Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

Hawaii House Bill HR98

Introduced
3/7/24  
Refer
3/13/24  
Introduced
3/7/24  
Refer
3/15/24  
Refer
3/13/24  
Refer
3/28/24  
Refer
3/15/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  
Refer
3/28/24  
Report Pass
4/4/24  

Caption

Urging The County Of Maui To Adopt A Financially Prudent Budget For Fiscal Year 2024-2025 That Maintains Current Operational Levels Except For Certain Mandatory Or Critical Increases.

Impact

If adopted, this resolution would guide the Maui County Council's discussions on the proposed budget, which reflects a substantial increase of approximately 33.9% over the previous year. The intended goal is to offset recovery costs while still accounting for ongoing financial constraints the County faces. The proposal includes allocations for new departments and essential services needed for effective recovery, highlighting the balance between necessary spending and fiscal restraint.

Summary

House Resolution 98 urges the County of Maui to adopt a financially prudent budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, explicitly aimed at maintaining current operational levels except for mandatory or critical increases. This resolution comes in the wake of the devastating wildfires that struck Maui in August 2023, resulting in massive loss of life, destruction of homes and businesses, and significant economic impacts due to decreased tourism and revenue loss. The resolution seeks to ensure that Maui County's budget addresses the immediate recovery needs without unduly increasing the overall budget, thus promoting fiscal responsibility during a time of crisis.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR98 appears to be supportive among many stakeholders who recognize the need for fiscal prudence in the wake of a natural disaster. However, there are underlying tensions regarding the need for immediate funding to support recovery efforts against the backdrop of limited revenue streams and existing budgetary constraints. Observers note a consensus that careful financial planning is essential, although some may voice concerns regarding potential delays in critical infrastructure and long-term recovery operations if budget constraints are too stringent.

Contention

Contention revolves around the challenge of navigating a balanced budget that addresses both immediate recovery efforts and long-term fiscal responsibility. The resolution explicitly emphasizes maintaining operational levels, which may limit the County's ability to expand services or address high vacancy rates in local employment. The balancing act of funding critical recovery efforts while maintaining a conservative budget reflects broader discussions about fiscal policy and local government capacity in crisis situations.

Companion Bills

HI HCR117

Same As Urging The County Of Maui To Adopt A Financially Prudent Budget For Fiscal Year 2024-2025 That Maintains Current Operational Levels Except For Certain Mandatory Or Critical Increases.

Previously Filed As

HI HCR117

Urging The County Of Maui To Adopt A Financially Prudent Budget For Fiscal Year 2024-2025 That Maintains Current Operational Levels Except For Certain Mandatory Or Critical Increases.

HI HR97

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Amend The Revised Ordinances Of Honolulu, As Proposed In A Bill By The Honolulu Youth Commission, That Creates A Safe Parking Pilot Program.

HI HCR116

Urging The City And County Of Honolulu To Amend The Revised Ordinances Of Honolulu, As Proposed In A Bill By The Honolulu Youth Commission, That Creates A Safe Parking Pilot Program.

HI B25-0784

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act of 2024

HI HB2184

Making and concerning appropriations for fiscal years 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 for various state agencies.

HI B25-0202

Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Support Act of 2023

HI B26-0265

Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Support Act of 2025

HI SB28

Making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 and appropriations for fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028 for various state agencies.

HI B25-0320

Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2023

HI B25-0875

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Emergency Act of 2024

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.