Department of the Corporation Counsel

Mission

To support County government by providing legal advice and representation that promotes public interest, and promotes the countywide strategic priorities.

Legal Services Program Powers, Duties and Functions

The Legal Services Program is the county’s general practice civil law firm with the task of providing quality legal services in a timely, knowledgeable, and professional manner.  The department serves as the legal adviser and legal representative of the:  County of Maui, County Council, the Mayor, all departments, all Boards and Commissions, all County officials and employees in matters related to their official duties.

A key function implicit in all duties and responsibilities is the legal oversight of county operations, which enables the protection of county assets, property and personnel from lawsuits in a complex legal environment.  Effective July 1, 2012, this program also includes the Risk Management Division, which was transferred from the Department of Finance.

Divisions

The department is divided into four sections: Counseling and Drafting, Litigation, Risk Management and Administrative Management and Clerical Services. The Corporation Counsel and First Deputy oversee all sections.

  • Counseling and Drafting Division: Is divided into two teams:
     1. Planning, Land Use and Public Infrastructure Team provides legal counseling and drafting services relating to planning, land use, public works, environmental management, water, and public infrastructure.
     2. The Finance, Public Safety, and Human Resources Team provides legal counseling and drafting services relating to finance, public safety, human resources, and other matters.
  • Litigation Division:Primary focus is on representing the County, its officers and employees in legal proceedings. This representation includes both administrative hearings and court cases in federal and state court. The Division also assists with investigations of personnel matters.
  • Risk Management Division: Plans, directs and develops countywide policies and programs to manage risk and control accidental losses. Assists departments in identifying and evaluating exposures, and formulates cost-effective plans and mitigation techniques to address risks unique to County operation. The Division oversees insurance procurement, employee health/wellness and safety, regulatory compliance, and the administration of workers’ compensation, temporary disability, and third party claims.
  • The Administrative Management and Clerical Services Division: Provides clerical and administrative support to the Department of the Corporation Counsel.

Corporation Counsel Cases, Opinions and Publications

  • Litigation Matters - View Open Cases
  • * Source: COM COR Legal Files. For more information, please reference state and federal web pages for current updates. Court links provided in the Information & Resources section below.
  • Case Profiles
  • Legal Opinions

Maui County Climate Change Litigation

The County of Maui has filed a lawsuit against 20 fossil fuel companies for the rising costs and impacts of climate change. The litigation seeks compensatory and punitive damages, equitable relief, disgorgement of profits, costs and fees and other relief as deemed proper by the court. 

Information & Resources

Job Opportunities: JOIN THE COUNTY OF MAUI

The Department of the Corporation Counsel (COR), County of Maui, is seeking applications from experienced attorneys. COR is the chief legal adviser to and legal representative of the County of Maui, of the Council, the Mayor, all departments, all Boards and Commissions, and of all county Officials and employees in matters relating to their official duties, thus providing opportunities for a diverse and unique practice. Applicants must be licensed in the State of Hawai’i.

In particular, COR seeks applications from attorneys with experience in transportation law, land use and zoning, real estate transactions, real property and contract law. COR represents the County in complex real estate transactions; land use and zoning administration and enforcement; compliance with environmental laws; and acquisition (negotiated and through eminent domain), leasing and management of City properties and facilities.

COR also seeks applications from attorneys with experience in state and federal employment law, mediation and arbitration under collective bargaining agreements, labor grievances, workers’ compensation, and employment litigation in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. COR advises the County Department of Personnel Services and other agencies on matters related to the management of public employees, such as performance management, workplace investigations, and labor and employment laws. COR represents the County in employment litigation, arbitrations and cases before administrative agencies, including the EEOC.

Submit letter of interest, resume, work sample and references to: 
County of Maui
Department of the Corporation Counsel
Attn: Victoria J. Takayesu, Corporation Counsel
200 S. High Street, 3rd Floor
Wailuku, Hawaii  96793
Corporation Counsel Email