In reference to today’s continued Council debate on the FY-2027 County budget, I have attached my written testimony in opposition to the proposed budget.
While the discussion has focused on small reductions, the larger issues remain ignored: rising shipping costs driving the cost of living higher for Maui residents and a County budget that continues expanding progressive policy programs, nonprofit grants, and discretionary spending outside the core responsibilities of government.
Bill 9 should require Maui County to **tighten its structure and refocus on essential departments**, not expand progressive spending initiatives.
My attached testimony explains why this budget requires deeper cuts and a return to core government functions.
My name is Sara Mason Baker and both of my children and I have greatly benefited through attending the PIDF Tūtū and me program since 2022.
The Department of Education submitted a $0.00 budget for the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP), removing it from the federal budget in the next fiscal year (2026-27). This lack of funding would directly impact Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool programming on Maui, forcing sites to close.
More background information can be found here: https://pidf.org/pidf-2026-faq/
We kindly ask for your support to sustain Tūtū and Me sites on Maui because it provides phenomenal early education and child development through crucial and fundamental life building skills in language, communication, social/emotional and cultural( to only name a few).
This support through the critical years of early childhood is deeply impactful. I am and will forever be immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible program.
Tūtū and me gifted my family the opportunity to connect, learn and grow together. We became part of a kind, supportive and respectful community. Tūtū and me has been and continues to be the primary early childhood education and socialisation that my kids and I and countless families rely on. It truly takes a village and this is ours.
In reference to today’s continued Council debate on the FY-2027 County budget, I have attached my written testimony in opposition to the proposed budget.
While the discussion has focused on small reductions, the larger issues remain ignored: rising shipping costs driving the cost of living higher for Maui residents and a County budget that continues expanding progressive policy programs, nonprofit grants, and discretionary spending outside the core responsibilities of government.
Bill 9 should require Maui County to **tighten its structure and refocus on essential departments**, not expand progressive spending initiatives.
My attached testimony explains why this budget requires deeper cuts and a return to core government functions.
My name is Sara Mason Baker and both of my children and I have greatly benefited through attending the PIDF Tūtū and me program since 2022.
The Department of Education submitted a $0.00 budget for the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP), removing it from the federal budget in the next fiscal year (2026-27). This lack of funding would directly impact Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool programming on Maui, forcing sites to close.
More background information can be found here: https://pidf.org/pidf-2026-faq/
We kindly ask for your support to sustain Tūtū and Me sites on Maui because it provides phenomenal early education and child development through crucial and fundamental life building skills in language, communication, social/emotional and cultural( to only name a few).
This support through the critical years of early childhood is deeply impactful. I am and will forever be immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible program.
Tūtū and me gifted my family the opportunity to connect, learn and grow together. We became part of a kind, supportive and respectful community. Tūtū and me has been and continues to be the primary early childhood education and socialisation that my kids and I and countless families rely on. It truly takes a village and this is ours.