Testimonies received from BFED Committee

Aloha Councilmembers,

My name is Aaron “Moose” Reichert, owner of Krank Cycles Maui. For over 25 years, I’ve worked with youth on Maui—mentoring, repairing, and giving away thousands of bicycles to keiki across our community.

To answer question 12(b): Yes, the Maui Mountain Bike Coalition does have active sites for riding and service. These include ongoing trail stewardship and development areas in Makawao Forest Reserve, as well as the new Napili Community Bike Park in West Maui. These are not just riding areas—they are spaces where youth learn responsibility, stewardship, and community.

From firsthand experience, especially after the Lahaina fires, I can tell you that bicycles have been one of the most powerful tools for healing. We gave away over 1,400 bikes after the fires, and another 500 bikes to kids at Christmas, primarily to Lahaina fire survivors. What we saw was immediate—kids getting outside, reconnecting with friends, moving their bodies, and beginning to process trauma in a healthy way.

Right now, many of our keiki are struggling with increased screen time, anxiety, depression, and declining physical health. Bikes provide a simple, proven solution—movement, independence, and connection.

The County already has strong safety and youth programs, but in our experience, they often face limitations in staffing and mobility. Programs are not always able to reach communities consistently, especially in more remote or impacted areas.

This is where Cycle Strong fills a critical gap.

A mobile bike program allows us to bring bikes, safety education, and mentorship directly into schools and communities—meeting kids where they are. This model is proven on the mainland, where mobile bike units and safety programs have significantly increased youth participation, safety awareness, and physical activity.

With this support, we can partner with existing County efforts, including Parks & Recreation and Maui Police Department, to expand bike safety education and youth engagement. A mobile unit would also allow us to serve Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi—ensuring these communities are not left behind.

This is not duplicating services—it is strengthening and extending them.

We have the experience, the community trust, and the infrastructure to make this successful immediately.

Mahalo for your consideration and for supporting Maui’s youth.