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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 March 11, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Motorists Advised of Road Resurfacing in Paia and Haiku WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii - The County of Maui’s Department of Public Works advises motorists traveling in the Paia and Haiku area that resurfacing work will begin on Monday, March 15. The work is expected to take approximately 8 weeks to complete. The $563,180 contract was awarded to Sonny Vick’s Paving Inc. Paia: Kupono Street, Maoli Place, Kahiko Street, Kupaa Street.
Haiku: Ulumalu Road (from the intersection of Waha Place and Ulumalu Road to the intersection of Ulumalu Road and Kaupakalua Road). Motorists may experience intermittent traffic delays when one of two lanes is temporarily closed during the resurfacing work. Drivers are asked to drive carefully through the areas. # # #
The County of Maui Releases Cost of County's Response to February 27 Tsunami Threat Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii - Mayor Charmaine Tavares announced today that the County's response efforts to the February 27th tsunami threat cost $113,895. The following departments reported expenses that came primarily from overtime costs for personnel: Police, Parks, Environmental Management, Fire, Public Works, Civil Defense, Planning, and Housing and Human Concerns. "When we're faced with the imminent threat of a natural disaster, we take immediate steps to protect the public's safety," said Mayor Tavares. "In situations like these, one life lost is one life too many and despite the costs we incurred, I'm grateful that we escaped unharmed." Due to departments experiencing budget deficits in the current fiscal year, Mayor Tavares may propose to the County Council that a reimbursement from the County's emergency fund be provided to the operating budgets of the departments that were involved in the response efforts. The emergency fund, created by the Council, consists of County funds set aside to help provide for emergency situations. # # #
March 10, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor Tavares to Host Radio Show
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- As part of the County of Maui’s “Got Choice… Think Local” campaign, a radio broadcasted show hosted by Mayor Charmaine Tavares will air live on Friday, March 12, 2010 at noon on KAOI, 1110 AM. The “Got Choice…Think Local” campaign aims to boost the local economy by encouraging residents, through incentives from over 200 participating businesses, to keep their dollars circulating within the community. “Got Choice… Think Local” is co-sponsored by the County of Maui, Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, the Lahaina News, KAOI Radio Group, KONI 104.7, Maui Cattle Company, Maui County Farm Bureau, Maui Printing Company, the Maui News, Maui TV News, Maui Weekly, and the Pacific Radio Group. For more information, call the County’s Office of Economic Development at (808) 270-7710, or click on the link below. # # #
More Info: Office of Economic Development
March 3, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Public Meeting to Address Waiale Road Extension and Improvements to East Waiko Road
WAIKAPU, Maui, Hawaii- The County of Maui, Department of Public Works has announced today that a public meeting will be held Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Waikapu Community Center concerning the Waiale Road Extension, which will serve as a County roadway parallel to Honoapiilani Highway, and improvements to East Waiko Road. The Department of Public Works is in the process of designing the extension and improvement projects, which are intended to enhance access to the regional roadway network and improve local circulation within Waikapu. The area to be affected begins at the intersection of Waiale Road and East Waiko Road and terminates west at Honoapiilani Highway. The public is encouraged to attend the informational meeting. For more information, contact Leilani Pulmano of consultant Munekiyo & Hiraga, Inc. at (808) 244-2015. # # #
March 3, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Informational Meeting on Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance to Take Place Thursday, March 11th LAHAINA, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management announced today that an informational meeting on the Plastic Bag Reduction Ordinance will be held at the Lahaina Civic Center on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. Businesses, including restaurants and wholesale bag distributors who will be affected by the ordinance, which will take effect on January 11, 2011, are encouraged to attend. The meeting will be open to comments from attendees. For more information call the County’s Recycle Maui County hotline at (808) 270-7880. # # # More Info: Recycle Maui
February 25, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Maui Residents Encouraged to Participate in Disaster Preparedness Survey
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Civil Defense Agency announced today that it is requesting the public to participate in the Maui Resident Disaster Preparedness Survey, which will be available until April 2010. The brief survey can be completed online and is found both on the County's homepage www.mauicounty.gov, and in the website's Civil Defense section (located under the "Departments" header). Results of the survey and community recommendations on disaster preparation will help the County improve their planning and preparedness strategy as well as play a role in seeking federal funding for mitigation actions. In order to respond to these disasters, the County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan has two main objectives: to prevent people and structures from harm and destruction and to reduce or mitigate the losses and disruption of disaster response and recovery. The survey is intended to augment the County’s scientific and engineering research on natural hazards with first-hand knowledge from members of the community. . # # # More Info: Civil Defense Agency
March 1, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lanai Automated Refuse Pick-Up to Resume Thursday, March 4; Monday Pick-Up to Change to Wednesdays
LANAI CITY, Lanai, Hawaii-The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division announced today that residential curbside refuse collection will resume on the island of Lanai beginning Thursday, March 4, 2010, following the completion of repairs to Lanai’s automated refuse truck. Customers are advised that beginning the week of March 8th, Monday pickups will be made on Wednesdays. In order to restart refuse service as soon as possible, the following schedule will be in effect: Thursday, March 4 - Pick-up for customers who normally receive refuse service on Monday.
Friday, March 5 - Pick-up for customers who normally receive refuse service on Tuesday.
Monday, March 8 - No refuse will be collected.
Tuesday, March 9 - Regularly scheduled refuse pick-up for Tuesday customers.
Wednesday, March 10 -Customers who normally receive refuse service on Mondays will now receive service on Wednesdays. All Lanai refuse customers will receive credit for missed refuse collection service on their next bill, which is scheduled to be mailed in June of 2010. The truck is scheduled to return to Lanai from Maui on Wednesday, March 3, 2010. While on Maui, Valley Isle Commercial completed extensive servicing on brakes, hydraulics, and computer and electrical systems. “We appreciate the patience Lanai residents showed while inconvenienced by the disruption of service,” said Cheryl Okuma, Department of Environmental Management Director. “We would also like to thank the many volunteers who assisted those in need, especially the disabled and elderly, by organizing alternative refuse services within the community.” For more information, please contact Executive Assistant and Lanai Liaison Darlene Endrina at the Office of the Mayor at (808) 559-0471. # # #
Working group increases public awareness on the invasive species discovered on Maui in October 2009 March 2, 2010
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- Mayor Charmaine Tavares announced today that the Little Fire Ant Working Group, which she helped to convene last fall following the discovery of the stinging ants on Maui, is working together with the County's Department of Transportation to raise public awareness by displaying informational posters regarding the invasive species on all Maui Buses. The eye-catching and informational posters were designed by Maui Invasive Species Committee (MISC) PR & Education Specialist Lissa Fox. According to Transportation Director Don Medeiros and Deputy Director Wayne Boteilho, nearly 200,000 people ride the Maui Bus each month, with over 6,500 daily boardings.
“The goal is to spread this information faster than the ants spread themselves,” said Mayor Tavares. “This invasive species is a significant threat, and it’s important that we stay focused on early detection. A little awareness goes a long way, and by educating and alerting people we have a chance of not just keeping this situation under control, but eradicating the ants from our island.” According to Fox, the bus posters are part of a bigger outreach program that is in development, including a video, public service announcements, trainings for targeted public groups, website, education in the classrooms, etc. “If we are to prevent the establishment of the Little Fire Ant on Maui, we absolutely need the help of people looking in their backyards, at their workplaces, schools, everywhere,” said Fox. “In other campaigns to detect these ants, up to 90-percent of the infestations were reported by members of the public. We’re fortunate to have this collaboration between the County, MISC and Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA). By combining our efforts we stand a chance of stopping the Little Fire Ant before it gets out of control.” Mayor Tavares initially convened the working group after the State Department of Agriculture announced the detection of a colony contained to one-half acre of land in Waihee in early October 2009. The group is comprised of representatives from the Office of the Mayor, Maui Invasive Species Committee, U.S. Geological Survey, Hawaii Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Tri-Isle RC&D and the USGS-Pacific Basin Information Node. Although only 1/16th of an inch in length and slow-moving, the stinging Little Fire Ant has the potential to cause damaging effects if left uncontrolled. Because they form massive super-colonies and don’t hang on well, brushing up against an infested plant or shaking the branches of a tree can bring an unpleasant surprise. “HDOA is successfully controlling the only known infestation on Maui, but resource professionals believe the Little Fire Ant exists elsewhere on our island, silently growing and expanding undetected,” Fox said. “If populations of the Little Fire Ant go undetected, the lifestyle we enjoy in Hawaii will change. Stinging ants raining down on us is not something we want to learn to live with. Agriculture, tourism and the environment will all be affected.” For more information and to view the Little Fire Ant poster, visit the County’s website at www.mauicounty.gov (under the “Mayor” tab, select “Environmental Program” then “Invasive Species”) or call Environmental Coordinator Kuhea Paracuelles at the Office of the Mayor at (808) 270-8299. # # #
More Info: Environmental Program
February 25, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March “Brown Bag” Workshops at Maui County Business Resource Center Announced
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Office of Economic Development announced its “Brown Bag” workshops scheduled for the month of March, today. Unless otherwise noted, workshops are free of charge and are presented at the Maui County Business Resource Center, a County of Maui facility located across from IHOP in the Maui Mall. Delia Wilson of Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) Business Development Corp. will discuss the reason for writing a business plan with “The ABC’s of a Business Plan” on Wednesday, March 10 from noon to 1 p.m. Participants will receive an outline of the business plan taught in the MEO Core Four Business Plan course. Susie Theiman is the instructor of the program and has more than 25 years of small business startup and management experience. “GET CLIENTS NOW!” will be presented on Thursday, March 11 from noon to 1 p.m. In this seminar, you will learn the most effective marketing strategies for attracting more (and ideal) clients right away. Taking into account your type of business and personal preferences, develop a simple customized marketing plan that makes the best use of your marketing budget. Replace cold calling with relationship marketing, and learn how to overcome resistance and procrastination in selling your products and services. Nina Cherry is a Maui business coach assisting professionals and entrepreneurs to resolve core issues that affect their business success.
