In March, Maui Economic Development Board (MEDB) honors the contributions of women and acknowledges the challenges they have overcome as part of Women’s History Month. In the recent history of Maui County, the late Councilmember Velma Santos stands out as one such woman to be honored.  Born in 1931 in Kula, the Velma McWayne Santos Community Center in Wailuku is named after her.  

With a University of Hawaiʻi degree in botany and a teaching certification, Santos began her career as a fifth grade teacher at Wailuku Elementary and received national recognition as an Outstanding Elementary Teacher in America. She went on to become a member of the Hawaiʻi State House of Representatives, a role she held from 1974 to1976 before becoming the Director of the Maui County Department of Human Concerns.  

For local residents, she is best remembered for her time as a Maui County Councilmember, serving from 1982 to 1990. She was chair of the Human Services Committee, helping to establish policies that improved public services. She also worked to create responsible parameters for development as chair of the Planning and Land Use Committee. Maui County Councilmember Alice Lee shared, “I served with Velma in my first term on the County Council. She was the Planning chair and very knowledgeable about Maui County on a cultural, political, and economic level. She was a parliamentarian and was very skilled at debating but was also very courteous and gracious.”  

Santos was also active in non-profits and community-based organizations. She chaired the Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) Board, founded the Wai Kahu Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) organization, and served in multiple state level BPW offices, including as President of the Hawaii BPW organization.  

MEDB president and CEO, Leslie Wilkins, remembers Santos as a role model and generous mentor. “I met Velma through BPW. I had just entered the workforce and was invited to join the Maui chapter. I was immediately struck by Velma’s stature and dedication to advancing economic opportunities for women. Her teachings helped frame my values and continue to inspire my advocacy.”