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SR 78

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.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angus McKelvey

Maui County must study whether a Universal Basic Income program for residents and businesses harmed by 2023 wildfires is feasible and implementable.

Report and Resolution Adopted.
#2023mauiwildfires #feasibilitystudy #mauicounty #recoveryefforts #report #universalbasicincome
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Bill Summary · SR 78

Legislative bill overview

SR 78 is a resolution requesting that Maui County conduct a feasibility study on implementing a Universal Basic Income (UBI) program specifically for residents and business owners affected by the devastating 2023 Maui wildfires. The resolution does not establish a program itself, but rather directs the county to examine whether such an initiative is practical and viable given the disaster's economic impact.

Why is this important

The 2023 Maui wildfires caused significant loss of life, destroyed homes and businesses, and created substantial economic hardship for affected residents and entrepreneurs. A feasibility study could inform whether direct cash assistance through a UBI model might be more effective than traditional disaster relief mechanisms for long-term recovery and economic stabilization in the affected communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and funding uncertainty: The resolution doesn't specify how a UBI program would be funded, raising questions about whether local county budgets can sustain such an initiative without state or federal support, or whether it diverts resources from other recovery priorities
  • Program scope and eligibility: Defining who qualifies as "impacted" and for how long presents practical challenges—does this apply only to direct property loss, income loss, or broader community effects, and what prevents fraud or expansion beyond intended recipients
  • UBI as policy precedent: Establishing a temporary UBI in one county could create expectations for similar programs elsewhere or pressure to make it permanent, potentially setting fiscal commitments the county cannot maintain long-term

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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