Visiting SCORE counselor Steve Pinard, former Senior Executive of Dunkin Donuts, Inc., a division of Dunkin Brands (Dunkin Donuts, Baskin Robbins.) will present “Starting and Growing Your Home Based Business” on Tuesday, March 16 from noon to 1 p.m. This home based business workshop will provide a review of the Home Based Industry Today, and discussion on related subjects of setting up and organizing your office, establishing your business’s structure and operating guidelines, understanding the industry you Home Based Company will be competing in, and how to market your product or service. Included will be a perspective of how to prepare yourself for the challenges of working from home, and a review of needed steps to be considered from your initial idea to the actual business “opening day.” Have you ever wondered why we need a balance sheet, income and cash flow statements? Join us for “Financial Statements: What Does It All Mean!” offered on Tuesday, March 23 from noon to 1 p.m. Fred Rickert will help you make sense of financial statements and how they relate to each other. What will understanding ratios do for your business? How will these historical statements help you run your business in the future? Fred will present answers to these questions and more in a useful and entertaining manner. Fred Rickert, MBA is the Senior Business Consultant for the Maui Small Business Development Center and brings over 30 years of business experience in leadership, consulting, and strategic planning. He has served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Auditor for companies in many different industries. Find out how to “Get Access to Capital via the SBA Loan Programs” on Thursday, March 25. Learn more about the various SBA financing programs and which one best fits your business financing needs. Start planning for the future. Even if you are not seeking financing at this time, it is good to know what financing options there are for when the time is right. Presented by Jerry Hirata from the SBA Hawaii District Office & Lori Hiramatsu of HEDCO LDC, a non-profit community-based company certified by the SBA to make loans under their 504 Loan Program. Morning session: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Repeat evening session: 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Learn about “Starting a Business in Maui County” on Wednesday, March 31 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Lectured by Anna K. Ribucan of the Maui County Office of Economic Development, this seminar covers general information and requirements for starting a business in Maui County. Handouts, websites and other helpful information included. Seating for all sessions is limited; reservations are requested and may be made by calling the Maui County Business Resource Center at 873-8247. Attendees are asked to bring their own lunches. MCBRC also offers free business counseling sessions with experienced SCORE counselors that may be arranged by calling the MCBRC. # # #
Press Release February 23, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Fire Recruit Graduation A Historic First for Hawaii with Joint Accreditation of County and State Firefighters WAILEA, Maui, Hawaii— The County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety, together with the Hawaii State Department of Transportation, Airports Division, Aircraft Rescue/Firefighting (ARFF) Unit (HDOT-A), celebrated the graduation Friday of the County’s 27th Recruit Class, which included 11 County Firefighters and two State Firefighters. The graduation marked the first time in Hawaii that County and State Airport firefighters were trained and certified together. “This historic dual training and certification is the result of coordination between County and State Fire personnel, and it represents the first time in Maui County that a graduating recruit class also received Airport firefighter certification,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “This additional certification, validated by both skills training and written examination, brings our department the increased recognition it deserves.” Graduating were County Firefighters Darrell Aea, Daryl Boeche, Jay Duquette, Charles Eckart, Michael Grimes, John Guard, Kaniauokahekili Kaaa, Nikolai Reuss, Ryan Short, Jack Smith and John Tualemoso, and State (ARFF) personnel Cresent Gumanas and Bryan Takeo. Award recipients were Ryan Short, “Most Outstanding – Overall,” for outstanding performance in all phases of training, including leadership ability and physical fitness; Charles Eckart, “Most Outstanding – Academically,” for maintaining the highest scholastic average for all course examinations; Kaniauokahekili Kaaa, “Most Outstanding – Functional Skills,” for demonstrating the highest competency in functional skills assessments; and class president Nikolai Reuss, “Ho`ulu Award – Firefighter Spirit,” presented in honor of the late MFD Captain Charles Iwata to the recruit who has demonstrated exceptional character, respect and heart toward others and the firefighter profession. “Under the leadership of Fire Chief Murray, the Maui County Fire Department has engaged in and continues to foster the ongoing successful working relationship and training opportunities with HDOT-A, creating a seamless approach to emergency preparedness and response in Maui County,” said State Airports Fire Chief Martinez Jacobs. “This partnership has upgraded Maui County’s emergency response capabilities and fire service training opportunities involving all emergency responders with the Maui District.” All Maui Fire Recruits received the following National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications Certifications as follows: NFPA 472 Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operational Level; NFPA 1001; Firefighter I and II; and NFPA 1003 Airport Firefighter. Future plans include an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), currently before the County Council for approval, and a joint training facility for both State and County firefighters that has been initiated by Maui District Airports Fire Chief Eugene Perry. The MOU will provide the operational requirements for conducting fire service certification training and validation, in accordance with National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. The graduation was held at the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa. For more information, contact the Maui Fire Department Training Bureau at (808) 270-7565. # # # PHOTO: Members of the 27th Maui Fire Department Recruit Class pose after their graduation ceremony Friday with Maui County Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray (far left), Maui District Airport Fire Commander Eugene Perry (second from right) and Airport Crash Rescue Captain Scott Pires (far right). Graduates, L-R: Recruits Kaaa, Short, Eckart, Guard, Duquette, Gumanas, Smith, Takeo, Aea, Reuss, Boeche, Tualemoso, Grimes.
February 25, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kihei Aquatics Center to be Temporarily Closed for Maintenance and Repairs
KIHEI, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation’s Aquatic Division announced today that the Kihei Aquatics Center’s 50 meter and teaching pools will be closed for maintenance and repairs from March 2, 2010 to March 12, 2010. For more information call the County’s Aquatics Division at (808) 270-6135. # # #
UPDATE: SOME OCEAN AREAS REMAIN CLOSED - Public advised to observe posted warning signs WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii - The tsunami warning event yesterday caused sewage spills to the ocean in three locations: Kahului (the ocean fronting Hale Nanea and some of the drainage ditches near the 24 Hour Fitness gym), Paukukalo and Napili. Warning signs are posted in the affected areas and the County of Maui's Department of Environmental Management is working with the Department of Health to determine when the ocean in these areas will be safe to enter. Due to runoff caused by today's heavy rains - which would render test results inconclusive - previously scheduled testing could not be conducted today. Testing is planned for tomorrow, Monday. The public should continue to look for warning signs in these areas before entering the ocean. ###
COUNTY OF MAUI RESPONDS TO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENT THAT START UP OF PUMP STATIONS WAS CAUSE OF SEWAGE SPILLS “In the face of warnings that the tsunami could be significant we made the difficult decision of shutting down wastewater pump stations in low lying areas and water service to those in these same areas,” said Dave Taylor, Chief of the County’s wastewater division. “We realized that if large enough waves impacted our pump stations while running live with electrical power, the ocean salt water would cause short circuiting and permanent damage to the pump stations. These wastewater pump stations that serve thousands of customers would be seriously damaged and repairs could take up to several months or longer. During repairs we would have had to cope with raw sewage impacting our beaches and ocean and low lying neighborhoods would have no sewer service. “By temporarily shutting down the pump stations for the duration of the expected tsunami warning, we expected to be able to drastically limit serious long term impacts to the environment and low lying areas. Because of the seriousness of the tsunami warning of an imminent tsunami, we weighed the difference between a temporary effect versus long term damage that and chose a temporary shut down rather than put our community through the dilemma of long term loss of sewer service.” While power was down to the wastewater pump stations, sewage overflowed in several areas. Four pump stations in Wailuku/Kahului and one in Napili were involved.
