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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.
February 8, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Trash Service Disrupted in Kihei, Trash to be Collected Tuesday
KIHEI, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, announced that regularly scheduled trash pickup was disrupted in Kihei from Kaiwahine Street (Hale Piilani Subdivision) to Ohukai Road today, due to mechanical issues. Refuse is expected to be collected on Tuesday. The Solid Waste Division apologizes for the inconvenience. For more information, please call the Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, at 270-7875. # # #
February 8, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor Tavares to Host Radio Show
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-As part of “Got Choice… Think Local” month in February, a radio broadcasted show will air live on Friday, February 12 and Friday, February 19, 2010. The month-long campaign aims to boost the local economy by encouraging residents, through incentives from over 180 participating businesses, to keep their dollars circulating within the community. The Feb 12th “Got Choice… Think Local” radio show will be hosted by Mayor Tavares. Office of Economic Development Coordinator, Diedre Tegarden, will join Mayor Tavares on the 12th and will host the February 19th show. Listeners may tune-in to KAOI, 1110 AM from noon to 1:00 p.m. on both Fridays. Prize-giveaways will be announced throughout the hour. Special guests include Mercer “Chubby” Vicens, representing the Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce; Chauncey Monden, owner of Kula Country Farms, and Lisa Paulson, Marketing Manager for Queen Kaahumanu Shopping Center. “Got Choice… Think Local” is co-sponsored by the County of Maui, the Maui News, Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, Pacific Radio Group, KAOI Radio Group, Maui County Farm Bureau, Maui Printing Company, and the Maui Cattle Company. For more information, visit www.mauicountythinklocal.com, or call the County’s Office of Economic Development at (808) 270-7710. # # # More Info: Office of Economic Development
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. # # #
February 3, 2010 PRESS RELEASE
Water Conservation Request for Wailuku Beginning Tomorrow; Low Water Pressure Expected in Kahului
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-- Department of Water Supply customers in Wailuku are asked to conserve water this weekend while the Waiale Tank is off-line for a tie-in project. Affected areas include Wailuku Heights, Waikapu, Kehalani (mauka of Honoapiilani Highway), Maui Tropical Plantation, Kahili Golf Course and King Kamehameha Golf Course. Conservation is requested from 9:00 p.m. Thursday, February 4, to 8:00 a.m. Monday, February 8, 2010. Customers are urged to conserve water by turning off irrigation systems and other non-essential uses of water for the weekend. This will allow the Department to preserve water levels in the storage tanks for health and safety purposes. During this time, the 3 million-gallon Waiale Tank off of Waiale Road will be out of service due to a tie-in to connect the new Maui Lani Wells to the county system. The wells should be online by the beginning of April. In addition, on Friday, the tank shutdown may cause low water pressure in Kahului. This includes the area around Lihikai School between Onehee Avenue, Palama Drive, South Wakea Avenue, and Kaahumanu Avenue. The Maui Lani subdivision, Lihikai and Pomaikai Elementary Schools, and Maui Waena Intermediate School will also experience very low water pressure. Customers are urged to call the 24-hour service line (270-7633) only if a water problem occurs. # # #
February 3, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nominations Now Being Accepted for County’s Commemoration of National Women’s History Month in March
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-Mayor Charmaine Tavares announced today that the Maui County Committee on the Status of Women will be accepting nominations for recognition during National Women’s History Month, honoring women from Maui County that have made accomplishments in the arts, business, community organizations, cultural, education, non-profit, political and religious fields of work or service. “I encourage people to consider the women in our community who have contributed to making our county a very special place,” said Mayor Tavares. “So many deserve to be recognized and honored for their professional accomplishments, community involvement, dedication, and commitment. This is our way of celebrating how important their contributions are.” The theme this year is 2010: Writing Women Back into History. Nominated women who match the criteria for this year’s theme will be included in a commemorative booklet celebrating Women’s History Month that will be distributed throughout the county. The nomination deadline for inclusion into the booklet is Tuesday, February 16, 2010. The celebration and recognition of women’s historic achievements began nationally in 1980 when National Women’s History Week took effect through a Presidential Proclamation. In 1987, the national celebration was expanded by Congressional Resolution, declaring March as National Women’s History Month. Nomination forms are available on the County of Maui’s website at www.mauicounty.gov For more information call the Office of the Mayor at (808) 270-7105. # # # More info: 2010:Writing Women Back Into History
