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Find out what is happening in the County of Maui. Below is a list of current Civil Defense Announcements, Emergency Notifications, Press Releases, Road Notifications, Council Press Releases and other information.
PRESS RELEASE December 29, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLOSURE OF ROAD THROUGH KAUPO EXPECTED TO BE FOR ONE WEEK
Motorists advised to not attempt travel through area
WAILUKU, Maui, Hi - A section of the historic Piilani Highway on the remote Kaupo side of Haleakala will remain closed for approximately a week. The roadway was affected by heavy rainfall and debris that have made driving through the area unsafe for motorists. On Monday, personnel from the County of Maui's Department of Public Works removed large pieces of damaged asphalt, mud and debris on and around the Kalepa Bridge, near mileposts 38 and 39. Additional surveys of the area conducted today revealed extensive flooding, possible road damage and debris strewn throughout approximately nine miles of the highway - all resulting from heavy rains and runoffs caused by poor weather conditions over East Maui. Traveling to and from Hana and Kipahulu is still possible, but only via Hana Highway from the Haiku side of Haleakala. Motorists should not expect to be able to drive from Kula to Hana through the Kaupo area until the area is cleared of debris and the roadway deemed safe. This route through Kaupo will not be available to motorists until the debris is cleared and the road deemed safe for vehicle traffic. Public Works personnel will continue to utilize heavy equipment and conduct clean up work in the area. County engineers will begin to assess the extent of the damage to the roadway tomorrow, Tuesday. Updates to the road closure are available by calling the County of Maui advisory line 986-1200 and selecting option 2. # # #
PRESS RELEASE December 26, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAYOR CHARMAINE TAVARES ONE OF OVER 170 MAYORS ON CONFERENCE CALL WITH OBAMA TRANSITION TEAM
WAILUKU, Maui, Hi - Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares participated in a conference call with members of President-Elect Barack Obama’s transition team this week. The hour-long conference call coordinated by the U.S. Conference of Mayors was led by Obama transition team members Jason Furman and Cecilia Munoz and included over 170 Mayors who participated by invitation. Furman is the Senior Economic Advisor to President-Elect Obama and Munoz is the incoming Intergovernmental Affairs Director for the Obama Administration. The 170 Mayors represented both urban and rural municipalities It is the first of several conference calls that will be conducted by the Obama Administration to provide information from the President-Elect on his economic recovery package and receive feedback from Mayors across the country. The conference call centered around the President-Elect’s plan to stimulate the economy by making available federal funding in five categories: 1) Investments in infrastructure - such as roads, bridges, airports, rail and broadband communication; 2) Energy technology and efficiency; 3) Health care; 4) School construction and modernization; and 5) Vital services to our most vulnerable citizens. The announcement that the President-Elect is proposing to provide federal funds to retrofit facilities for energy efficiency and employing environmentally sound technology as part of the recovery package was welcomed news to Mayor Tavares. “For decades, even as a teacher, I have advocated for investments into energy efficiency. During my ten years as a member of the Maui County Council, I championed the growing need to invest in technology because I believed then, as I do now, that it will help meet long-term energy needs. I’m very gratified that our President-Elect will lead us towards this important goal,” said Mayor Tavares. “The President-Elect’s determination to invest in infrastructure on such a large scale is reassuring. Not since the Eisenhower Administration has our country seen an undertaking of this kind.” The Mayors were informed that the President-Elect’s economic recovery package includes a goal of saving or creating 3 million jobs in the country. The total package is expected to be between $675 - $775 billion over the next two years. According to Obama’s staff, the President-Elect has proposed the establishment of an Office of Urban Policy in the White House - an indication of the importance he places on working directly with cities and counties. Mayors participating in the conference call were also encouraged to partner with the private sector in carrying out economic recovery initiatives. According to Munoz and Furman, the President-Elect believes that these expenditures are justified as an investment in the future of our country. “I was especially impressed by the emphasis placed by the President-Elect on what cities and counties can do to directly help implement his recovery package. We were advised that the Obama Administration intends for any economic stimulus program to be a federal investment that will go directly into the economy of cities and counties - a much appreciated recognition of our capabilities,” said Mayor Tavares. “While our isolation as an island state and dependency on the visitor industry make us unique, the inclusion of Maui County in these important conference calls with the Obama Administration also stresses that our economic challenges correspond with many other counties across the country.” # # #