The public is advised to avoid entering the waters in the following areas due to possible sewage contamination: North Shore from the Kahului Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Waiehu Golf course; West Maui in the Napili area. There were no wastewater spills in South Maui. Signs are being posted at affected areas. The signs will be removed after testing reveals that water quality is normal. *************************
A copy of the Department of Health's news release issued earlier this afternoon is provided below for reference: Subject: Wastewater Spills Island of MAUI CWB has been notified of wastewater spills on the island of Maui. As Maui County started up pump stations in low lying areas, after the tsunami all clear was given, problems occurred. Four pump stations in Wailuku/Kahului and one in Napili were involved. The facilities in Wailuku/Kahului are: Hawaiian Homes, Waiehu, Wailuku, and A&B pump stations. The Napili pump station is Napili #4. Public is advised to avoid entering the waters at the following areas due to possible sewage contamination: North Shore from Kuau fronting Mama’s Fish House restaurant to the Waiehu Golf course; South shore from Wailea to Sugar Beach; West Maui from Puamana to Kapalua. Warning signs are being posted and water tests will be conducted. Watson Okubo
Clean Water Branch
State of Hawaii Department of Health
Phone: (808) 586 - 4309 # # #
Mayor Charmaine Tavares Commends the Public’s Cooperation During Tsunami Warning “In these types of situations we must be prepared to protect the public,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “When the worse case scenario doesn’t occur - we can count ourselves lucky that we dodged another bullet. In this case when the state’s tsunami warning center forecast a dangerous surge due to the earthquake in Chile, we acted to do everything possible to protect the public’s safety and our community. “If the worse had happened, we know that everything possible was being considered and being done to protect life and property. If one life would have been lost, that would be one life too many. “I was able to view potential tsunami inundation areas in our county via a military Black Hawk helicopter today. Seeing Kahului Harbor, other parts of Maui, as well as Molokai and Lanai by air gave me a good scope of the situation and what was occurring. “I want to thank our community for being prepared, listening, and respecting the advisories and directions provided by emergency management personnel. County, State and Federal agencies do their best to look out for everyone’s safety and the cooperation of the public is crucial in these times.” # # #
MAYOR CHARMAINE TAVARES COMMENTS ON THE HOUSE FINANCE COMMITTEE DECISION TO CONTINUE SHARING TAT REVENUE WITH COUNTIES
“This is great news and I thank members of the House Finance Committee for their careful deliberation and unanimous vote,” said Mayor Tavares. “The support of the House Finance Committee was crucial. It’s the first step towards ensuring that Maui County will be able to retain its share of Transient Accommodations Taxes (TAT).
I appreciate the work that Finance Committee Chair Marcus Oshiro and members of his committee, which included Maui Representatives Gilbert Keith-Agaran and Kyle Yamashita have done. If the counties’ share of the revenue generated on our islands by the hotel room tax is kept by the state, the impact would be serious. The Finance Committee’s decision is acknowledgment that continuing the partnership between the state and counties is vital. I’m especially grateful and proud for what the people of Maui County have done to help our cause. Testifying, sending letters to our legislators and helping to get the word out can often make a difference. It’s important for our community to know that the process is not yet complete. The bill must still make its way to a vote by the full House of Representatives and then on to the Senate before we can fully stop our efforts. I’m sure that our community will continue to press on and do what they can to help. Our Maui legislators already know the importance of keeping the TAT revenue, but we need to help the legislators that aren’t from Maui County know this too. We’re facing a shortfall of over $50 million in the next fiscal year which starts this July, so as my administration works hard to keep it from going from an already difficult economic situation to one that could be much worse, keeping our share of the TAT is essential.” # # #
County of Maui to Receive $1,464,732.20 in Federal Funding to Implement an Underage Drinking Prevention Program WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii - Mayor Charmaine Tavares announced today that the County of Maui has been awarded nearly $1.5 million in federal funding to implement an underage drinking prevention program. The funding from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will go through the State of Hawaii’s Department of Health and be administered by the County’s Department of Housing and Human Concerns. The funding is for one year with an opportunity to extend for an additional year. "We went through a competitive grant process to receive this money and I'm pleased that we have been awarded nearly $1.5 million in federal money," said Mayor Tavares. "Reducing and preventing underage drinking is important to our communities. Teens and pre-teens often face peer pressure to drink and this funding will bring needed support and services to our youth.” Through a competitive grant process among the four counties, the Department of Health’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD) awarded $1,464,732.20 to the County of Maui. Over the past two years, the County of Maui has convened meetings with a committee of providers and other interested parties such as schools, ADAD and the Epidemiological Team at the Center on Family -University of Hawaii at Manoa to discuss the problem of underage drinking in the County. As a result of the grant award, the Department of Housing and Human Concerns will be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from service providers across the county. The County will be able to only fund proposals that are based on nationally recognized evidence-based programs. Prospective grantees may check the internet site http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov for further information. In addition to utilizing evidence-based programs, proposals must include strategies for cultural competence and sustainability past the two years of the grant. For further information, contact Marlene Young, Department of Housing and Human Concerns, (808) 270-7805. # # #
PRESS RELEASE February 19, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Motorists and Pedestrians Advised of Sidewalk Construction Work on South Kihei Road
Kihei, Maui, Hawaii - Construction of an ADA curb ramp near the Rainbow Mall and installation of a new 370 ft. sidewalk in front of the Hale Kamaole Condominium
on South Kihei Road will affect pedestrians and motorists traveling in the area. Approximately one block of the South Kihei Road in both areas will be impacted. Alternating traffic during construction hours of Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will cause delays - motorists and pedestrians are advised to use alternate routes. The contract for $82,508 was awarded to Maui Master Builders Inc. and work will begin Monday, February 22, 2010 and is scheduled to be completed by May 18, 2010. # # #
PRESS RELEASE February 17, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAYOR TAVARES TESTIFIES ON TAT AT STATE CAPITOL TODAY HONOLULU, Hawaii - Mayor Charmaine Tavares testified today at the State Capitol before the House of Representatives' Committee on Finance. Mayor Tavares offered testimony on House Bill 2598-Relating to Transient Accommodations Tax (T.A.T.). Council Chair Danny Mateo, Council Budget and Finance Committee Chair Joe Pontanilla, and Council Member Gladys Baisa each submitted testimony opposing the bill that proposes to suspend for three years, from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2013, the distribution of transient accommodations tax revenues to the counties. "Even with our share of the T.A.T., we are dealing with a significant revenue shortfall of around $53 million. Without the T.A.T., our shortfall jumps to $70 - $73 million," said Mayor Tavares in her remarks to committee members. "While I understand the budget challenges facing the State...Maui County is dealing with our own budget difficulties and is relying on every possible funding source to fulfill our county jurisdictional responsibilities." # # # PHOTO CAPTION: Mayor Charmaine Tavares testifies at the State Capitol before the House of Representatives' Committee on Finance on Wednesday, February 17, 2010 regarding transient accommodations tax revenue the County receives View Mayor Tavares' Testimony
PRESS RELEASE February 17, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
County of Maui Sues Merrill Lynch Over Access to $32 Million HONOLULU, Hawaii - Attorneys for the County of Maui filed a lawsuit against Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith, Inc. (Merrill Lynch) over access to $32 million invested in student loan auction rate securities. The suit was filed Friday, February 12, 2010 in the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii. A similar claim has been filed with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The County contends that Merrill Lynch sold the auction rate securities to Maui County with the understanding that the securities were safe, short-term, liquid investments. Maui County does not have access to these investments. “The County of Maui was told that the investments could be easily accessed, just like cash,” said Maui County Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “Assurances by Merrill Lynch at the time of the investment turned out to be false, and we are seeking justice for the taxpayers of Maui County.” Student loan auction rate securities are interest-bearing debt instruments backed by pools of student loans. They are also known as “SLARS.” Between August 16, 2007 and January 16, 2008, the County of Maui purchased approximately $44.2 million in student loan auction rate securities through Merrill Lynch. Today, the County of Maui owns $32 million of SLARS that are not liquid. “Maui County seeks to recover its money,” said Joachim Cox of Goodsill Anderson Quinn & Stifel, LLP, special counsel for Maui County. “Before filing this lawsuit, Maui County made a number of attempts over a long period of time to resolve this problem so Maui County could regain access to its money. Maui County reached out to Merrill Lynch to resolve this problem, but Merrill Lynch was not responsive.” Merrill Lynch represented the Student Loan Auction Rate Securities to Maui County as “money market alternatives.” In a Fixed Income Digest Special Edition (Dec. 6, 2007) Merrill Lynch represented that: • the auction rate securities market “offers extraordinary values for short-term yield-maximizing investors, not just the ultra short-term cash investor.” • “the auction preferred market offers excellent value for investors looking for short-term instruments or money market alternatives.” • “[r]ates on auction preferred securities remain high while other rates are declining, creating what we think is extraordinary value for investors looking for short term instruments.” As late as February 12, 2008, the day before the collapse of the auction rate securities (ARS) market, Merrill Lynch provided an “Auction Market Securities Report” to the County of Maui where Merrill Lynch reiterated that auction rate securities have only a “slightly lesser degree of liquidity” than money market funds and reminded investors that auctions “hardly ever” fail. On or about February 13, 2008, Merrill Lynch abandoned its practice of supporting auctions for SLARS. The ARS market collapsed. The County of Maui was left stranded with SLARS that they could no longer sell at par. “Had Merrill Lynch honestly disclosed to the County of Maui the growing risks associated with investing in SLARS the County of Maui would not have purchased SLARS at all,” said Cox. # # # Timeline: Student Loan Auction Rate Securities
February 11, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor Charmaine Tavares Delivers 2010 State of the County Address
