Maui Economic Development Board

Our Story

IT WASN’T THAT LONG AGO when Maui County’s economy was dependent upon two economic sectors — agriculture and tourism — industries that were constantly vulnerable to forces beyond our control. Then in 1982, community, business and elected leaders created the Maui Economic Development Board, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving a balanced economy and more rewarding choices for our residents.

The MEDB team worked tirelessly with an extensive network of public, private and nonprofit partners to build homegrown solutions to countywide problems. Priority was given to honoring our community’s environmental and cultural values as we sought to transform education, prepare a workforce for the Information Age, and build community dialogue and consensus about our future.

Our initial focus on the growth of a technology sector put emphasis on building a supportive business climate, access to resources and collaborations among peers. Our success in technology has paved the way for adding other sectors such as agri-tech, energy and health.

Today with a committed membership, strong board, and dedicated staff, MEDB perseveres. And our unwavering dedication to the vision set in 1982 has created meaningful pathways that now benefit the lives of residents throughout Maui, Molokai and Lanai.