Requesting The County Of Maui To Study The Feasibility Of Implementing A Universal Basic Income Program For Residents And Business Owners Impacted By The 2023 Maui Wildfires.
The proposed UBI program is inspired by prior disaster recovery efforts, such as the My People Fund in Tennessee, which provided regular financial assistance to victims of the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires. Research indicates that providing direct cash payments enhances economic stability, alleviates financial pressures, and boosts recovery outcomes. The resolution posits that implementing a UBI could establish a much-needed safety net that enables affected families to address immediate needs while also promoting longer-term economic resilience in Maui.
Senate Resolution 78, introduced in the 2025 legislative session, requests the County of Maui to conduct a study assessing the feasibility of implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program for residents and business owners affected by the devastating wildfires in 2023. The resolution acknowledges the significant damage inflicted by the wildfires, which has not only displaced thousands of residents but also severely disrupted the local economy, necessitating targeted recovery efforts.
Key points of consideration for the feasibility study include determining eligibility criteria, potential funding sources, and the overall economic impact of such a program. There is an emphasis on exploring partnerships with nonprofit organizations and research institutions to evaluate various implementation strategies. The resolution also entails that the findings and recommendations from this study should be reported to the Legislature by a specified deadline, marking an essential step towards legislative action on this proposal.
This resolution aligns with ongoing discussions about the role of direct cash assistance in recovery settings, particularly during extended crises. It calls for proactive measures to support the surging needs of displaced Maui residents while highlighting the importance of public sentiment and potential funding avenues, including federal disaster aid and private partnerships.