PRESS RELEASE December 24, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PORTION OF MARKET STREET TO CLOSE ON SUNDAYS AND SOME SATURDAYS WAILUKU, Maui, Hi - For approximately four weeks beginning Sunday, December 28, 2008, a portion of Market Street in Wailuku will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Sundays. Some Saturdays may be affected as well. Vehicle traffic on Market Street between Mill and Kahawai Streets will be restricted. Only residents in that neighborhood will be allowed to enter and exit the area. Residents who live in Happy Valley are advised that their access will be through Kahekili Highway via Waiehu Beach Road during the affected weekends - no through traffic will be permitted. Contractors will be reconstructing pavement sections in the area as part of the Market Street improvement project. According to the Department of Public Works this part of the scheduled work has been changed to weekends rather than weekdays in order to help minimize impacts to weekday traffic. Residents in the area and the general public should be aware that in the course of the work being done the contractor may determine a need to utilize some weekdays. # # #
Press Release December 23, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Applications for County Boards, Commissions, Committees and Councils Now Being Accepted
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-A total of 47 seats will be open on a number of County of Maui boards, commissions, committees and councils due to terms expiring in 2009, Mayor Charmaine Tavares announced today. Terms vary from two- to five-year commitments, and include responsibilities such as hearing public testimony, reviewing policies and standards and making recommendations. The positions are filled by community volunteers, and upon nomination by the Mayor, are reviewed for approval by the County Council. The application deadline for the upcoming vacancies is Thursday, January 15, 2009; applications will also be accepted throughout the year to fill vacancies that arise due to resignations. “Board and Committee Members and Commissioners play an important role in county government,” said Mayor Tavares. “Each one of our 35 boards, committees and commissions support the importance of community input, demonstrating how government and citizens work together. Over 250 citizens participate each year - making a valuable difference to our businesses, neighborhoods and families. Their efforts and commitment are commendable and appreciated.” To download an application, or for more information on the various Maui County boards and commissions and related requirements, visit www.mauicounty.gov and click on “Boards and Commissions.” Applications may be picked up at the Mayor’s Office, located on the 9th floor the County Building (200 S. High Street, Wailuku), at the Information Booth in the lobby of the County building, at the Council Services Offices in Hana, Lanai and Molokai, at all public libraries, and at each of the County Parks Permit offices: Wailuku (War Memorial Gym); Makawao (Eddie Tam Gym); Lahaina (Lahaina Civic Center); Kihei (Kihei Community Center); Hana (Hana Community Center); Molokai (Mitchell Pauole Center in Kaunakakai); and Lanai (County Gym). Applications should be received at the Mayor’s Office no later than Thursday, January 15, 2009. Applications may be mailed to: Mayor Charmaine Tavares, County of Maui, 200 South High Street, Wailuku, HI 96793, or faxed to (808) 270-7870. Applications will also be accepted throughout the year to fill vacancies that arise due to resignations. Current vacant positions are available as follows: • Affirmative Action Advisory Council (1)
• Animal Control Board (1 veterinarian)
• Board of Code Appeals (1)
• Board of Ethics (1)
• Board of Variances and Appeals (1)
• Board of Water Supply (3)
• Civil Service Commission (1)
• Commission on Culture and the Arts (1)
• Commission on Naming Streets, Parks and Facilities (2)
• Commission on Persons w/Disabilities (2)
• Committee on the Status of Women (3)
• Cost of Government Commission (4)
• Council on Aging (1)
• Cultural Resources Commission (2)
• Fire and Public Safety Commission (2)
• Kula Agricultural Park Committee (2)
• Liquor Control Adjudication Board (1)
• Liquor Control Commission (1)
• Maui Planning Commission (1)
• Maui Redevelopment Agency (1)
• Molokai Planning Commission (3)
• Outdoor Lighting Standards Committee (2)
• Police Commission (1)
• Real Property Tax Review Board (1)
• Salary Commission (2)
• Subdivision Engineering Standards Committee (2)
• Traffic Safety Council (2)
• Urban Design Review Board (2) # # # View Boards and Commissions Recruitment Flyer
Press Release December 23, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New Water Tanks Upcountry, Filtration System in Lahaina to Increase Efficiency, Reduce Maintenance Costs WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-Three new Upcountry water storage tanks and new filter units at the Lahaina Water Treatment Facility (WTF) were put into service recently, the County of Maui Department of Water Supply (DWS) announced today. The improvements are expected to reduce maintenance time and costs, and increase operating efficiency. The largest of the three new tanks installed Upcountry is a three-million gallon clearwell, which was placed in service November 10, 2008 at the Kamole WTF in Haliimaile. The new tank improves disinfection treatment and operational efficiency; it does not increase water production at the plant. Contractor Kiewit Pacific began construction in September 2006. Design of the project was by Okahara & Associates, with structural design by KAI Hawaii. Total cost for the project was $9.295 million. Two smaller tanks were placed in service in Kaupakalua, Haiku in November, 2008. Goodfellow Bros. was the general contractor for construction of a 300,000-gallon tank at the Kaupakalua Well site and a 500,000-gallon tank above the Kaupakalua Well. The two tanks increase the storage capacity for their respective service areas and allow for improved operational efficiencies. The tanks were designed by Mitsunaga & Associates and KAI Hawaii. Construction work began in March 2007; total cost of the 300,000-gallon tank was approximately $1.5 million; total cost for the 500,000-gallon tank, including site work and pipeline, was approximately $3.3 million.
