Maui Legislator Urges County to Follow Governor’s Lead in Supporting Dislocated
Maui Workers
HONOLULU, HI – In response to the abrupt layoffs of 131 Maui residents who were employed in wildfire recovery efforts, Senator Angus L.K. McKelvey (District 6 – West Maui, Mā‘alaea,Waikapū, South Maui) today condemned the federal government’s decision to cut funding, and commended Governor Josh Green’s swift action to integrate displaced workers into state programs. He urged county governments to follow suit in finding immediate solutions to keep these critical workers employed.
“The sudden termination of these positions is not just a policy shift—it is a profound misstep that threatens our economic stability and the well-being of our community,” said Senator McKelvey. “Many of these individuals who have already endured the trauma of the August 2023 wildfires, were dedicating their time and energy to rebuilding Maui. Now, without warning, they have been left jobless, without a clear path forward.”
The layoffs, a direct result of federal funding cuts to the National Dislocated Worker Grant (NDWG) program, have disrupted essential recovery efforts on the island. Organizations like the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) and Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) have scrambled to seek alternative funding sources, but the loss of federal support has had immediate and devastating consequences, including the temporary closure of the Kako‘o Distribution Center, which serves wildfire survivors.
Senator McKelvey praised Governor Green for signing an executive order to accelerate the hiring of displaced federal workers into state positions. “Governor Green has shown true leadership by ensuring that these skilled workers are not abandoned. By expediting their integration into state employment, he is providing stability not just for these individuals, but for our entire recovery effort,” McKelvey stated.
McKelvey also emphasized the broader implications of the federal government’s decision, warning of increased unemployment and economic instability. “This is a short-sighted move that will ultimately cost more in the long run. Stripping away support mechanisms forces individuals to rely more heavily on government aid and charitable organizations, creating a cycle of dependency rather than empowerment. We should be investing in our workforce, not abandoning them.”
As the affected workers seek new employment, MEO and the Maui County American Job Center are offering assistance, and a resource fair has been scheduled for this weekend. However, McKelvey stressed that temporary fixes are not enough. “We need a commitment from every level of government to ensure that these workers, who have given so much to their communities, are not left behind.”