My name is Rozline Benanua, and I am a grateful recipient of the Maui County Child Care Subsidy. I’m writing to share how this program has truly made a difference for my ʻohana.
Thanks to the subsidy, I have been able to afford safe and reliable child care for my children. This support has allowed me to work, and has relieved an incredible amount of financial stress for our family.
Without this assistance, I honestly don’t know how I would be able to balance providing for my family while ensuring my children are in a nurturing, stable environment during the day. The subsidy has been a lifeline, and I hope it continues to be available to other Maui families who are doing their best to build a strong future.
Mahalo,
Rozline Benanua
MAUI family support services child care subsidy has helped our family tremendously. As you’re aware, the cost in Maui keeps rising. Things are not as affordable as they used to be and it is hard even if you have a good paying job.
Rent, insurances, childcare, credit cards, and going back to school to get an education to get a better paying job. Everything just adds up and having the county help with the subsidy makes all the difference. It makes me happy knowing that my child is able to go to preschool without us paying the full $995 per month tuition.
Thank you for continuing to support this program and helping families.
My name is Rozline Benanua, and I am a grateful recipient of the Maui County Child Care Subsidy. I’m writing to share how this program has truly made a difference for my ʻohana.
Thanks to the subsidy, I have been able to afford safe and reliable child care for my children. This support has allowed me to work, and has relieved an incredible amount of financial stress for our family.
Without this assistance, I honestly don’t know how I would be able to balance providing for my family while ensuring my children are in a nurturing, stable environment during the day. The subsidy has been a lifeline, and I hope it continues to be available to other Maui families who are doing their best to build a strong future.
Mahalo,
Rozline Benanua
My name is Leah Amarillo. My husband is born and raised here on Maui and I grew up on Maui during my childhood life. I currently work for the county and my husband works for the hotel industry, both full time. We are blessed to currently have daycare spots with an amazing licensed, child care provider for the past 5 years for all of our children. We are also lucky enough to currently have housing that we rent for our own family. As everyone knows the expensive costs of living in Hawaii along with the costs of childcare, we were surprised and extremely gracious for the help no matter how big or small from the Maui County childcare subsidy. We do not have any other means or qualify for any other subsidies for childcare assistance based on our two income household, which is why we appreciate any help we can get. In order to continue living in our home & Hawaii, we both have to work full-time in order to sustain our family and ensure our babies are being well taken care of by a safe, licensed childcare provider. Again, we do not qualify for any other child care subsidies available nor do we have any other child care help outside of our childcare provider. The help we receive allows us to continue working for the community, support our family, & give us hope to continue raising our children in our island home.
Thank you County of Maui for the support of this program as it truly makes a difference.
My name is Janessa Keahi and I have been a recipient of MFSS Childcare Subsidy since 2019-2020, when my oldest son started attending daycare / preschool. I am truly grateful for the assistance I received and continue to receive from this amazing program / organization as I would not be able to support my children without the help from MFSS. MFSS has allowed me to continue to work fulltime, so that I can provide a healthy stable lifestyle for my two boys, who are now 10 and 3. If it weren't for this program, I am not sure we would be living the lifestyle we are afforded today. Since securing a subsidy from MFSS, I was able to attain my own place from working and saving up money for the deposit. I am forever grateful and truly humbled by the immense support MFSS has provided me and my ohana.
From: Maria S <maria.sedano01@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2025 10:06 AM
To: County Clerk <County.Clerk@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Subsidy testimony
Thank you Maui County subsidy program. The subsidy helped my family with inflation & the cost of living. It also helped me & my husband go to work in order to make ends meet for our family.
I am writing to express my strong support for funding to the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) to continue and expand its STEM programs on the islands of Lanai and Molokai. These two rural communities have long faced challenges in providing access to opportunities for their students, particularly in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The work that MEDB has done through its various initiatives has had an immensely positive impact on these students and has contributed to the development of critical skills that will help drive the future of these communities. My involvement in STEMworks as a young middle and high school student opened many doors for me prior to attending West Point.
The STEMWorks program, in particular, has proven to be an invaluable resource, offering hands-on learning experiences and exposing students to career opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. By partnering with local schools and providing real-world, engaging projects, the program not only fosters interest in STEM fields but also prepares students for success in an increasingly technology-driven world. The impact on Lanai and Molokai students has been profound, and continuing this funding will help ensure that these students have every opportunity to thrive in these vital fields.