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- Mayor Charmaine Tavares delivered her fourth State of the County Address to a standing-room-only crowd this morning in the County Council Chambers. In her 35-minute speech that included highlights of 2009 and touched on declining revenue, Mayor Tavares challenged the Governor’s administration and the Legislature to examine all other sources of state revenue, including the numerous State special funds as well as the State’s taxing authority before moving to take away the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) from the four Counties. Drawing comparisons to the win by the New Orleans Saints in the Superbowl, Mayor Tavares spoke about the underdog team rebounding after odds were stacked against them. “The people of Maui County have risen to the challenges of the economic downturn,” Mayor Tavares said. “The strength, determination and resolve of our people in times of adversity and great need have been seen time and time again.” Mayor Tavares gave special recognition to the five founders of the new Haliimaile Pineapple Company- Darren Strand, Rudy Balala, Pardee Erdman, Doug Schenk and Doug MacCluer- thanking them for their efforts to continue pineapple farming on Maui following the shutdown of Maui Land & Pineapple Co.'s pineapple operations. The event was broadcast live on AKAKU channel 53 and KNUI 900 AM. A re-broadcast was aired at 11:00 a.m. on KAOI 96.7 FM and KAOI 1110 AM. In addition, on Friday, February 12, 2010, KPMW 105.5 FM will air the event at 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Following the Address, Mayor Tavares held a press event for a group of high school digital and print media students from Baldwin High School, Kamehameha Schools-Maui, Maui High School, Maui Preparatory Academy, Seabury Hall and St. Anthony Junior-Senior High School. Mayor Tavares fielded questions from the high school reporters who attended the State of the County Address. The text version of Mayor Tavares’ speech is available now on the County’s website at www.mauicounty.gov/stateofthecounty. Photos and video will be available on the website tomorrow. # # #
View the Mayor's State of the County Address
County of Maui Issues RFP Using Federal Stimulus Funds to Help Increase Energy Efficiency of County Facilities WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui announced today that it is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to conduct investment grade energy audits. Twelve county facilities, including fire stations, senior centers and a community center will be audited. Results from the audit are expected to provide baseline energy data, physical condition of the buildings, and basis for energy efficiency savings measures. Funds for this Request for Proposals are provided to the County of Maui by the United States Department of Energy utilizing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. “This is a significant step towards finding energy savings for the County,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “From this study we can make decisions based on data collected and make good progress on our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint.” The deadline for proposals to be submitted is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26th, 2010. Proposals will be accepted by the Department of Finance, Purchasing Division, located in the Wells Street Professional Center at 2145 Wells Street, Suite 104, in Wailuku. Solicitation documents are available at the Office of the Department of Finance, Division Purchasing, or online at www.mauicounty,gov/bids.aspx. For more information, contact the County's Energy Commissioner, Victor Reyes at the Office of Economic Development (808) 270-7203 or by email at victor.reyes@mauicounty.gov. # # #
February 5, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Maui County Youth Artists Invited to Participate in International Art Showcase WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The Maui County Sister Cities Foundation announced today that the deadline to enter the 2010 Young Artists Showcase, entitled “Your World” is March 12, 2010. One Maui artist will be selected to have their work entered in the Sister Cities International Young Artists Showcase in Washington D.C. If chosen as a finalist there, the art will go on to be displayed in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The winning Maui artist will receive $300 from the Maui County Sister Cities Foundation. Each participating student artist must be between 13 - 18 years of age as of April 30, 2010. All entries must be the original design and artwork of the entrant. Only two-dimensional artwork, no larger than 24” x 30” (including matting) will be accepted. Watercolor, oils, pastels, pen and ink, charcoal, photography, two-dimensional mixed media, and computer-generated art are all acceptable media. Each entry must be sent with a completed official entry form, which are available online at www.mauicountysistercities.org., through local schools and at the Maui County Business Resource Center at the Maui Mall across from IHOP Restaurant. Entries must be mailed or hand-delivered by March 12, 2010 to the Maui County Business Resource Center. Entries received after 4 p.m. on March 12 will not be judged. All Maui entries will be displayed at Maui Community College during Art and Culture Day on Sunday, April 11, 2010. The winner will be announced at the event, which is sponsored by the Maui County Commission on Culture and the Arts, Arts Education for Children, the County of Maui Office of Economic Development and the Department of Parks and Recreation, MOA Hawaii, Maui Pineapple Company, Maui County Sister Cities Foundation and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The 10 winning entries from last year’s 2009 Sister Cities International Young Artists Showcase will be displayed at the Maui County Business Resource Center during the month of April, which is just one stop on its tour across the United States. For more information, call the Maui County Business Resource Center (MCBRC) at 873-8247. The MCBRC is administered by the County of Maui through the Office of Economic Development. # # #
-- Kula Customers Asked to Conserve During February-March Press Release
January 22, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Upper Kula Water Change Due to Tank Roof Replacement
-- Kula Customers Asked to Conserve During February-March
KULA, Maui, Hawaii-- Effective Monday, February 1, 2010, the Department of Water Supply will switch the distribution system disinfectant at the Olinda Water Treatment Facility (WTF) from chloramines to chlorine in preparation for the Omaopio Tank roof replacement project in Kula. This affects the Upper Kula water system only. Chlorine is the same disinfectant used in the Lower Kula and Makawao water systems. By Friday, February 5, Upper Kula customers may notice a change in water quality because chlorine has a slight taste and smell. This is normal and poses no health risk. The water meets all federal and state water quality standards. For kidney dialysis patients: The processes already in place to remove chloramines in the water will remove chlorine. No change or adjustment is needed, and at the end of March, the department will switch back to chloramines. For fish tank owners: Filters that remove chloramines also remove chlorine, so no change or adjustment is needed. For fish tanks without filters, customers may want to let the water sit for a few hours so the chlorine can dissipate. Contractor M&M Tanks Inc. will replace the roof of the Omaopio Tank, which involves removing the existing roof, tank modification, and installation of a geodesic aluminum dome roof on the 2-million gallon tank. The new roof will be similar to the dome roof installed on the Mokuhau Tank in Wailuku and on the Kahului Tank. The project should be completed by the end of March 2010. For the months of February and March, customers in Upper and Lower Kula are asked to conserve water because the Department will be without a 2-million gallon storage supply at a critical point in the water distribution system. The Kamole WTF in Haliimaile, the Piiholo WTF in Makawao, and the Po’okela Well in Makawao will supplement water for customers in the Upper Kula water system. The cost of the roof replacement project is $980,000. The Omaopio Tank was built in 1977. This project was originally scheduled for October 2009 but was postponed due to drought conditions. # # #
Water Conservation Information
MOTORIST ADVISORY FOR SOUTH MAUI Motorists traveling through South Maui may experience minor traffic delays due to construction-related work for the South Maui Community Park and a scheduled installation of a potable waterline. Both County projects are contracted to Goodfellow Bros., Inc. January 21 - March 31, 2010
Construction for the South Maui Community Park will require minor blasting activities by contractor Goodfellow Bros. and as a precautionary measure, traffic will be stopped for several minutes intermittently on Piilani Hwy between Welakahao Road and Lipoa Street between 10:30 am-12 noon and 3:30 pm - 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The controlled blasting is part of re-grading work on the project site and the public is not expected to hear audible sounds. The County and contractor conducted direct notifications to nearby businesses residents in the immediate area. January 21 through March 5, 2010
The north-bound lane of South Kihei Road between Uwapo Road and Ohukai Road will be closed on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. while contractor Goodfellow Bros. installs a 12" potable County waterline. Alternating traffic using only the south-bound lane will cause some delay for motorists traveling in the vicinity. # # #
Mayor Charmaine Tavares Travels to Washington D.C. to Meet with Congressional Delegation and Participate in Meeting with President Obama Washington, D.C. - Mayor Charmaine Tavares will join over 250 mayors from across the country in the nation’s capitol at the 78th Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The January 20 - 22 conference will focus on economic conditions, unemployment, green jobs, and transportation. Also attending will be Hawaii's other three mayors. Mayor Tavares will also be participating in a meeting at the White House on Thursday, January 21, with President Obama and members of his Economic Advisory Team. Mayor Tavares will be meeting with U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye, Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, and Congressman Daniel Akaka while in D.C. to share information on how the county is dealing with the economic downturn. “Our congressional delegation is interested in hearing what the financial situations are for each county,” said Mayor Tavares. “I’ll be updating them on how Maui County is faring and continue our ongoing efforts to seek federal funding opportunities. Staying in contact with our delegation has yielded millions of dollars for our county as they assist us in matching our needs with what’s available in federal programs and funding. ” “This is part of how we work to maximize all funding avenues to benefit Maui County,” said Mayor Tavares. “By reaching out to our federal partners and our congressional delegation and keeping them abreast of Maui County’s needs and challenges, they in turn can help identify program and funding opportunities for us. This is important - pursuing all available resources doesn't end at our shores.” Mayor Tavares is a member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Stafford Act Task Force, chaired by Mayor Ray Nagin of New Orleans. The Stafford Act, also known as the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, gives FEMA responsibility for coordinating government-wide relief efforts in disasters. The Stafford Act was created to bring orderly means of federal natural disaster assistance to state and local governments. “Reforming the Stafford Act to ensure that existing federal policies don’t impede the recovery of communities from disasters is important whether you’ve experienced something as devastating as the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina as New Orleans did, or if facing the potential of a catastrophic natural disaster that could hit Hawaii,” said Mayor Tavares. “With our state being in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, having efficient and effective support from FEMA is critical to our recovery efforts. Major brush fires in our county and such large incidents as the earthquake that impacted Maui in 2006 have already proven how necessary it is to have FEMA support ready and available. We need to ensure that the agency’s capabilities keep improving.” said Mayor Tavares. The Stafford Act Task Force was formed in 2009. The task force will be presenting its work outlining its recommendations for reform to the U.S. Conference of Mayors at a session during the opening day of the conference, Wednesday, January 20. Upon approval by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, these recommendations will then be presented to President Obama’s administration and to Congress. Conference speakers include members of President Obama’s Cabinet. Scheduled to speak are: Energy Secretary Steven Chu, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. # # #
Press Release by: Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair Planning Committee
Two components of General Plan update to be heard separately at different times and locations next week