In West Maui, DWS personnel increased the filtration capabilities at the Lahaina WTF by installing two additional filters. At the same time, the facility’s existing filters were retrofitted to utilize PVdF (polyvinylidine difluoride) membranes, which are a state-of-the-art filtration technology that reduces operating and chemical costs. Work on the in-house project began in August, 2007. With a total of five filters, the facility is able to operate more efficiently and should have less down-time for cleaning and maintenance. The cost for the Lahaina expansion and upgrade was $1.1 million. Planning and construction for the project was completed in-house by DWS staff. The Lahaina filter replacements are part of an extensive three-year process of upgrading the microfiltration facilities at three of the County’s four water treatment plants; an upgrade of the filters at the Olinda WTF was completed in March 2007, and filter upgrades at the Kamole WTF in Haliimaile are scheduled for early next year. “These projects are a wise investment for our water service system that will provide long-term benefits for our customers,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “As our needs for water delivery grow, so does our need for new technology. The filters will help simplify maintenance of the system, and increase the efficiency of our operations.” # # # PHOTOS:
#1: (L-R) Dept. of Water Supply employees Federico "Pocho" Quitevis and Kamuela Len-Wai install a backwash line above the filters at the Lahaina Water Treatment Facility. #2: (L-R) Kamuela Len-Wai, David Haddock, and Damon Gill (seen from the back) install a new filtrate line at the Lahaina Water Treatment Facility.
Visit the Dept. of Water Supply webpage...
Press Release December 22, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Christmas Tree Recycling Options Available
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- A variety of options will make it easier to recycle Christmas trees this year, the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division announced today. The trees, which are easily composted, should have all tinsel, ornaments, lights, wires and nails removed for recycling. “Maui Treecycling Day” will take place Saturday, January 3, 2009 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the following locations: Kahului, at the Papa Avenue Soccer Field; Pukalani, and the Hannibal Tavares Community Center; and Kihei, at the Kihei Recycling Center on Welakahao off Piilani Highway. Christmas trees may also be recycled at the Kihei Recycling Center on Saturday, January 10, from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. On Lanai, trees may be recycled Thursday, January 8 through Saturday, January 10 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Old Baseyard, just west of the HI-5 redemption center. Christmas trees may also be dropped off for free on Maui and on Molokai:
• EKO Compost at the Central Maui Landfill: Mon./Wed./Fri., 6 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tues/Thurs./Sat./Sun., 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• Olowalu Recycling Center: Mon./Wed./Fri., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Tues./Thurs./Sat., 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Hana Landfill: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. - noon
• Molokai Naiwa Landfill: Mon./Tues./Wed./Fri., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Thurs./Sat./Sun., 8 a.m. - noon “This is a great opportunity to help the environment, just by recycling your Christmas tree,” said Cheryl Okuma, Director of the County’s Department of Environmental Management. “Besides offering holiday enjoyment, Christmas trees help minimize soil erosion, protect water supplies and quality, and provide a habitat for wildlife, and an acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen every day for 12-18 people. When they are recycled, Christmas trees can be reused as soil conditioners, compost, mulch, wood chips and other products. There’s just no reason they should end up in the landfill.” Another option for Christmas tree recycling this year is to make a reservation for curbside pickup through the Maui Fundraisers organization; pickups will be available on December 27 and January 3 for a $10 donation to various Maui youth athletic teams. Reservations should be made at least one day ahead by calling 250-9771. For more information on recycling programs in Maui County, visit www.mauicounty.gov/recycle or call the Recycle Maui County hotline at 270-7880. On Lanai, call 800-272-0125 ext. 7880, on Molokai: 800-272-0117 ext. 7880. # # #
For Immediate Release: December 19, 2008 Press Release by:
Councilmember Danny A. Mateo
Maui County Council organizes for upcoming term