Investing in these programs is an investment in the future of our rural communities. It helps level the playing field for students who may not have access to the same resources as those in more urban areas. Moreover, it strengthens the long-term economic prospects for Lanai and Molokai by equipping the next generation with the skills needed to support and lead in innovative industries.
I urge you to consider the continued funding of these programs to ensure that the positive outcomes we’ve seen so far are expanded upon. Supporting STEM education for our young people is one of the most impactful ways to help them build a better future for themselves and for their communities.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I appreciate your commitment to supporting the educational and economic development of Maui County, particularly in our rural areas.
Sincerely,
Keona Conroy-Humphrey
Lanai High School Class of 2018
United States Military Academy at West Point Class of 2022
Dear Madam/Sir,
I had the privilege of participating in most of the “Sewing Sewcial” classes organized by Jennifer Oberg. Throughout these sessions, all participants received invaluable guidance from Jennifer on how to transform or repair our favorite clothing items.
Many people are often tempted to discard their clothes simply because they lack sewing skills or don’t have creative ideas for fixing them. Others may not have access to the proper tools, such as a sewing machine, to repair items properly. Jennifer’s program helps address this issue by not only assisting with clothing repairs but also encouraging the repurposing of fabric-based household items.
Fabric waste is a far more significant issue than most realize. Without proper education and awareness, many people do not understand that their overconsumption can lead to problems of the same magnitude, or even greater. When I visit local thrift stores or even Goodwill, I often wonder if they can manage the volume of clothing donations they receive.
Recycling is especially crucial here on Maui, where landfill capacity is limited, and transporting fabric waste elsewhere could be both costly and inefficient.
I would like to thank the Maui Recycling Department for their continued support and encouragement of local initiatives, such as Jennifer Oberg’s sewing hui, which aim to reduce waste. Community efforts, when in capable hands, can make a significant difference and create a lasting positive impact on the residents of Maui.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ildiko Kalmar
My name is Rozline Benanua, and I am a grateful recipient of the Maui County Child Care Subsidy. I’m writing to share how this program has truly made a difference for my ʻohana.
Thanks to the subsidy, I have been able to afford safe and reliable child care for my children. This support has allowed me to work, and has relieved an incredible amount of financial stress for our family.
Without this assistance, I honestly don’t know how I would be able to balance providing for my family while ensuring my children are in a nurturing, stable environment during the day. The subsidy has been a lifeline, and I hope it continues to be available to other Maui families who are doing their best to build a strong future.
Mahalo,
Rozline Benanua
I am writing to express my strong support for funding to the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) to continue and expand its STEM programs on the islands of Lanai and Molokai. These two rural communities have long faced challenges in providing access to opportunities for their students, particularly in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The work that MEDB has done through its various initiatives has had an immensely positive impact on these students and has contributed to the development of critical skills that will help drive the future of these communities. My involvement in STEMworks as a young middle and high school student opened many doors for me prior to attending West Point.
The STEMWorks program, in particular, has proven to be an invaluable resource, offering hands-on learning experiences and exposing students to career opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. By partnering with local schools and providing real-world, engaging projects, the program not only fosters interest in STEM fields but also prepares students for success in an increasingly technology-driven world. The impact on Lanai and Molokai students has been profound, and continuing this funding will help ensure that these students have every opportunity to thrive in these vital fields.
Investing in these programs is an investment in the future of our rural communities. It helps level the playing field for students who may not have access to the same resources as those in more urban areas. Moreover, it strengthens the long-term economic prospects for Lanai and Molokai by equipping the next generation with the skills needed to support and lead in innovative industries.
I urge you to consider the continued funding of these programs to ensure that the positive outcomes we’ve seen so far are expanded upon. Supporting STEM education for our young people is one of the most impactful ways to help them build a better future for themselves and for their communities.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I appreciate your commitment to supporting the educational and economic development of Maui County, particularly in our rural areas.
Sincerely,
Keona Conroy-Humphrey
Lanai High School Class of 2018
United States Military Academy at West Point Class of 2022
Testimonies received from BFED Committee 04-10-2025 (3)
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Rozline Benanua, and I am a grateful recipient of the Maui County Child Care Subsidy. I’m writing to share how this program has truly made a difference for my ʻohana.
