SCR 95: 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.

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

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.

     WHEREAS, the 2023 Maui wildfires caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure, the effects of which continue to displace thousands of residents and disrupt the local economy two years later; and

     WHEREAS, evidence from past wildfire recovery efforts, including the My People Fund initiative in Tennessee following the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires, demonstrate that direct financial assistance to those impacted contributes significantly to economic stability, reduces financial strain, and improves long-term recovery outcomes; and

     WHEREAS, by giving checks directly to impacted families at regular intervals over the course of six months, the My People Fund initiative essentially acted as a universal basic income (UBI), which is a social welfare program that provides a regular cash payment to all citizens of a given population without work requirements or regard to their income and wealth; and

     WHEREAS, the checks led to positive impacts on housing security, financial well-being, and emotional health, as highlighted in the program's evaluation; and

     WHEREAS, research indicates that direct cash assistance programs empower recipients by affording them the flexibility to address their most pressing needs, including housing, medical expenses, childcare, and business recovery; and

     WHEREAS, the projected long-term economic effects of the 2023 Maui wildfires on the county, including increased housing instability, loss of employment, and declining tourism revenue, warrant proactive measures to support affected residents and businesses; and

     WHEREAS, implementing a UBI program in the County of Maui, modeled after previous successful direct assistance programs, would establish a financial safety net and foster economic resilience during the extended recovery process; and

     WHEREAS, given the ongoing public support as the recovery period continues, the County of Maui is uniquely positioned to explore funding mechanisms for a UBI program, including federal disaster aid, state grants, public-private partnerships, and philanthropic contributions; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representatives concurring, that the County of Maui is requested to study the feasibility of implementing a Universal Basic Income Program for residents and business owners impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County of Maui is requested to consider in the study factors including eligibility criteria, funding sources, economic impact, and potential partnerships with nonprofit organizations and research institutions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County of Maui is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2026; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, Director of Human Services, Mayor of the County of Maui, and Chair of Maui County Council.

Report Title: 

Maui County; 2023 Maui wildfires; Universal Basic Income; Feasibility Study; Recovery Efforts; Report

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1474

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.C.R. No. 95

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 95 entitled:

"SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 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,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the County of Maui to:

     (1)  Study the feasibility of implementing a Universal Basic Income program for residents and business owners impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires; and

     (2)  Submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature prior to the Regular Session of 2026.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from one individual.

     Your Committee finds that a Universal Basic Income program is a social welfare program that provides regular cash payments to all citizens of a given population without regard to their employment or income status.  Your Committee further finds that the My People Fund initiative in Tennessee following the 2016 Gatlinburg wildfires provided direct financial assistance to communities impacted by wildfires at regular intervals over the course of six months, similar to a Universal Basic Income program, which led to positive impacts on housing security, financial well‑being, and emotional health following the disaster.  Your Committee notes that direct cash assistance programs empower recipients by affording them the flexibility to address their most pressing needs, including housing, medical expenses, childcare, and business recovery.  According to testimony received by your Committee, many local businesses on Maui are still struggling to rebuild, and it is critical that every possible solution to best support these victims is considered.  This measure explores a potential solution to help contribute significantly to economic stability, reduce financial strain, and improve long-term recovery outcomes for residents and business owners affected by the 2023 Maui wildfires.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 95 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs,