WASHINGTON – The Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a $600,000 grant for the Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., located in Kīhei, Hawaii. This funding aims to bolster advanced manufacturing and enhance economic capabilities on the island.
The grant will facilitate an evaluation of Maui’s current advanced manufacturing infrastructure. Additionally, it will focus on developing workforce training programs, encouraging technological progress, and generating employment opportunities. This investment will be supplemented by $150,000 in local funds, with projections indicating the creation of 30 jobs.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth stated, “The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in supporting locally-driven disaster recovery and resiliency plans designed to create new economic opportunities. This investment will ensure the local economy continues to thrive in the event of future natural disasters.”
Governor Josh Green, M.D. expressed appreciation, noting, “This generous grant is so very meaningful to our communities on Maui and will support economic activity and workforce development. These funds will go toward local economic opportunities and lift up our communities.”
Senator Mazie K. Hirono congratulated the Maui Economic Development Board on the grant, stating, “Congratulations to the Maui Economic Development Board on receiving this award from the Economic Development Administration to support the expansion of advanced manufacturing on Maui. This investment in the community will help to revitalize the local economy on the way toward expanded growth and innovation, creating jobs for residents on the island. I was proud to support this federal funding and will continue to support similar opportunities for residents in our state.”
Senator Brian Schatz remarked, “This new federal funding will go directly to the Maui community to help train workers and create new jobs. As Maui continues to recover from last year’s tragic fires, we will keep working to deliver every federal resource available to us.”
Representative Jill Tokuda (HI-2) commented on the significance of the grant: “The opportunities created by this grant for advanced manufacturing will strengthen self-sufficiency and resiliency for our Maui ‘ohana while supporting workforce development in this critical technology. As Maui continues to rebuild over a year after the fires, these are the kinds of economic opportunities that can help us diversify Maui’s economy and create new career pathways for local people. Mahalo to the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration for uplifting businesses, helping job growth, and supporting Maui in its recovery.”
This initiative is funded by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which allocated $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery in areas declared major disaster zones under the Robert T. Stafford Act due to Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters in 2021 and 2022. Further details can be found on EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.