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, chair of the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee, made the following announcement today, clarifying the multi-component process of the General Plan update: The County of Maui is currently updating its General Plan, consistent with the requirements of the Maui County Charter and Maui County Code. The first component of the General Plan update is the Countywide Policy Plan. The Planning Committee has completed its review of the Countywide Policy Plan and has forwarded its recommendations to the full Council for action. On Friday, Jan. 15, the Maui County Council will conduct a public hearing on the Countywide Policy Plan at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Testimony on the Countywide Policy Plan should be e-mailed to county.clerk@mauicounty.us (Office of the County Clerk). The Countywide Policy Plan will establish the County’s long-term goals. The second element of the General Plan update is the Maui Island Plan. The Planning Committee has begun its review of the Maui Island Plan. On Monday, Jan. 11, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee will conduct the first of a series of community public meetings on the Maui Island Plan, convening at 6 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center. Testimony on the Maui Island Plan should be e-mailed to pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Planning Committee staff). The Maui Island Plan is a regional planning tool, covering Maui’s six community plan areas, and is a new component of the General Plan update process that was established by the Council in 2004. All 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. For more information, please contact the Planning Committee staff. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
Press Release by: Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair Planning Committee
Maui Island Plan to be considered in community meetings throughout Maui WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- After unveiling the draft Maui Island Plan in a meeting in the Council Chamber last month, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee will conduct a series of additional meetings throughout the island this month, Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced today. The draft Maui Island Plan is one of the major components of the County’s current General Plan update, Kaho`ohalahala said. He noted that the Planning Committee has completed its work on the draft Countywide Policy Plan, the initial component of the General Plan update, and that the Council will conduct a public hearing on that document in January. The draft Maui Island Plan is available for review online at: www.mauicounty.gov/maui-island-plan. Having already convened in the Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan Area, with a December 14 meeting in the Council Chamber, the Planning Committee will now meet in Maui’s five other community plan areas, Kaho`ohalahala said. These meetings will enable the Department of Planning to make presentations on the Maui Island Plan that focus on the potential impacts for the respective community plan areas, Kaho`ohalahala said. Testimony will be accepted, but no legislative action will be taken. Pursuant to Chapter 2.80B of the Maui County Code, the Maui Island Plan will establish growth boundaries for the first time. The deadline to enact the Maui Island Plan is Oct. 18, 2010. “The Maui Island Plan is one of the most important documents the Council will consider this term,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “I urge Maui residents to study the draft Maui Island Plan, testify before the Planning Committee and tell Council members where and how the island should grow in the coming decades.” The Planning Committee will meet on Monday at 6 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center within the West Maui Community Plan Area. The Planning Committee will next visit the Paia-Haiku Community Plan Area with a meeting on Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Haiku Community Center. On Jan. 20 at 6 p.m., the Planning Committee will meet within the Makawao-Pukalani-Kula Community Plan, at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Next, the Planning Committee will meet at the Kihei Community Center, within the Kihei-Makena Community Plan Area, on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. The series of community meetings will conclude at Helene Hall in the Hana Community Plan Area on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. The Planning Committee will then return to the Council Chamber for decision-making meetings starting in February. The meetings are open to the public. 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) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
Free tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at recycling and waste processing facilities. December 17, 2009
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
County of Maui’s Annual Tour da Trash Series to Begin in January
-- Free tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at recycling and waste processing facilities.
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management announced today that its annual “Tour da Trash” series will begin January 20, 2010 and will be offered the third Wednesday of each month for six months. The final tour of the year is scheduled for June 16, 2010. Free and open to the public, Tour da Trash gives participants a behind-the-scenes look into recycling and waste processing facilities on Maui. Participants will gain an understanding of what happens after throwing away packaging waste, recycling cans, dropping off green waste and recycling used cooking oil, old cars and appliances. Participants will also learn why it’s important to recycle and what can be done to make a difference by reducing waste and reusing goods. Reservations are required and may be made by calling the County of Maui’s Recycle Maui Hotline at 270-7880. Those interested should leave a message including their name, address and telephone number. Staff will call to confirm the reservation, as well as mail a confirmation and reminder letter that will include instructions (dress code, what to bring) for the tour. High school teachers are encouraged to inquire about tours for their classes. For more information, call the County of Maui’s Recycle Maui hotline at (808) 270-7880 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/recycle. # # #
For Immediate Release: October 27, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair
Planning Committee Planning Committee to continue work on Maui County General Plan WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – After devoting the past several months to deliberations on the Countywide Policy Plan, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee is seeking to complete its review of this primary component of the General Plan during November, starting on Monday, Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced today. Earlier this month, the Council received a draft of the next segment of the General Plan update, the Maui Island Plan, along with recommendations from the Maui General Plan Advisory Committee and the Maui Planning Commission. But Kaho`ohalahala said the Planning Committee will not be able to commence deliberations on the Maui Island Plan until December at the earliest. The Council’s deadline for enacting the Countywide Policy Plan is March 1, 2010; its deadline for enacting the Maui Island Plan is October 18, 2010. “The County Code establishes an orderly process for the General Plan update,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “The Countywide Policy Plan is the initial statement of values and objectives, and will provide a framework for the ordinances that come next, including the Maui Island Plan and the various community plans.” “The Planning Committee has made significant progress on the Countywide Policy Plan, with meetings on Lanai, Maui and Molokai With the continued commitment of my colleagues and the Department of Planning, I look forward to completing our review and forwarding our recommendations to the full Council for approval.” Charts exhibiting the Planning Committee’s currently proposed revisions to the draft Countywide Policy Plan submitted by the Department of Planning are available on the committee website. Monday’s meeting on the Countywide Policy Plan is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting is open to the public. 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/committees/PC/. For more information, please contact the Planning Committee staff. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff) pc:misc:mtgpress091102-01:dr
For Immediate Release: September 29, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Michael P. Victorino, Chair
Water Resources Committee
Water Resources Committee to consider bill to permit use of water from Hamakuapoko Wells during droughts
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii –The Maui County Council’s Water Resources Committee has scheduled a meeting Upcountry on Monday, October 5, 2009 to deliberate a proposed bill allowing water from the Hamakuapoko Wells to be utilized for customers in the Upcountry water system during times of drought. The meeting will be held at the King Kekaulike High School Dining Room from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Those who wish to testify may begin signing up at 5:30 p.m. at the door. Written testimony may be submitted to the Committee via e-mail at wr.committee@mauicounty.us. “I really encourage the public to attend this meeting,” said Committee Chair Victorino. Representatives from the Department of Water Supply and the State Department of Health have been requested to attend the meeting to discuss residents’ concerns related to the water quality of the wells. The meeting is open to the public. Residents may view the proposed bill and the meeting agenda on the Water Resources 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 Water Resources Committee staff. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7760 (Committee Chair Victorino)
(808) 270-7761 or (808) 270-8005 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7639 (Committee Chair Victorino)
(808) 270-7686 (Committee staff)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/WR/ (Water Resources Committee)
E-mail: michael.victorino@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Victorino)
wr.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
wr:misc:mtgpress091005:kcw
For Immediate Release: September 14, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair
Planning Committee
Planning Committee’s General Plan deliberations continue with meeting in Hana tonight and meetings on Lanai and Molokai later this month
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – Continuing deliberations that began in June on the General Plan overhaul, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee will meet at 6 p.m. in Hana’s Helene Hall before proceeding to Lanai and Molokai later this month, Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced today. The Committee has conducted four meetings on the Countywide Policy Plan component of the General Plan at the Council Chamber in Wailuku, most recently on Aug. 31. Meetings for Hana, Lanai and Molokai were canceled last month because of travel concerns arising from Tropical Storm Felicia. After tonight’s meeting in Hana, the Planning Committee will next meet at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 in the Lanai Community Center and then proceed to Molokai for a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the Kaunakakai School Cafeteria. The Hana, Lanai and Molokai meetings will be exclusively devoted to testimony, deliberations, and voting on the Countywide Policy Plan. “The Countywide Policy Plan is the first part of the General Plan update that will be enacted into law,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “This document is intended to shape the future of all Maui County residents, and I believe it is important for the Planning Committee to meet with our constituents who don’t have easy access to the Council Chamber in their home districts.” The draft Countywide Policy Plan was presented to the Council last year by the Planning Director, after receiving guidance from the Lanai, Maui and Molokai general plan advisory committees and planning commissions. The Council has until March 1 to enact the Countywide Policy Plan by ordinance. The last comprehensive overhaul of the General Plan was approved in 1991. Kaho`ohalahala said the Council expects to receive the Maui Island Plan – the next proposed component of the General Plan update – from the Maui Planning Commission this fall. The Planning Committee will finish its deliberations on the Countywide Policy Plan before reviewing the Maui Island Plan, Kaho`ohalahala said. 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.