WAILUKU, MAUI, HAWAII -- Danny A. Mateo will chair the Maui County Council and Michael J. Molina will serve as Vice-Chair during the 2009-2011 Council term, which begins Jan. 2, Mateo announced today. Mateo has held the Council’s Molokai residency seat since 2002 and was re-elected without opposition last month. Molina, who holds the Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat, was first elected to the Council in 2000. Mateo, who currently serves as Council Vice-Chair, also announced that all Council members, except for himself, will chair committees during the new term. The Council is expected to adopt resolutions formalizing the Council’s organization at a meeting in the Council Chamber at 2 p.m. on Jan. 2, following the Council inauguration at 10 a.m. “I am humbled by my colleagues’ faith in me,” said Mateo, who served as Executive Assistant to the late Council Chair Patrick S. Kawano before being appointed to fill Kawano’s Council seat. “I have talked with each of the members of the new Council about the upcoming term, and I can already sense a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to immediately get to work on reinvigorating Maui County’s economy.” “I look forward to supporting our new Council Chair and the entire Council as we face some of the toughest challenges the County of Maui has faced during my tenure,” said Molina, who will chair the Committee of the Whole. “I think we have a strong team, and I know we will work well with each other, the Tavares Administration, the State and Federal governments and the residents we all represent.” Joseph Pontanilla of Kahului will again chair the Budget and Finance Committee, as he has done since 2005. During their second Council terms, Gladys C. Baisa of Upcountry Maui will chair the Land Use Committee, Michael P. Victorino of Wailuku-Waihee-Waiehu will chair the Water Resources Committee and Bill Kauakea Medeiros of East Maui will chair the Infrastructure Management Committee. During her fifth Council term, Jo Anne Johnson of West Maui will chair the Economic Development and Recreation Committee. Returning to the Council after hiatuses are Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala of Lanai, who will chair the Planning Committee, and Wayne K. Nishiki of South Maui, who will chair the Public Services Committee. Council meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are available on the Council website. To receive meeting agendas via e-mail, please complete the on-line subscription form on the County website at www.mauicounty.gov. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7678 (Councilmember Danny A. Mateo)
Fax: (808) 270-7717
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/county/members/
E-mail: danny.mateo@mauicounty.us
A bill for an ordinance amending Title 19, Maui County Code, relating to zoning as it pertains to Bed & Breakfast homes December 19, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “Our community expects and deserves to be part of the process of shaping and making laws that affect our County. The amount of scrutiny and public input this bill has received illustrates the importance of how much our community values being part of a public process that creates laws. "It’s a complex issue that benefitted from an even hand to steer it through to legislation and I appreciate the amount of work Planning Committee Chair Baisa has put into it. The work of each Council Member is to be commended on this important piece of legislation that will create a new law for our County. "Respecting and utilizing legislative process whenever laws need to be amended is essential because the outcome will be a product of weighing both pros and cons. The results reflect how the public views regulation that ultimately affects all of us, our families, and our neighborhoods.” # # #
December 18, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii - Commemorating the opening of a new Lahaina satellite office of the Division of Motor Vehicles and Licensing (DMVL) today, Mayor Charmaine Tavares and County of Maui officials participated this morning in a blessing ceremony conducted by Kahu Kalani Wong. “Because of the increasing population and needs of West Maui we outgrew our previous location. By nearly tripling the amount of floor space from 380 sq. feet to 1,176 sq. feet, the public will now have a more comfortable site to receive services,” said Mayor Tavares. “We are also hoping that mall merchants will benefit from DMVL customers who come to the Lahaina Center to conduct business then go shopping.” Hours of the new satellite office at the Lahaina Center will remain Monday - Friday, 8 - 10:45 a.m. and noon - 3:30 p.m. The new, larger location at the Lahaina Center offers two hours of validated parking for DMVL customers. Services offered at the Lahaina DMVL office include: driver’s license renewal and duplicates (Classes 1, 2 & 3); light vehicle road test (Class 3); driver’s license instruction permits and renewals; out-of-county and out-of-state vehicle transfers; motor vehicle registration renewals; duplicate motor vehicle registrations; certificate of title, ownership transfers, storage and junking; ordering of vanity license plates; taxicab driver’s permits; disabled parking placards (temporary and four years); dog licenses; recording of motor vehicle notice of transfer; bicycle and moped registrations; and business licenses for second-hand dealers, pawn brokers, scrap dealers and auctioneers. For more information on the Lahaina satellite DMVL office and other locations in Maui County, visit www.mauicounty.gov and click on “Finance” under Departments; for phone inquiries call 270-7363. # # # Click here to visit the DMVL webpage...