February 3, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Maui County Green Book, a Directory of Eco-Conscious Businesses, Currently Accepting Submissions for Free Listings WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Office of Economic Development announced today that the deadline to submit information on eco-conscious businesses for free inclusion in The Maui County Green Book is March 10, 2010. The County of Maui has teamed with Haynes Publishing Company of Wailuku to create a comprehensive directory of all eco-conscious businesses on Maui, Molokai and Lanai that provide sustainable and, or, environmentally friendly products or services. Publication of The Maui County Green Book, and its release to the public, is scheduled for May of 2010. The print edition will be produced on recycled paper, with soy ink. The guide will also be available digitally, as well as in the form of a searchable, interactive web directory. To have your company included in The Maui County Green Book, fill out the application available at www.mauicountygreenbook.com , describing your products and, or, services. For more information, contact the County’s Office of Economic Development at (808) 270-7710, visit www.mauicounty.gov or www.mauicountygreenbook.com # # # For more information on the Green Book
- Proclaims February “Got Choice… Think Local” Month in the County of Maui February 2, 2010
Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Charmaine Tavares Calls on Public to Spend Locally
- Proclaims February “Got Choice… Think Local” Month in the County of Maui WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- Flanked by a number of business owners, Mayor Charmaine Tavares issued a proclamation today declaring February “Got Choice… Think Local” month in the County of Maui. The proclamation signing took place at 11:00 a.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room on the 9th Floor of the County’s Kalana O Maui building, and kicked off the County’s “Got Choice… Think Local” campaign, which promotes the support of Maui businesses and encourages the public to keep their dollars circulating within our community. During the proclamation signing ceremony, Mayor Tavares described how the new initiative took shape. “Someone asked me what she could do with a limited income to help the community during these hard economic times. I told her that everyone has to shop at some point and spending money here helps local businesses. If we all practiced this in our daily lives, the impact to our own county would be dramatic. “I tell people that the best way to make a difference right now is with your pocketbook, Mayor Tavares continued. “You have choices to make everyday on what to spend your dollar on. This is the way we can all make a positive difference in our community during these tough times. Put your dollar into the right hands - the hands of someone in our own community.” At the signing event, County of Maui Economic Development Coordinator Deidre Tegarden announced a new webpage, www.MauiCountyThinkLocal.com, and a new “Maui County Think Local” radio show that will begin airing live on February 12th on KAOI 1110 AM. “The ‘Got Choice… Think Local’ campaign is just the beginning and it’s already taking off in a big way,” said Tegarden, who described the incentives and coupons being offered during the month of February. “Each of the 180 businesses that have already signed on chose and created their own, unique incentive to offer the public.”
In her remarks, Mayor Tavares noted that “there are nearly 10,000 registered businesses in Maui County that provide employment for residents, creating jobs for a large portion of our local population. Buying local is an investment in our community that supports local families, and highlights how buying locally produced, fresh and nutritious agricultural products can help ensure that there will be farms and ranches in our county for future generations.” Promotions featured during the month-long campaign include incentives like a complimentary reusable shopping tote for consumers with receipts totaling at least $50 spent at any business in Maui County this year, and coupons valid for various benefits offered by the more than 180 participating local businesses. Sponsors of the “Got Choice…Think Local” campaign are Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, Grown on Maui, KAOI Radio Group, Lahaina News, Maui Cattle Company, Maui County Farm Bureau, Maui Printing Company, MauiTime, Maui TV News, Maui Weekly, Pacific Radio Group and The Maui News. For more information and to view the proclamation in its entirety, visit www.MauiCountyThinkLocal.com. For more information contact the County of Maui Office of Economic Development at (808) 270-7710 # # # PHOTO:
