 97th Maui Fair, opening day. (10.3.19) The Maui County Council approved on first reading a bill to appropriate $1.5 million in county funds for a scaled-back Maui County Fair in the fall. Photo by Wendy Osher. The Maui County Council unanimously approved on first reading an amended bill allocating $1.5 million to support the return of the Maui County Fair in the fall of 2025. The fair, which has not been held since 2019 due to COVID-19 restrictions and rising logistical costs, will be scaled back from previous iterations and organized by the nonprofit Festivals of Aloha. The County’s grant will fund essential aspects such as transportation, entertainment, and agricultural exhibits. Notably, the Maui Community Correctional Center Workline Program will not be available to help with setup, prompting organizers to seek help from UH Maui College’s carpentry program.
The fair’s proposed budget anticipates total revenues of $2.657 million, including $1.157 million from sponsorships and donations. Councilmember Yuki Lei Sugimura emphasized that any surplus from this year will go toward next year’s event, and that organizers are actively working on logistics and staffing. The fair remains a cherished cultural tradition for Maui residents, providing community unity and fundraising opportunities for nonprofits. However, Maui Chamber of Commerce President Pamela Tumpap suggested a feasibility study to assess the fair’s long-term viability and recommended a fair, open bidding process if the event moves forward. |
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