Aloha,

My name is Matthew Lugo, and I am testifying in support of the Maui Economic Development Board's Economic Development Grant under the Maui County Office of Economic Development.

I am an aerospace engineer at Privateer, a technology company headquartered here on Maui. I have been a participant in MEDB's EMER-GEN program — hosted annually at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference — since 2022, returning again in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, I also joined the EMER-GEN planning committee, where I gained hands-on experience organizing the program and presenting in front of technical audiences.

EMER-GEN has had a direct and measurable impact on both my professional growth and on Privateer's business. Early in my career, the program connected me with experienced mentors who offered guidance I couldn't easily find elsewhere in Hawaii. That confidence has been lasting. One experience in particular stands out: during EMER-GEN, I had the opportunity to spend several hours speaking with a customer from the SDA TAP LAB — a professional originally from Oahu — about our shared passion for growing the technology industry in Hawaii despite the very real challenges that come with building a tech sector here. That conversation was genuine, grounded in a love for these islands, and it mattered. In the months that followed, Privateer was able to secure contracts with that organization. That is a direct line from MEDB's program to economic activity on Maui.

Beyond my own experience, I have watched EMER-GEN create meaningful opportunities for University of Hawaiʻi students or working professionals already in-state, who would otherwise have limited access to aerospace and defense professionals. The program gives them the chance to meet mentors, explore career paths, and pursue employment in a high-growth industry. It also includes a cultural component, with guest speakers who thoughtfully connect Hawaiʻi's unique history and culture to the aerospace and technology fields. This is not something you find at most technical conferences, and it reflects a genuine investment in ensuring that the growth of this industry is relevant and respectful to the community it calls home.

I am proud to support MEDB's continued funding and strongly encourage the Council to do the same. The EMER-GEN program is building careers, supporting local businesses, and strengthening Hawaiʻi's place in the global technology community, all from right here on Maui.
Mahalo for your time and consideration,
Matthew Lugo
Aerospace Engineer
+1.808.250.2996
privateer.com

Testimonies received from BFED Committee as of 4/7 10:00 a.m.

It is an honor for me to offer testimony and support for the Cycle Strong program.

By way of introduction, I was the founder of the XTERRA World Championship (off-road triathlon) which took place on Maui for over twenty years.

Part of our program of events included offering introduction and training for Maui youth in the areas of cycling, running and fitness. We were honored to work with Maui cycling shops, running clubs , etc during those years. As a result we could see at close range the benefits of introducing young people to cycling. Fitness, health, traffic reduction, pollution reduction…. Etc.

From the seed of one small event in 1996, a global endurance sport spread around the globe to 30+ countries. One of the major reasons for that growth is based on introducing young people to cycling. Maui was the leader that started all of this… and it is my recommendation that Maui continues to be a leader in the area of youth sports/fitness with the Cycle Strong program.

Thank you and Aloha,

Tom Kiely
808-428-0869 mobile
Tkiely8888@gmail.com
www.KielyCap.com
Www.RwandaStories.com