Mayor Charmaine Tavares looks at a promotional t-shirt displayed by Economic Development Coordinator Deidre Tegarden (left). The shirts will be offered as prize giveaways during live “Maui County Think Local” radio call-in shows that will be broadcast on KAOI 1110 AM. More info on the Office of Economic Development
PRESS RELEASE February 1, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Tavares to Proclaim February as “Got Choice…Think Local” Month WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii - Mayor Charmaine Tavares will issue a proclamation that February is “Got Choice…Think Local Month” in the County of Maui. The proclamation signing serves as the kick-off for the County’s “Got Choice…Think Local” campaign promoting support of Maui businesses. The event is open to the public and will take place on Tuesday, February 2 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mayor’s Conference on the 9th floor of Kalana O Maui. The proclamation signing event will introduce a new website, www.MauiCountyThinkLocal.com, created to support the County’s campaign to help local businesses, and a new Maui County Think Local radio show that will air live on KAOI 1110 AM beginning February 12. A specially-designed “Got Choice… Think Local” reusable shopping bag will be offered free during February. The free reusable shopping bag will be available with receipts totaling a minimum of $50 for any goods and/or services purchased in 2010 from any business in Maui County. Receipts can be redeemed for the bag at the following locations and dates: Maui: Queen Kaahumanu Center - February 13 and 14 during mall hours
Lahaina Cannery Mall - February 20, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Hasegawa General Store - February 25 - 27 during store hours
Azeka Shopping Center - February 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Molokai: Kuhao Business Center - February 15 to 26 during business hours Lanai: County Council Services Office, February 15-26 during business hours “Got Choice...Think Local” is co-sponsored by the County of Maui, the Maui News, Maui No Ka Oi Magazine, Pacific Radio Group, KAOI Radio Group, Maui County Farm Bureau, Maui Printing Company, and the Maui Cattle Company. The campaign will feature promotions scheduled to run for the duration of the month, including incentives for consumers that buy local products, and coupons valid for various benefits offered by participating local businesses.
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January 28, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hawaii State Driver’s License Gets a New Look Beginning February 1, 2010 WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui announced today that beginning February 1, 2010 all State of Hawaii driver’s licenses will be issued with a new design. The last design change took place in January of 2005. “A new, state-of-the-art production system that has been installed throughout the state provides us the opportunity to add unique, identifiable features to be incorporated into the new drivers license cards,” said County of Maui Motor Vehicle and Licensing Administrator Lito Vila. “These new features enhance the integrity of the drivers license cards by better protecting the holder’s personal information from tampering, alteration, and fraudulent reproduction. Such attempts will be easier to identify, assisting in our continued effort to deter and prevent identity theft in our community.” New design features include: • A gradient (dark to light) pink shading on the top of the card containing the State of Hawaii flag, the word “USA”, and the outline of the Hawaiian Islands in a “clear window” format. Another outline of the Hawaiian Islands in a “clear window” format located on the bottom of the card. • The word HAWAII is in semi-script with upper and lower casing. • The issue date is located at the top of the photo and overlaps the photo. • Part of the last name signature overlaps the “sheer” (ghost) image on the horizontal formatted license. • Part of the first name signature overlaps the “sheer” (ghost) image on the vertical formatted license. • The “sheer” (ghost) image is located on the lower right of the horizontal formatted license or permit and lower left corner of the vertical formatted license. • The Rainbow design is not on the instruction permit. • Each card contains a unique document discriminator number written as item 5 on the front of the card and a unique card serial number on the back of the card, below the linear barcode. • Bi-dimensional bar code on the back of the card. • Brief description of the applicable class of license and any restrictions and endorsements listed on the back of the card. • Date of birth printed in black lettering on the back of the card. • Hair color and county code no longer displayed. For more information, call the County of Maui Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing at (808) 270-7363 or visit www.mauicounty.gov/finance. # # #
Motor Vehicle Registration, Drivers Licensing...