December 10, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WAILUKU, Maui, Hi - On December 10, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued its decision in Maui Vacation Rental Association vs. County of Maui, ruling in the County’s favor. The Maui Vacation Rental Association sued the County and its Planning Director in September 2007, seeking an injunction that would have prevented the County from enforcing its zoning ordinances pertaining to transient vacation rentals. When the MVRA’s case was dismissed by the U.S. District Court in December, 2007, the MVRA appealed. The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that the MVRA had no right to operate transient vacation rentals without the required permits while Maui County processes permit applications. The Court also ruled that the MVRA’s members could not require Maui County to "indefinitely maintain" enforcement policies put in place by previous administrations. "MVRA members operating TVRs without permits were on notice that their conduct was unlawful and that Maui County retained discretionary authority to enforce the permit requirement," the Court concluded. "I'm pleased that once again the County's policies are validated before a high court that recognizes our responsibility to enforce existing laws,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “My Administration has proposed several bills to update current laws, and the County Council has been working diligently to review and adopt appropriate legislation. We have maintained that the proper way to change County laws is through a public legislative process rather than by ignoring them altogether." The MVRA was initially represented by attorney James Fosbinder. After losing at the U.S. District Court level, the MVRA replaced Fosbinder with the law firm of Damon, Key, Leong & Kupchak in Honolulu. The County was represented by Deputies Corporation Counsel Jane Lovell, Madelyn D’Enbeau, and Mimi Johnston. # # #
December 5, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii—Daytime excavation and paving work on North Market Street between Mill and Kahawai streets is scheduled to begin Monday, December 8, the County of Maui Department of Public Works announced. Work is being performed during the day to avoid disturbing area residents at night. Traffic will be restricted to one lane from 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. daily for approximately four to six weeks, plus some additional intermittent closures as needed. Motorists are advised to use caution while driving through the construction area, and to anticipate delays. # # #
December 2, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- Portions of the bleachers at the “Iron” Maehara Baseball Stadium will be cordoned off for welding repairs being conducted beginning Wednesday, December 2, 2008, the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced today. The baseball stadium will remain open during the repairs to the bleachers’ structural supports, which will be conducted by A+ Welding Service, Inc.; contract amount is $51,200. Work is expected to be completed in approximately one month. MIL baseball practices scheduled to begin on the field December 15 will not be affected by the repairs. The public is asked to avoid roped-off areas and abide by any safety notices posted near the work area. For more information, contact the Parks Planning section at 270-7388. # # #
August 21, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KIHEI, Maui, Hawaii— The kids in the audience knew exactly what to do on the playground as soon as the blessing ceremony was over: Play! County officials, community members, parents and a bunch of happy children gathered today for a blessing and official re-opening of the Kalama Park playground, which was damaged by fire in January. The two age-appropriate play structures include several climbers, a challenge bridge, double slides, a lily pad bridge and activities for children ages 2-5; and a track ride, several slides, a climbing wall and other activities geared for older children ages 5-12. The $417,872 project included the removal of the damaged equipment, construction of the concrete base and installation of the new equipment and surfacing. # # # Source: Maui County Newsroom PHOTOS:
-- Lana Rinaldi, 3, of Kihei checks out the view from a bubble portal at the newly-reopened playground at Kalama Park in Kihei.