For Immediate Release: August 28, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Michael P. Victorino, Chair
Water Resources Committee
Water Resources Committee to consider bill to permit use of water from Hamakuapoko Wells during droughts
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – At its next regularly scheduled meeting, the Maui County Council’s Water Resources Committee will consider a bill to allow water from the Hamakuapoko Wells to be utilized for customers in the Upcountry water system during times of drought. The meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 1, 2009, in the Council Chamber. Concerned about the continued drought situation Upcountry, Committee Chair Mike Victorino scheduled the bill for consideration saying, “I encourage all interested members of the public to attend this important meeting. We need to bring this issue back to the table for further discussion.” Each summer, County water customers in the Upcountry area are asked to conserve water. “We need to explore all options available to residents of the Upcountry water system, especially in times of drought,” said Committee Chair Victorino. The meeting is open to the public. Meeting agendas are available on the Water Resources 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 Water Resources Committee staff. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7760 (Committee Chair Victorino)
(808) 270-7761 or (808) 270-8005 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7639 (Committee Chair Victorino)
(808) 270-7686 (Committee staff)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/WR/ (Water Resources Committee)
E-mail: michael.victorino@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Victorino)
wr.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
wr:misc:mtgpress090901:kcw
Press Release by: Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair Planning Committee
This week’s Planning Committee meetings scheduled for Molokai, Hana and Lanai are canceled
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – Maui County Council Planning Committee meetings scheduled for Molokai tomorrow, Hana on Thursday and Lanai on Friday are canceled because of travel concerns arising from Tropical Storm Felicia, Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced today. The meetings had been scheduled to discuss the Countywide Policy Plan portion of the County General Plan. Kaho`ohalahala said the meetings will be re-scheduled for next month. “I apologize for any inconvenience these cancellations may cause for members of the public or the County Administration,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “Council members expressed valid concerns about the safety of air and sea travel this week in light of projected rain, wind and ocean conditions. Canceling the meetings appears to be the prudent course of action.” 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) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
Press Release by: Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair Planning Committee
Planning Committee to begin deliberations on General Plan update
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – Planning Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala has scheduled a series of meetings to begin deliberations on the Countywide Policy Plan, the first major component of the new Maui County General Plan, he announced today. Agendas were posted today for a meeting in the Council Chamber on Aug. 4 at 1:30 p.m. and at Molokai’s Mitchell Pauole Center on Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. Kaho`ohalahala said additional meetings are scheduled for Hana’s Helene Hall on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m., the Lanai High and Elementary School Cafeteria on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. and in the Council Chamber on Aug. 17 at 1:30 p.m.
“The General Plan is Maui County’s preeminent planning tool and statement of policies,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “As the top layer of the General Plan, the Countywide Policy Plan provides not only land use objectives, but also establishes the County’s goals and values for all areas of life, including quality of life, culture, the environment and the economy.” The draft Countywide Policy Plan was presented to the Council last year by the Planning Director, after receiving guidance from the Lanai, Maui and Molokai general plan advisory committees and planning commissions. The Council has until March 1, 2010 to enact the Countywide Policy Plan. Kaho`ohalahala said the Council expects to receive the next component of the General Plan update – the Maui Island Plan – in the fall. The last comprehensive overhaul of the General Plan was approved in 1991. The meetings are open to the public. 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) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho`ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho`ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho`ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
For Immediate Release: July 30, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Wayne K. Nishiki
Ban on shark tour operations to be considered
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- Councilmember Wayne K. Nishiki’s bill to ban shark tour operations will be considered by the Economic Development, Agriculture, and Recreation Committee next Thursday, Aug. 6, at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, he announced today. Citing concerns about cultural sensitivity and public safety, the bill prohibits business activity in Maui County by shark tour operators. The bill defines “shark tours” as the practice of “charging residents or visitors to venture into ocean waters to feed and view sharks for entertainment.” Nishiki’s bill notes that sharks “carry great cultural, historical, and spiritual significance for many Native Hawaiians and others who value the Hawaiian culture.” The bill states that interfering with sharks’ feeding and other behavior patterns for entertainment purposes “is disrespectful of Hawaiian culture.” Nishiki also said the practice could put swimmers and surfers at risks if sharks regularly associate people with food. In addition, the ocean ecology may be disrupted by the feeding of sharks, he said. Although the County does not directly control activity in ocean waters, Nishiki said the bill is justified based on the Council’s ability to regulate or ban onshore business activity to promote public health and safety. He also noted that the General Plan encourages the County to respect and preserve cultural traditions. “This bill sends a clear message that shark tour operations are not wanted because they are inconsistent with Maui County’s values and traditions,” Nishiki said. “Sharks hold a special place in Hawaiian cultural and spiritual traditions, and we should respect that. “As an ocean user myself, I am also concerned about putting people and our ocean environment at risk by interfering with and changing natural shark behavior.” The meeting is open to the public. The meeting agenda and draft bill are available on the Economic Development, Agriculture, and Recreation 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 Councilmember Nishiki’s office. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7108 (Councilmember Wayne K. Nishiki)
Fax: (808) 270-7119
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/county/members/
E-mail: wayne.nishiki@mauicounty.us
March 11, 2010 - 4:00 p.m. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CANCELLED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for the EAST FACING SHORES of MAUI AND MOLOKAI.
Surf along east facing shores has dropped below Advisory levels. Therefore, the High Surf Advisory is cancelled. BEACH GOERS ARE URGED TO REMAIN CAUTIOUS OF THE DECLINING SURF. This will be the last Maui County Civil Defense notification on this event.
Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov. -End-
March 11, 2010 – 8:00 a.m. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CANCELLED the HIGH WIND ADVISORY for MAUI COUNTY.
EFFECTS: Winds have dropped below the advisory threshold of 30 mph. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: PERSONS SHOULD REMAIN CAUTIOUS OF THE DIMINISHING WINDS. INFORMATION: This will be the last Maui County Civil Defense notification on this event. - End -
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2010 Press Release by:
Council Chair Danny A. Mateo
(www.mauicounty.gov/mateo) Council Chair commends House Finance Committee for maintaining counties’ share of hotel room tax revenue
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- Maui County Council Chair Danny A. Mateo, who testified to the House Finance Committee in favor of county governments retaining revenue from the hotel room tax, today expressed gratitude for the Committee’s vote Tuesday night supporting that position. The hotel room tax, known as the Transient Accommodations Tax (or TAT), is a State tax. In recognition of the counties’ support for the visitor industry by providing public safety, beach parks, and other services, as well as funding for tourism promotion, the Legislature has traditionally returned a portion of the TAT revenues to the counties. In recent years, Maui County’s annual share of the TAT has been close to $20 million. The Governor’s legislative package this year included a proposal to strip the counties of all TAT for three years, starting on July 1, 2010. In his testimony to the Finance Committee opposing the Governor’s proposal, Mateo stated: “This legislation would unfairly and unwisely eliminate major funding to the counties at a time when we are addressing an economic downturn and corresponding loss of revenue in every major funding source.” “There is a rational nexus for visitors to help pay for the use of county facilities and services at the point of impact,” Mateo also testified. “TAT revenues should be substantially returned to the local communities where they are earned. By eliminating this traditional source of county revenue, the State would be forcing the counties to shift the transient accommodation tax burden from visitors to local residents”. The Finance Committee is chaired by Representative Marcus R. Oshiro of Oahu. Representatives Gilbert Keith-Agaran and Kyle T. Yamashita are the Finance Committee members from Maui County. “I commend and thank Chair Oshiro, Representatives Keith-Agaran and Yamashita and the other members of the Finance Committee for their thoughtful consideration of my testimony, as well as the testimony from other county officials and numerous private citizens,” Mateo said today. “TAT revenue that is generated by the private- and public-sector workers of Maui County needs to stay here to ensure that our communities are able to weather this current fiscal crisis.” Mateo said he will continue to visit the State Capitol throughout the current legislative session to represent Maui County’s viewpoint on the TAT issue and other key legislation. ###
For Immediate Release: February 2, 2010 Press Release by:
Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair
Planning Committee http://www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC
Components of Maui County General Plan to be voted on this week
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- Council members will conduct votes on key components of the Maui County General Plan in the Council Chamber this week, Planning Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced. The Planning Committee will conduct its first votes on the Maui Island Plan tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., and the Council is scheduled to consider the Countywide Policy Plan on first reading on Friday at 9 a.m. The Countywide Policy Plan and the Maui Island Plan are the first ordinances to be enacted under the County’s new process for updating the General Plan. The Countywide Policy Plan will supersede the current General Plan, enacted in 1991, and establish economic, environmental and governmental goals for the islands of Kahoolawe, Lanai, Maui and Molokai through 2030. The new Maui Island Plan will establish growth boundaries for the first time. The draft Maui Island Plan has been reviewed by the Maui General Plan Advisory Committee and the Maui Planning Commission. In addition, the Planning Committee conducted community meetings on the draft Maui Island Plan in Haiku, Hana, Kihei, Lahaina and Pukalani last month. Deliberations on the Maui Island Plan are expected to span several months. The 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. For more information, please contact the Planning Committee staff. ### pc:misc:mtgpress100203:dr
