10/25/2026
Thursday, some of my Holomua Outreach team and my hammah hoa from Maui Rapid Response showed up on Pulehu/Hansen Rd to remind our community that WE ARE HERE FOR THEM, no matter what this transition looks like.
For months, this community has faced controversy. Under Director of Human Concerns Maggie Willis, the County and its partners have taken a different approach to outreach. We’ve been in conversations to kākoʻo this community since her appointment, but our values and past experiences made it difficult to move forward.
Still, we showed up with food and emergency supplies whenever we could. WHY? BECAUSE I KNOW THESE PEOPLE.
Many through multiple displacements across Maui. I’ve witnessed their trauma, struggles, and the barriers they’ve faced just trying to survive. While others choose to look away, we refuse to ignore the realities of colonization, generational trauma, and displacement.
I’m blessed with an incredible hui who remind me to take my blinders off when needed.
This past week came with conflict, frustration, confusion, and difficult conversations. But above all, we have all figured out a way to move forward together that doesn’t compromise our values to always put the people and how we care for each other first.
It took YEARS and a more compassionate Director of Human Concerns, but our hui and DHC finally found common ground. Not for ourselves, but for the protection, dignity, and well-being of our most vulnerable.
WE ARE IN THIS FULL THROTTLE!
No arrests should be happening this round. 🤪 Despite our history of holding the County accountable, they still like our help. We must be doing something right!
THIS IS 1 OF 2 HUGE WINS FOR OUR COMMUNITY!
WIN #2 FOR OUR COMMUNITY! ✊🏽🤎
Showing up as 1 of only 2 testifiers from our hui and actually being HEARD when we raised concerns about some of the rules for the Safe Parking Project.
What's concerning is seeing one of the authors of the original Safe Parking bill and her supporters opposing this project when the updated version of Bill 133 is finally addressing the very real crisis of chronic houselessness on Maui.
I was in disbelief listening to some of the opposition, especially from those who should be supporting progress regardless of who's involved or leading the work.
And for those claiming this community is a danger to YOU while you're speeding through their living space in your vehicles? CHECK YOURSELF, AND I MEAN ASAP! Our people are trying to survive while you drive through a place they have no choice but to call home. Who's really putting who in danger?
What I NEVER expected was to hear County Council unanimously support the revisions and discuss amendments centered on CARE, COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY for our houseless community.
For YEARS we've fought to have these conversations, challenge harmful practices, and remind decision-makers that our people are HUMAN BEINGS, not problems to be removed.
I KNEW WE WOULD GET HERE ONE DAY. I JUST NEVER IMAGINED IT WOULD HAPPEN THIS SOON.
We still have plenty of work ahead, but these moments remind me why we continue showing up, speaking up, and holding our ground.
2 HUGE WINS IN ONE WEEK! Not about politics, recognition, or who gets credit.
Every win! Every lesson learned! every day we are in community is in loving memory of Mikey Boi. ✨🌱✊🏽