-- Dale Wilson, 11 and Lia King, 9, both of Kihei, tackle the climbing wall on the older kids' play structure at the newly reopened Kalama Park playground. "We're so excited to have somewhere to play again!" said Dale's mom, Lori. "We come here nearly every day, and since we have six kids with another on the way, this is so great for our family. It's awesome that the County replaced the play equipment so quickly."
August 19, 2008 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE KAHULUI, Hawaii— Thirteen graduates of the County of Maui's 26th Fire Recruit class were honored recently at a ceremony and luncheon in Wailea, the Department of Fire and Public Safety announced. Shawn Kiesel, Nohea Williams, Nicholas Simon, Kamuela Guth, Tyson Santiago, Keahi Ho, Michael Howe, Judd McCandless, Cody Cordeiro, Patrick Blackburn, Navayo Caiserman, Dana Anderson and David Kamalani were graduated as fire fighters and will be stationed throughout Maui County. "I am very proud of our newest additions to our department—they worked exceptionally well together and gave 110 percent in everything they did," said Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray. "Their accomplishments during recruit training are just the beginning of what they will be able to achieve during their careers, and I know they will continue to put their hearts into serving the community as fire fighters." At the graduation, several recruits were presented with awards for their performance during the 22-week training. The "Most Outstanding Recruit" award was presented to Michael Howe; the award for academic achievement was given to Nicholas Simon; Keahi Ho was the recipient of the award for "Outstanding Functional Skills" and Shawn Kiesel received the "Ho'oulu" Award, which honors the spirit of service and inspiration of the late Maui Fire Captain Charlie Iwata. The award was presented by Captain Iwata's son, Nainoa. The ceremony and luncheon was held July 18 at the Grand Wailea Resort and Spa, with generous assistance from the resort's General Manager Matthew Bailey, Operations Manager Kai Pelayo, and the Associate Director of Catering and Conference Services, Lynn Byard. # # # Source: Maui County Newsroom
For Immediate Release: December 29, 2008 Press Release by:
Council Chair G. Riki Hokama Council Inauguration to be held on January 2, 2009 WAILUKU -- The Inauguration of the Maui County Council for the 2009-2011 term will take place on Friday, January 2, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber, Chair G. Riki Hokama announced today. On November 4, 2008, the people of the County of Maui elected Gladys Coelho Baisa, Jo Anne Johnson, Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Danny A. Mateo, Bill Kauakea Medeiros, Michael J. Molina, Wayne K. Nishiki, Joseph Pontanilla and Michael P. Victorino for a two year term. Maui attorney Anthony P. Takitani will be the Master of Ceremonies. The Maui Youth Philharmonic String Quartet will perform prior to the ceremony, and Inauguration attendees will be entertained by locally renowned vocalist Melveen Leed during the ceremony. The National Anthem will be led by Ms. Kahala Mossman. The Honorable Shackley F. Raffetto, Administrative Judge, Second Circuit Court, will administer the oath of office to the Council members-elect. The Honorable George R. Ariyoshi, Governor of Hawaii from 1974 to 1986, will deliver the keynote address.
The Council Chamber is located on the 8th floor of the Kalana O Maui building (200 S. High Street) and will open to the general public promptly at 9:30 a.m. Limited two hour parking may be available in front of the County building. Additional parking will also be available at 2307 Main Street. Signs will be posted near the turn off point on Main Street, before the Bailey House Museum. Council staff will direct cars to the appropriate parking area between 8:45 and 9:45 a.m. At 2 p.m., the Council will hold its organizational meeting in the Council Chamber. At the meeting the Council will elect officers, establish standing committees, adopt rules and appoint staff.
Both the Inauguration ceremony and the organizational meeting are open to the public and will be broadcast live on Akaku: Maui Community Television. Akaku programming of Council events may be viewed on Channel 53 on Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
For more information about the Inauguration ceremony, call the Office of Council Services at 270 7838.