Press Release by: Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair Planning Committee
Two components of General Plan update to be heard separately at different times and locations next week
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, chair of the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee, made the following announcement today, clarifying the multi-component process of the General Plan update: The County of Maui is currently updating its General Plan, consistent with the requirements of the Maui County Charter and Maui County Code. The first component of the General Plan update is the Countywide Policy Plan. The Planning Committee has completed its review of the Countywide Policy Plan and has forwarded its recommendations to the full Council for action. On Friday, Jan. 15, the Maui County Council will conduct a public hearing on the Countywide Policy Plan at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. Testimony on the Countywide Policy Plan should be e-mailed to county.clerk@mauicounty.us (Office of the County Clerk). The Countywide Policy Plan will establish the County’s long-term goals. The second element of the General Plan update is the Maui Island Plan. The Planning Committee has begun its review of the Maui Island Plan. On Monday, Jan. 11, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee will conduct the first of a series of community public meetings on the Maui Island Plan, convening at 6 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center. Testimony on the Maui Island Plan should be e-mailed to pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Planning Committee staff). The Maui Island Plan is a regional planning tool, covering Maui’s six community plan areas, and is a new component of the General Plan update process that was established by the Council in 2004. All 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. For more information, please contact the Planning Committee staff. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
Press Release by: Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair Planning Committee
Maui Island Plan to be considered in community meetings throughout Maui WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- After unveiling the draft Maui Island Plan in a meeting in the Council Chamber last month, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee will conduct a series of additional meetings throughout the island this month, Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced today. The draft Maui Island Plan is one of the major components of the County’s current General Plan update, Kaho`ohalahala said. He noted that the Planning Committee has completed its work on the draft Countywide Policy Plan, the initial component of the General Plan update, and that the Council will conduct a public hearing on that document in January. The draft Maui Island Plan is available for review online at: www.mauicounty.gov/maui-island-plan. Having already convened in the Wailuku-Kahului Community Plan Area, with a December 14 meeting in the Council Chamber, the Planning Committee will now meet in Maui’s five other community plan areas, Kaho`ohalahala said. These meetings will enable the Department of Planning to make presentations on the Maui Island Plan that focus on the potential impacts for the respective community plan areas, Kaho`ohalahala said. Testimony will be accepted, but no legislative action will be taken. Pursuant to Chapter 2.80B of the Maui County Code, the Maui Island Plan will establish growth boundaries for the first time. The deadline to enact the Maui Island Plan is Oct. 18, 2010. “The Maui Island Plan is one of the most important documents the Council will consider this term,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “I urge Maui residents to study the draft Maui Island Plan, testify before the Planning Committee and tell Council members where and how the island should grow in the coming decades.” The Planning Committee will meet on Monday at 6 p.m. at the Lahaina Civic Center within the West Maui Community Plan Area. The Planning Committee will next visit the Paia-Haiku Community Plan Area with a meeting on Jan. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Haiku Community Center. On Jan. 20 at 6 p.m., the Planning Committee will meet within the Makawao-Pukalani-Kula Community Plan, at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center. Next, the Planning Committee will meet at the Kihei Community Center, within the Kihei-Makena Community Plan Area, on Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. The series of community meetings will conclude at Helene Hall in the Hana Community Plan Area on Jan. 28 at 6 p.m. The Planning Committee will then return to the Council Chamber for decision-making meetings starting in February. The meetings are open to the public. 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) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
For Immediate Release: December 11, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala
Chair, Planning Committee
Two key components of General Plan update to be reviewed
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – Drafts of the Countywide Policy Plan and the Maui Island Plan – the first two components of Maui County’s General Plan update – will be reviewed in separate meetings next week, Planning Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced today. At 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, the Maui County Council will consider the Planning Committee’s recommendation to conduct a public hearing on a proposed bill to adopt the Countywide Policy Plan. The bill includes revisions approved during the course of nine committee meetings conducted throughout the summer and fall. According to Planning Committee Report No. 09-157, the Countywide Policy Plan is intended to establish a vision, core principles and objectives for Maui County over a 20-year planning horizon. At 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, the Planning Committee will conduct its initial review of the Maui Island Plan, which will institute growth boundaries. The Maui Island Plan will establish growth and land use patterns and provide guidance to both public- and private-sector decision makers on the County’s vision for the Valley Isle through 2030. By law, the Maui Island Plan must be consistent with the Countywide Policy Plan. The agenda indicates that no legislative action will be taken at Monday’s Planning Committee meeting. Councilmember Kaho`ohalahala said he encourages interested members of the public to testify at both the Planning Committee meeting and the Maui County Council meeting to provide input on the General Plan. “All Maui County residents have a vested interest in the General Plan,” Councilmember Kaho`ohalahala said. “I welcome testifiers with special knowledge, including cultural and environmental experts, as well as planners, other professionals and members of County advisory committees who have studied these draft plans. “It’s also important for everyone in the public, regardless of expertise or background, to know that the General Plan update is a community-driven process. I’m sure I speak for all my colleagues when I say that we’d like to hear from all of our constituents regarding our islands’ future.” The Council’s current deadlines for approving the Countywide Policy Plan and Maui Island Plan are March 1, 2010 and Oct. 18, 2010, respectively. The 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. For more information, please contact the Planning Committee staff. ### Telephone:
(808) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff) Fax:
(808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services) Web:
www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee) E-mail:
sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff) pc:misc:mtgpress091214:dr
For Immediate Release: November 16, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair
Planning Committee
Planning Committee completes review of Countywide Policy Plan 2030
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawai`i -– Maui County’s vision for the next 20 years is coming into sharper focus – and it includes a diversified economy, sustainable environmental practices and recognition that the Hawaiian culture is "a vital force in the lives of residents.” The Countywide Policy Plan - the first phase of Maui County’s General Plan update - was passed out of the Planning Committee today and will be sent to the full Council for adoption, Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced. The Countywide Policy Plan is the County government’s overarching statement of vision, objectives and policies, Kaho`ohalahala said. He added that enactment of the document - designated as “Countywide Policy Plan 2030” - will mark the first comprehensive overhaul of the County’s General Plan since 1991. The Planning Committee spent most of the summer and fall reviewing the draft Countywide Policy Plan in a series of nine meetings in Wailuku, Hana, Lanai and Molokai, Kaho`ohalahala said. The next phase of the General Plan update is the first-ever Maui Island Plan, which the Department of Planning sent to the Council last month. “I want to thank the Planning Committee Members for being diligent, steadfast and supportive of the work presented to us by our General Plan advisory committees, planning commissions and advisory bodies from Lanai, Molokai, Maui and Hana,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “Everyone’s collective time and commitment to the General Plan update are valuable to the long-range vision for Maui Nui. “We are looking forward to the Maui Island Plan.” The draft Countywide Policy Plan was proposed last year by the Department of Planning after years of work with community groups and professional consultants. Kaho`ohalahala said the plan’s themes were largely endorsed by the Planning Committee, but in some cases, substantive revisions were necessary because of new information or policy differences. The revised bill adopting the Countywide Policy Plan will likely be initially reviewed by the full Council next month, with a public hearing and passage on two readings to follow. Kaho`ohalahala said that the revised bill will be posted to the Planning Committee website after technical and legal review by the Planning Committee staff and the Department of the Corporation Counsel. Kaho`ohalahala said that the bill includes the following policies: • Support emerging industries, including renewable energy, ecotourism and agritourism
• Encourage energy generation that utilizes wind, sun, water, biowaste and other renewable sources of energy
• Develop a streamlining system for urban infill projects
• Adopt a Green Building Code
• Develop networks of greenways, watercourse and habitat corridors
• Protect and restore near-shore reef environments and water quality
• Encourage conservation and recycling
• Reduce reliance on the automobile and fossil fuels by encouraging walking, bicycling and other energy efficient and safe alternative modes of transportation
• Encourage progressive community design and development that will reduce transportation trips
• Facilitate the creation of jobs that offer a living wage
• Ensure that residential workforce housing remains affordable in perpetuity
• Improve coordination among Federal, State, and County agencies
• Establish incentives for the display of public art
• Support community facilities such as museums, libraries, nature centers and open spaces that provide interactive learning opportunities for all ages
• Preserve resources for traditional Hawaiian cultural practices
• Encourage the use of the Hawaiian language and Hawaiian architecture
• Emphasize the importance of the Aloha Spirit Kaho`ohalahala noted that the County Code states: “All agencies shall comply with the general plan.”
