WHEREAS, inasmuch as the people of the State of Hawaii share a special concern for the welfare of their communities, the Legislature takes great pride in recognizing those extraordinary individuals and organizations that have selflessly provided assistance to those who are less fortunate; and

WHEREAS, celebrating 41 years of service to the people of Maui County, MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, INC. was chartered as a community action agency on March 22, 1965 by federal mandate under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964; and

WHEREAS, MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, INC. is an organization responsible for contributing invaluable support and concern for our people through its coordination with State government, the business community, and other community-based organizations in the fight against poverty; and

WHEREAS, some of the programs and efforts undertaken by MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, INC. include: specialized bus transportation for seniors, persons with disabilities, and youth; Head Start; YouthBank; Enlace Hispano; community reintegration of former inmates of the Maui Community Correctional Center; advocacy for the development of affordable housing for Maui's working families; microenterprise and business education loans for low-income entrepreneurs; employment training and placement programs; low income home energy assistance; solar hot water heating and energy conservation; and home delivery of meals for senior citizens; and

WHEREAS, MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, INC. has been a steadfast advocate for Hawaii's low-income residents, helping to change lives by setting a goal to better the community for residents of Maui County; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session 2006, that this body hereby congratulates MAUI ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY, INC. on the occasion of its 41^st anniversary, commends and applauds its commitment and dedication to improving the social and economic conditions of Hawaii's communities, and extends a heartfelt aloha and best wishes to its employees for continued success in all future endeavors.

Report Title:

Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. 41^st Anniversary