Thanks to the subsidy, I have been able to afford safe and reliable child care for my children. This support has allowed me to work, and has relieved an incredible amount of financial stress for our family.
Without this assistance, I honestly don’t know how I would be able to balance providing for my family while ensuring my children are in a nurturing, stable environment during the day. The subsidy has been a lifeline, and I hope it continues to be available to other Maui families who are doing their best to build a strong future.
Mahalo,
Rozline Benanua
Aloha,
MAUI family support services child care subsidy has helped our family tremendously. As you’re aware, the cost in Maui keeps rising. Things are not as affordable as they used to be and it is hard even if you have a good paying job.
Rent, insurances, childcare, credit cards, and going back to school to get an education to get a better paying job. Everything just adds up and having the county help with the subsidy makes all the difference. It makes me happy knowing that my child is able to go to preschool without us paying the full $995 per month tuition.
Thank you for continuing to support this program and helping families.
Sincerely,
Malia
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Rozline Benanua, and I am a grateful recipient of the Maui County Child Care Subsidy. I’m writing to share how this program has truly made a difference for my ʻohana.
Thanks to the subsidy, I have been able to afford safe and reliable child care for my children. This support has allowed me to work, and has relieved an incredible amount of financial stress for our family.
Without this assistance, I honestly don’t know how I would be able to balance providing for my family while ensuring my children are in a nurturing, stable environment during the day. The subsidy has been a lifeline, and I hope it continues to be available to other Maui families who are doing their best to build a strong future.
Mahalo,
Rozline Benanua
Aloha,
My name is Leah Amarillo. My husband is born and raised here on Maui and I grew up on Maui during my childhood life. I currently work for the county and my husband works for the hotel industry, both full time. We are blessed to currently have daycare spots with an amazing licensed, child care provider for the past 5 years for all of our children. We are also lucky enough to currently have housing that we rent for our own family. As everyone knows the expensive costs of living in Hawaii along with the costs of childcare, we were surprised and extremely gracious for the help no matter how big or small from the Maui County childcare subsidy. We do not have any other means or qualify for any other subsidies for childcare assistance based on our two income household, which is why we appreciate any help we can get. In order to continue living in our home & Hawaii, we both have to work full-time in order to sustain our family and ensure our babies are being well taken care of by a safe, licensed childcare provider. Again, we do not qualify for any other child care subsidies available nor do we have any other child care help outside of our childcare provider. The help we receive allows us to continue working for the community, support our family, & give us hope to continue raising our children in our island home.
Thank you County of Maui for the support of this program as it truly makes a difference.
Leah Amarillo
Aloha,
My name is Janessa Keahi and I have been a recipient of MFSS Childcare Subsidy since 2019-2020, when my oldest son started attending daycare / preschool. I am truly grateful for the assistance I received and continue to receive from this amazing program / organization as I would not be able to support my children without the help from MFSS. MFSS has allowed me to continue to work fulltime, so that I can provide a healthy stable lifestyle for my two boys, who are now 10 and 3. If it weren't for this program, I am not sure we would be living the lifestyle we are afforded today. Since securing a subsidy from MFSS, I was able to attain my own place from working and saving up money for the deposit. I am forever grateful and truly humbled by the immense support MFSS has provided me and my ohana.
Mahalo,
Janessa Keahi
From: Maria S <maria.sedano01@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2025 10:06 AM
To: County Clerk <County.Clerk@mauicounty.us>
Subject: Subsidy testimony
Thank you Maui County subsidy program. The subsidy helped my family with inflation & the cost of living. It also helped me & my husband go to work in order to make ends meet for our family.
Dear Members of the Maui County Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for funding to the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) to continue and expand its STEM programs on the islands of Lanai and Molokai. These two rural communities have long faced challenges in providing access to opportunities for their students, particularly in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The work that MEDB has done through its various initiatives has had an immensely positive impact on these students and has contributed to the development of critical skills that will help drive the future of these communities. My involvement in STEMworks as a young middle and high school student opened many doors for me prior to attending West Point.
