Maui County Council unanimously passed a $1.6 billion budget for fiscal 2027, including a controversial $2.5 million grant for shoreline stabilization at a historic Buddhist temple in Pā’ia facing erosion.
- The budget is $8.4 million less than the mayor proposed, shifting funds from capital projects to operations.
- Council approved $2.5 million for Pā’ia Mantokuji Mission temple shoreline protection after lengthy debate.
- Marine researchers opposed coastal engineering solutions, advocating for natural beach processes or temple relocation.
- The temple has sandbags protecting it from wave erosion and received a one-year extension to keep them.
- Moving the temple inland would cost significantly more than $2.5 million according to architectural consultants.
Source: Maui Now
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