### Contact: Gayle Revels, Legislative Analyst
Kim Willenbrink, Legislative Analyst
Office of Council Services, (808) 270-7838
For Immediate Release: December 19, 2008 Press Release by:
Councilmember Danny A. Mateo
Maui County Council organizes for upcoming term
WAILUKU, MAUI, HAWAII -- Danny A. Mateo will chair the Maui County Council and Michael J. Molina will serve as Vice-Chair during the 2009-2011 Council term, which begins Jan. 2, Mateo announced today. Mateo has held the Council’s Molokai residency seat since 2002 and was re-elected without opposition last month. Molina, who holds the Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat, was first elected to the Council in 2000. Mateo, who currently serves as Council Vice-Chair, also announced that all Council members, except for himself, will chair committees during the new term. The Council is expected to adopt resolutions formalizing the Council’s organization at a meeting in the Council Chamber at 2 p.m. on Jan. 2, following the Council inauguration at 10 a.m. “I am humbled by my colleagues’ faith in me,” said Mateo, who served as Executive Assistant to the late Council Chair Patrick S. Kawano before being appointed to fill Kawano’s Council seat. “I have talked with each of the members of the new Council about the upcoming term, and I can already sense a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to immediately get to work on reinvigorating Maui County’s economy.” “I look forward to supporting our new Council Chair and the entire Council as we face some of the toughest challenges the County of Maui has faced during my tenure,” said Molina, who will chair the Committee of the Whole. “I think we have a strong team, and I know we will work well with each other, the Tavares Administration, the State and Federal governments and the residents we all represent.” Joseph Pontanilla of Kahului will again chair the Budget and Finance Committee, as he has done since 2005. During their second Council terms, Gladys C. Baisa of Upcountry Maui will chair the Land Use Committee, Michael P. Victorino of Wailuku-Waihee-Waiehu will chair the Water Resources Committee and Bill Kauakea Medeiros of East Maui will chair the Infrastructure Management Committee. During her fifth Council term, Jo Anne Johnson of West Maui will chair the Economic Development and Recreation Committee. Returning to the Council after hiatuses are Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala of Lanai, who will chair the Planning Committee, and Wayne K. Nishiki of South Maui, who will chair the Public Services Committee. Council meetings are open to the public. Meeting agendas are available on the Council website. To receive meeting agendas via e-mail, please complete the on-line subscription form on the County website at www.mauicounty.gov. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7678 (Councilmember Danny A. Mateo)
Fax: (808) 270-7717
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/county/members/
E-mail: danny.mateo@mauicounty.us
Press Release by: Councilmember Gladys C. Baisa, Chair Planning Committee
Council committee to review further Maui Bus enhancements
WAILUKU – With Maui Bus ridership growing exponentially, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee will review a study on bus stop planning and design at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Planning Committee Chair Gladys C. Baisa announced today.
Baisa said the committee will receive a presentation from a transit consulting firm on improvements to bus stop infrastructure throughout the Island of Maui. “Constituents from all over Maui have frequently told me about the importance of providing shelter from the sun, wind, and rain at our bus stops,” Baisa said. “They’ve also mentioned the need for better signage at bus stops.” “I’m pleased that the County is taking action and look forward to reviewing our consultant’s study on necessary bus stop improvements. I hope members of the public who ride the Maui Bus – or are considering whether to become users of our transit system – will attend this meeting and offer comments.” According to the County Department of Transportation, the Maui Bus recorded 1.4 million boardings in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, representing a nearly 500-percent increase over a two-year period. “The Administration and the Maui County Council had the foresight to include funding for a ‘Bus Stop Planning & Design’ study for the Maui Bus system this past fiscal year,” said Don Medeiros, County Director of Transportation. “The purpose of the study is to evaluate our 150 bus stops for safety, accessibility and required improvements such as concrete slabs, benches, and shelters.” Meeting agendas are available on the Planning Committee website. To receive meeting agendas via e-mail, please complete the on-line subscription form on the County website at www.mauicounty.gov. For more information, please contact the Planning Committee staff. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7939 (Committee Chair Baisa)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7127 (Committee Chair Baisa)
(808) 270-7686 (Committee staff)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: gladys.baisa@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Baisa)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
This is an opportunity for our youth to observe and interact with Maui's current pro and college players, local baseball coaches, college coaches and MLB organizational instructors. Notable players scheduled to attend include MLB players and Maui boys Shane Victorino and Kurt Suzuki. [Additional Event info...]
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