The STEMWorks program, in particular, has proven to be an invaluable resource, offering hands-on learning experiences and exposing students to career opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. By partnering with local schools and providing real-world, engaging projects, the program not only fosters interest in STEM fields but also prepares students for success in an increasingly technology-driven world. The impact on Lanai and Molokai students has been profound, and continuing this funding will help ensure that these students have every opportunity to thrive in these vital fields.
Investing in these programs is an investment in the future of our rural communities. It helps level the playing field for students who may not have access to the same resources as those in more urban areas. Moreover, it strengthens the long-term economic prospects for Lanai and Molokai by equipping the next generation with the skills needed to support and lead in innovative industries.
I urge you to consider the continued funding of these programs to ensure that the positive outcomes we’ve seen so far are expanded upon. Supporting STEM education for our young people is one of the most impactful ways to help them build a better future for themselves and for their communities.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I appreciate your commitment to supporting the educational and economic development of Maui County, particularly in our rural areas.
Sincerely,
Keona Conroy-Humphrey
Lanai High School Class of 2018
United States Military Academy at West Point Class of 2022
Dear Madam/Sir,
I had the privilege of participating in most of the “Sewing Sewcial” classes organized by Jennifer Oberg. Throughout these sessions, all participants received invaluable guidance from Jennifer on how to transform or repair our favorite clothing items.
Many people are often tempted to discard their clothes simply because they lack sewing skills or don’t have creative ideas for fixing them. Others may not have access to the proper tools, such as a sewing machine, to repair items properly. Jennifer’s program helps address this issue by not only assisting with clothing repairs but also encouraging the repurposing of fabric-based household items.
Fabric waste is a far more significant issue than most realize. Without proper education and awareness, many people do not understand that their overconsumption can lead to problems of the same magnitude, or even greater. When I visit local thrift stores or even Goodwill, I often wonder if they can manage the volume of clothing donations they receive.
Recycling is especially crucial here on Maui, where landfill capacity is limited, and transporting fabric waste elsewhere could be both costly and inefficient.
I would like to thank the Maui Recycling Department for their continued support and encouragement of local initiatives, such as Jennifer Oberg’s sewing hui, which aim to reduce waste. Community efforts, when in capable hands, can make a significant difference and create a lasting positive impact on the residents of Maui.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Ildiko Kalmar
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Rozline Benanua, and I am a grateful recipient of the Maui County Child Care Subsidy. I’m writing to share how this program has truly made a difference for my ʻohana.
Thanks to the subsidy, I have been able to afford safe and reliable child care for my children. This support has allowed me to work, and has relieved an incredible amount of financial stress for our family.
Without this assistance, I honestly don’t know how I would be able to balance providing for my family while ensuring my children are in a nurturing, stable environment during the day. The subsidy has been a lifeline, and I hope it continues to be available to other Maui families who are doing their best to build a strong future.
Mahalo,
Rozline Benanua
Dear Members of the Maui County Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for funding to the Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) to continue and expand its STEM programs on the islands of Lanai and Molokai. These two rural communities have long faced challenges in providing access to opportunities for their students, particularly in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The work that MEDB has done through its various initiatives has had an immensely positive impact on these students and has contributed to the development of critical skills that will help drive the future of these communities. My involvement in STEMworks as a young middle and high school student opened many doors for me prior to attending West Point.
The STEMWorks program, in particular, has proven to be an invaluable resource, offering hands-on learning experiences and exposing students to career opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. By partnering with local schools and providing real-world, engaging projects, the program not only fosters interest in STEM fields but also prepares students for success in an increasingly technology-driven world. The impact on Lanai and Molokai students has been profound, and continuing this funding will help ensure that these students have every opportunity to thrive in these vital fields.
Investing in these programs is an investment in the future of our rural communities. It helps level the playing field for students who may not have access to the same resources as those in more urban areas. Moreover, it strengthens the long-term economic prospects for Lanai and Molokai by equipping the next generation with the skills needed to support and lead in innovative industries.
I urge you to consider the continued funding of these programs to ensure that the positive outcomes we’ve seen so far are expanded upon. Supporting STEM education for our young people is one of the most impactful ways to help them build a better future for themselves and for their communities.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I appreciate your commitment to supporting the educational and economic development of Maui County, particularly in our rural areas.
Sincerely,
Keona Conroy-Humphrey
Lanai High School Class of 2018
United States Military Academy at West Point Class of 2022