: our industry is a powerful, sustainable economic engine that keeps money circulating right here on island.
These guests return year after year. They tell their friends and family. They support local businesses. This is regenerative tourism in action—visitors who build a lasting, respectful relationship with Maui and its people.
But despite all this, our industry has historically lacked meaningful recognition and support from local government. We’ve quietly and consistently contributed to Maui’s economy and community for years without asking for help—but now, without urgent action, many businesses will be lost. Livelihoods will vanish. A whole ecosystem of locally owned services—rooted in aloha and built by hard-working residents—could collapse.
We are asking for your kōkua.
We urge you to recognize the wedding and event industry as a vital part of Maui’s economic and cultural landscape. With your support, we can continue to grow this sector in a way that aligns with the values of this island: honoring the land, uplifting local families, and promoting mindful, meaningful visitor engagement.
By investing in this community, you’re not just protecting jobs—you’re protecting a way of life.
Mahalo for your time, your leadership, and your aloha.
Joey Dang
Manutea Nui E
Aloha Maui Councilmembers and Respected Stakeholders,
My name is Angela Nelson, and I am writing to express my deep support for the proposed budget initiatives aimed at strengthening the wedding and event industry here on Maui. As a dedicated member of this vibrant and essential sector, it is crucial for us to secure the support necessary to sustain and grow this industry for the benefit of our local economy and community.
The Maui wedding and event industry comprises a network of small, locally owned businesses that work together to create unforgettable, love-centered experiences for visitors. These celebrations—whether weddings, milestone anniversaries, or corporate events—are opportunities to showcase Maui’s unique culture, breathtaking landscapes, and sense of aloha. We work tirelessly to provide high-quality services that reflect the island's values of respect, sustainability, and community.
Beyond the beauty and significance of these events, the industry has a measurable economic impact. Weddings and events bring not only direct revenue to our businesses, but also support the local economy in numerous ways. The families and guests who travel here to celebrate life’s milestones engage deeply with Maui’s economy—booking accommodations, dining at restaurants, shopping locally, and participating in recreational activities. A single wedding, for example, can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in local spending, benefiting a wide array of businesses from florists and photographers to hotels and transportation providers.
In addition to the financial benefits, weddings also play a critical role in fostering a positive relationship with Maui’s visitors. These guests often develop a deep attachment to the island and its people, returning for future visits and recommending Maui to others. They are not typical tourists but rather individuals who have experienced the island during one of the most meaningful moments in their lives, leading to a sense of respect, connection, and responsibility to our community.
Unfortunately, despite the profound impact of our industry, the wedding and events industry has faced ongoing challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic and the devastating fires. The wedding and event sector has historically lacked substantial support from local government, and this gap has only deepened in recent years. Without immediate action, many small businesses within this industry will continue to struggle, and the livelihoods of countless Maui residents will be at risk.
We are asking for your help to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of this vital sector of tourism. By supporting the wedding and event industry, you are investing in Maui’s economic future, its small businesses, and its cultural heritage. Together, we can build a more resilient and thriving community for both our residents and visitors alike.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and unwavering support.
Aloha,
Angela Nelson
Angela Nelson Photography// Engaged on Maui
www.angelanelsonphoto.com // www.engagedonmaui.com
angela@angelanelsonphoto.com
My name is Rev. Julienne, and I am writing in strong support of the proposed budget line items that promote the wedding and event industry here on Maui.
This industry is made up of many dedicated small businesses who work collaboratively to create meaningful, love-centered experiences for our clients—experiences that celebrate connection, culture, and place.
My colleagues and I recognize that every gathering—whether a wedding, corporate retreat, or milestone celebration—is a powerful opportunity to highlight Maui’s natural beauty while honoring its people, traditions, and ʻāina. With integrity, innovation, and aloha at the core of our work, we are building an industry rooted in kuleana, respect, and shared community prosperity.
Maui is more than a breathtaking destination. It is a living culture and a vibrant community—one where love stories have unfolded for generations. People from around the world choose Maui for their most intimate and important life moments: proposals, weddings, honeymoons, and anniversaries. These visitors, along with their families and guests, tend to engage deeply with the island, supporting local businesses and contributing meaningfully to the economy.
We believe these guests represent the future of regenerative tourism—visitors who travel with intention, respect, and heart. Yet, this sector has historically lacked meaningful support from local government. We are asking you to change that.