### Telephone:
(808) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff) Fax:
(808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services) Web:
www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee) E-mail:
sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
For Immediate Release: October 27, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair
Planning Committee Planning Committee to continue work on Maui County General Plan WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – After devoting the past several months to deliberations on the Countywide Policy Plan, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee is seeking to complete its review of this primary component of the General Plan during November, starting on Monday, Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced today. Earlier this month, the Council received a draft of the next segment of the General Plan update, the Maui Island Plan, along with recommendations from the Maui General Plan Advisory Committee and the Maui Planning Commission. But Kaho`ohalahala said the Planning Committee will not be able to commence deliberations on the Maui Island Plan until December at the earliest. The Council’s deadline for enacting the Countywide Policy Plan is March 1, 2010; its deadline for enacting the Maui Island Plan is October 18, 2010. “The County Code establishes an orderly process for the General Plan update,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “The Countywide Policy Plan is the initial statement of values and objectives, and will provide a framework for the ordinances that come next, including the Maui Island Plan and the various community plans.” “The Planning Committee has made significant progress on the Countywide Policy Plan, with meetings on Lanai, Maui and Molokai With the continued commitment of my colleagues and the Department of Planning, I look forward to completing our review and forwarding our recommendations to the full Council for approval.” Charts exhibiting the Planning Committee’s currently proposed revisions to the draft Countywide Policy Plan submitted by the Department of Planning are available on the committee website. Monday’s meeting on the Countywide Policy Plan is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting is open to the public. 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/committees/PC/. For more information, please contact the Planning Committee staff. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho‘ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff) pc:misc:mtgpress091102-01:dr
For Immediate Release: September 14, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair
Planning Committee
Planning Committee’s General Plan deliberations continue with meeting in Hana tonight and meetings on Lanai and Molokai later this month
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – Continuing deliberations that began in June on the General Plan overhaul, the Maui County Council’s Planning Committee will meet at 6 p.m. in Hana’s Helene Hall before proceeding to Lanai and Molokai later this month, Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala announced today. The Committee has conducted four meetings on the Countywide Policy Plan component of the General Plan at the Council Chamber in Wailuku, most recently on Aug. 31. Meetings for Hana, Lanai and Molokai were canceled last month because of travel concerns arising from Tropical Storm Felicia. After tonight’s meeting in Hana, the Planning Committee will next meet at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 in the Lanai Community Center and then proceed to Molokai for a meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the Kaunakakai School Cafeteria. The Hana, Lanai and Molokai meetings will be exclusively devoted to testimony, deliberations, and voting on the Countywide Policy Plan. “The Countywide Policy Plan is the first part of the General Plan update that will be enacted into law,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “This document is intended to shape the future of all Maui County residents, and I believe it is important for the Planning Committee to meet with our constituents who don’t have easy access to the Council Chamber in their home districts.” The draft Countywide Policy Plan was presented to the Council last year by the Planning Director, after receiving guidance from the Lanai, Maui and Molokai general plan advisory committees and planning commissions. The Council has until March 1 to enact the Countywide Policy Plan by ordinance. The last comprehensive overhaul of the General Plan was approved in 1991. Kaho`ohalahala said the Council expects to receive the Maui Island Plan – the next proposed component of the General Plan update – from the Maui Planning Commission this fall. The Planning Committee will finish its deliberations on the Countywide Policy Plan before reviewing the Maui Island Plan, Kaho`ohalahala said. 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.
Press Release by: Councilmember Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala, Chair Planning Committee
Planning Committee to begin deliberations on General Plan update
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii – Planning Committee Chair Sol P. Kaho`ohalahala has scheduled a series of meetings to begin deliberations on the Countywide Policy Plan, the first major component of the new Maui County General Plan, he announced today. Agendas were posted today for a meeting in the Council Chamber on Aug. 4 at 1:30 p.m. and at Molokai’s Mitchell Pauole Center on Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. Kaho`ohalahala said additional meetings are scheduled for Hana’s Helene Hall on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m., the Lanai High and Elementary School Cafeteria on Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. and in the Council Chamber on Aug. 17 at 1:30 p.m.
“The General Plan is Maui County’s preeminent planning tool and statement of policies,” Kaho`ohalahala said. “As the top layer of the General Plan, the Countywide Policy Plan provides not only land use objectives, but also establishes the County’s goals and values for all areas of life, including quality of life, culture, the environment and the economy.” The draft Countywide Policy Plan was presented to the Council last year by the Planning Director, after receiving guidance from the Lanai, Maui and Molokai general plan advisory committees and planning commissions. The Council has until March 1, 2010 to enact the Countywide Policy Plan. Kaho`ohalahala said the Council expects to receive the next component of the General Plan update – the Maui Island Plan – in the fall. The last comprehensive overhaul of the General Plan was approved in 1991. The meetings are open to the public. 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) 270-7768 (Committee Chair Kaho`ohalahala)
(808) 270-7663 or (808) 270-7668 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7848 (Committee Chair Kaho`ohalahala)
(808) 270-7686 (Office of Council Services)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/PC/ (Planning Committee)
E-mail: sol.kahoohalahala@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Kaho`ohalahala)
pc.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
For Immediate Release: September 29, 2009 Press Release by:
Councilmember Michael P. Victorino, Chair
Water Resources Committee
Water Resources Committee to consider bill to permit use of water from Hamakuapoko Wells during droughts
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii –The Maui County Council’s Water Resources Committee has scheduled a meeting Upcountry on Monday, October 5, 2009 to deliberate a proposed bill allowing water from the Hamakuapoko Wells to be utilized for customers in the Upcountry water system during times of drought. The meeting will be held at the King Kekaulike High School Dining Room from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Those who wish to testify may begin signing up at 5:30 p.m. at the door. Written testimony may be submitted to the Committee via e-mail at wr.committee@mauicounty.us. “I really encourage the public to attend this meeting,” said Committee Chair Victorino. Representatives from the Department of Water Supply and the State Department of Health have been requested to attend the meeting to discuss residents’ concerns related to the water quality of the wells. The meeting is open to the public. Residents may view the proposed bill and the meeting agenda on the Water Resources 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 Water Resources Committee staff. ### Telephone: (808) 270-7760 (Committee Chair Victorino)
(808) 270-7761 or (808) 270-8005 (Committee staff)
Fax: (808) 270-7639 (Committee Chair Victorino)
(808) 270-7686 (Committee staff)
Web: www.mauicounty.gov/committees/WR/ (Water Resources Committee)
E-mail: michael.victorino@mauicounty.us (Committee Chair Victorino)
wr.committee@mauicounty.us (Committee staff)
wr:misc:mtgpress091005:kcw
All fire stations provide free blood pressure checks between 9:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. when firefighters are in quarters.
Fire Station Locations
For Immediate Release: February 24, 2010 Press Release by:
Council Chair Danny A. Mateo
(www.mauicounty.gov/mateo) Council Chair commends House Finance Committee for maintaining counties’ share of hotel room tax revenue
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii -- Maui County Council Chair Danny A. Mateo, who testified to the House Finance Committee in favor of county governments retaining revenue from the hotel room tax, today expressed gratitude for the Committee’s vote Tuesday night supporting that position. The hotel room tax, known as the Transient Accommodations Tax (or TAT), is a State tax. In recognition of the counties’ support for the visitor industry by providing public safety, beach parks, and other services, as well as funding for tourism promotion, the Legislature has traditionally returned a portion of the TAT revenues to the counties. In recent years, Maui County’s annual share of the TAT has been close to $20 million. The Governor’s legislative package this year included a proposal to strip the counties of all TAT for three years, starting on July 1, 2010. In his testimony to the Finance Committee opposing the Governor’s proposal, Mateo stated: “This legislation would unfairly and unwisely eliminate major funding to the counties at a time when we are addressing an economic downturn and corresponding loss of revenue in every major funding source.” “There is a rational nexus for visitors to help pay for the use of county facilities and services at the point of impact,” Mateo also testified. “TAT revenues should be substantially returned to the local communities where they are earned. By eliminating this traditional source of county revenue, the State would be forcing the counties to shift the transient accommodation tax burden from visitors to local residents”. The Finance Committee is chaired by Representative Marcus R. Oshiro of Oahu. Representatives Gilbert Keith-Agaran and Kyle T. Yamashita are the Finance Committee members from Maui County. “I commend and thank Chair Oshiro, Representatives Keith-Agaran and Yamashita and the other members of the Finance Committee for their thoughtful consideration of my testimony, as well as the testimony from other county officials and numerous private citizens,” Mateo said today. “TAT revenue that is generated by the private- and public-sector workers of Maui County needs to stay here to ensure that our communities are able to weather this current fiscal crisis.” Mateo said he will continue to visit the State Capitol throughout the current legislative session to represent Maui County’s viewpoint on the TAT issue and other key legislation. ###
Construction for the South Maui Community Park will require minor blasting activities by contractor Goodfellow Bros. As a precautionary measure, traffic will be stopped for several minutes intermittently on Piilani Hwy between Welakahao Rd and Lipoa St.
This will occur between 10:30 am to 12 noon and between 03:30 pm to 5 pm on weekdays. Maui Police Department will assist with traffic stoppage. Expect delays.
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