EDA Provides $600,000 Grant to Boost Maui’s Advanced Manufacturing
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced a $600,000 grant to the Maui Economic Development Board, Inc., located in Kīhei, Hawaii. This funding is aimed at enhancing advanced manufacturing and expanding economic capacity within the region.
This grant will facilitate a comprehensive assessment of Maui’s current advanced manufacturing capabilities, the establishment of workforce development initiatives, and the encouragement of technological innovation, with an aim to generate jobs. The EDA’s investment will be supplemented by $150,000 in local contributions and is projected to create 30 new jobs, as per the estimates provided by the grantee.
Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, commented on the initiative, stating, “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 gratitude for the grant, remarking, “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 also extended her congratulations to the Maui Economic Development Board for securing the grant, noting, “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.”
Highlighting the significance of the grant, Senator Brian Schatz stated, “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) emphasized the grant’s potential impact, saying, “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 to the EDA for the Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program. This funding is intended for disaster relief and recovery in areas with a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act due to events such as Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, and flooding that occurred in 2021 and 2022. For further details, visit the EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.