The wedding and event industry is a proven economic engine that uplifts small businesses, honors culture, and fosters responsible, reciprocal tourism. With your support, we can continue to grow this sector in a way that reflects Maui’s values and strengthens its future.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
With aloha,
Rev. Julienne
Aloha County Council,
The Sewing Hui’s Sewing Sewcials have proven to be invaluable to me and my community. As a new mother, I have found this initiative not only beneficial for personal growth but also an essential tool for sustainability and community building.
The Sewing Socials provide me with the opportunity to connect with others while learning new skills, such as advanced sewing techniques, upcycling, and altering clothing. These activities have become a cornerstone of my self-care as a mom, allowing me the space and confidence to sew, to repurpose my family's clothes, reduce waste, and keep perfectly good materials out of landfills. This not only helps me save money, but it also supports environmentally conscious practices, which are increasingly important to me as I raise my children on an island where sustainability matters.
The positive impact extends far beyond personal benefit. By participating in these social events, I am also contributing to a community-wide effort to create and share valuable skills, reduce consumption, and encourage a mindset of reuse and upcycling. I have invited friends and coworkers that have since experienced similar benefits, and this program fosters a strong sense of community through collaboration and shared learning.
I sincerely believe that continued funding for Sewing Socials will enable this program to thrive, benefiting both current and future generations. It helps me connect with my 90 year old grandmother who was a dressmaker, have a creative and cost-effective hobby, while also positively impacting the environment and fostering a sense of community.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to continue participating in and supporting this wonderful program.
Sincerely,
Bianca Datiles
Aloha City Council,
I am writing in support of The Sewing Hui's Sewing Sewcials. These monthly events are open to anyone who wants to reuse and upcycle textiles into something new. With the guidance of Jennifer and all the tools and machines at the Sewing Hui studio space, I was able to alter several pieces of clothing I can now wear. Furthermore, I learned some new sewing skills from Jennifer and gained more confidence in my own ability to sew. All in all, the Sewing Sewcials have kept nearly 2,000 pounds of textile waste out of Maui’s landfills!
I hope the Recycling Department continues to support Sewing Sewcials for our community and our landfills.
Mahalo,
Dorothy
PO Box 861
Haiku, HI 96708
Aloha Maui Councilmembers and whom it may concern,
My name is Kent Rayhill and I am writing to support the wedding industry related line items in the proposed budget. My wife and I have worked in the Maui wedding industry for 13 years. I am writing today because Maui’s wedding industry is very quickly dying and we desperately need your help.
Our industry pumps millions of dollars into our local economy…money that mostly stays on island and is therefore reinvested in our community. Our industry is a collection of locally owned businesses, employing thousands of Maui residents. These are quality jobs that allow locals to have families, buy houses, afford food and live a good life thanks to their hard work.
Just one average wedding employs:
Coordinators
Florists
Venues
Photographers
Videographers
Musicians
Caterers
Hair and Makeup
Performers
Officiants
Bar Services
Decor, Furniture And Tent Rentals
Transportation
Bakers
Photobooths
Lighting and Sound
Calligraphers and Sign Painters
Wedding Dress Attendants
Many more
That’s just the vendors at the wedding. These weddings typically consist of 40-100 (or more) guests who turn their trip into a vacation. They will all book flights, rent cars, book accommodations, go to bars and restaurants, shop at local stores, buy groceries, book excursions, buy gifts, etc.
One wedding with 60 guests can easily pump $500,000+ into the local economy. That’s just one wedding.
I can tell you after filming over 400 weddings these are the kind of people we want as visitors. They are here to participate in one of life’s most important days and this gives them a special attachment to Maui that the average visitor might not have. In other words, they are overjoyed to be here and they want to come back! These are respectful visitors who often volunteer during their time on island. Imagine taking time off from your wedding week in paradise to help distribute food…that’s the kind of visitor Maui needs.
We need your help NOW! Weddings take a year or more to plan so immediate action is needed or our industry will continue to collapse and more good people will lose their homes and businesses. A huge part of our local economy will simply disappear and the ripple effect in our local communities will be devastating.
The Maui wedding industry has been quietly responsible for bringing in millions of dollars and employing thousands of locals. We have done so without asking anyone for help, but since the pandemic and the fires we are struggling to barely survive. Our industry needs your help and honestly we deserve it.
Thank you.
Aloha,
Kent Rayhill
ʻOhana Films
kent@ohanafilms.com
4/7/2025