Building a More Accessible Maui: Voices from the 2026 Legislative Forum

On August 11, community members, self-advocates, organizations, and Maui legislators gathered at the Pilina Events Center at UH Maui College for the 2026 Maui Legislative Forum, hosted by the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Self-Advocacy Council, and the Maui Disability Alliance. The forum gave people with disabilities and their advocates a chance to speak directly with lawmakers about the issues affecting daily life on Maui.

The forum began with Laksmi Abraham, Director of Communications and Government Affairs, reading Mayor Richard T. Bissen’s proclamation recognizing August 2026 as Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month. The proclamation raised awareness of SMA, recognized the strengths and contributions of people living with SMA and their families, and affirmed Maui County’s commitment to removing barriers so people with disabilities can participate fully in their communities.

Nine-year-old Suede then opened the legislative conversation by sharing his firsthand experience living with SMA. He reminded lawmakers that when making laws about disabilities, they must involve people with disabilities, and he left them with a simple, compelling message: every person has something to offer.

The panel touched on several areas where Maui’s disability community continues to advocate for change, including housing, transportation, sidewalks, crosswalks, and access to services.

Transportation and pedestrian access were a significant part of the conversation. Participants raised concerns about paratransit, sidewalks, crosswalks, and service gaps. Legislators encouraged community members to identify specific locations and service needs, so those concerns can be directed to the appropriate agency and used to advocate for additional funding. The panel also discussed the potential for more on-demand transportation, smaller vehicles, and pilot programs in areas where traditional bus service may not meet community needs.

Housing was another key topic, including the need for affordable housing and permanent housing paired with wraparound services. Legislators shared updates on housing projects and discussed ongoing efforts to increase access across Maui County.

Throughout the discussion, legislators emphasized the value of hearing directly from constituents, encouraging community members to call or email their representatives, share specific concerns, and stay involved beyond the legislative session.

For Maui’s disability community, the forum provided a space to raise concerns, ask questions, connect with resources, and continue conversations with the people who shape policies that affect their everyday lives.

Many of the issues raised align closely with the Maui Nui HEAL Coalition’s focus on the built environment. Through this work, the coalition brings together community partners to identify opportunities to improve road design, pedestrian safety, and access to places where people live, work, and gather. As HEAL Coalition partners, the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities and Maui Disability Alliance have helped bring the disability community’s perspective to these conversations. The forum provided additional insight that HEAL can carry forward as it considers opportunities for county-level policy advocacy.

For more information about the Maui Nui HEAL Coalition, contact Coordinator Ariana Tenaglia at Ariana@hiphi.org.