Press Release January 28, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February “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 February, 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. The following workshops are available: Intellectual property attorney Shannon S. Imlay will present how to protect your creative works and ideas in "Protecting Ideas and Avoiding Infringement: The essentials of patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets" on Thursday, February 4, Noon to 1:30 p.m. Who should attend? Entrepreneurs, songwriters, authors, inventors, artists or anyone interested in protecting intellectual property. Shannon S. Imlay is registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. “The Magic of Marketing” will be held on Tuesday, February 9, noon to 1 p.m. The session is jam-packed with low-cost (and even no-cost) marketing techniques your small business can use right away. Timothy Wenk has been a professional magician for 30 years. What can a magician possibly teach you about marketing? 99% of magicians are unable to "make it" in the profession, but Tim has developed a thriving business. BONUS: The first 15 people to who attend will get a 1-hour audio CD, "How to Double Your Business" -- FREE. (a $15 value ) “How to Use Social Media to Improve Your Business” is being presented on Thursday, February 11th from Noon to 1 p.m. Join technologist Peter Liu for a workshop about "Using Social Media in Your Business" and get the lowdown on what the Web 2.0 revolution is all about. This workshop focuses on describing in layman's terms how today's Internet and World Wide Web is weaving itself into our lives and businesses, and presents the framework necessary to start building it into your plans and strategies going forward. Instructor Peter Liu is an Internet advocate and veteran of more than 25 years in the computer industry. Get the scoop on how to set up a non-profit. “Talk Story about Starting a Non-Profit” is scheduled for Tuesday, February 16, noon to 1 p.m. Presenter Stuart Funke-d”Egnuff is the Executive Director for Tri-Isle Resource Conservation & Development Council. He has assisted in setting up a number of non-profits and is knowledgeable in the workings of Board of Directors. He also works with many grant applicants and recipients, as well as many funding institutions. Ask questions leading to starting a Non-Profit and the real reasons people want to develop this type of business entity.
Leslie Mullens presents "Building a Bankable Marketing Plan" on Wednesday, February 17, Noon to 1 p.m. Why is it that some companies strike gold with their advertising dollars and others fall flat time after time? Those with the gold know the secret: You have to be intimately familiar with your target market and craft a marketing plan that speaks directly to those customers. To do that well, you have to answer three critical questions. PLAYBOOK Consulting Group's president, Leslie Mullens, will share those questions and provide step-by-step guidance in how to answer them. “Taking Control of Your Credit” will answer questions about your credit and how it affects your ability to get financing to start or grow your business. Join us on Thursday, February 18 from Noon to 1p.m. Find out what a credit score is, how to clean up your credit, dispute basics and more. Presented by Delia Wilson, loan fund manager with MEO Business Development Corp. Learn about “Starting a Business in Maui County” on Wednesday, February 24 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. “Government Contracts for Small Maui Companies” is presented on Thursday, February 25, noon to 1 p.m. Every product or service that is acquired by the government is done through a bidding process. MEO’s Business Development Corporation (BDC) is partnering with the Hawaii Procurement Technical Assistance Center (HI-PTAX) to assist businesses in becoming successful Federal Government Contractors. Evette Lau of MEO’s BDC will lead this instructional workshop introducing participants to the process of successful government contracting. 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. # # # Maui County Business Resource Ctr. webpage
Press Release January 27, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Families Purchase Homes with the Help of New County Grant Program for First-Time Home Buyers WAIHEE, Maui, Hawaii-Seven Maui families recently moved into their own homes, purchased with help from a new County of Maui grant program that assists first-time home buyers with their down-payment and/or closing costs. Mayor Charmaine Tavares and County Council Vice-Chair Michael Molina met recently with the families at the home of Joy and Charles Au of Waihee, who enjoyed their first Christmas in their newly purchased home. The First-Time Home Buyer’s Grant (FTHBG) program, which began taking applications on November 2, 2009 and provides maximum grant awards of $15,000, was initiated by County Council Vice-Chair Michael Molina in 2005 when housing prices were inflated. The legislation passed with support of the full County Council and is being administered by Evergreen Home Loans through the County of Maui Department of Housing and Human Concerns (DHHC), Housing Division. “I wanted to establish a program that would help middle-income families purchase their first home, said Vice-Chair Molina. “I am excited for these hard-working families who can now experience the dream of home ownership in Maui County. It’s very gratifying to hear their stories and see their pride of being new homeowners.” Charles Au and his wife Joy are teachers at Lokelani Intermediate School in Kihei; their son, Makahinu, is 15 months old. The Au’s and the other families gathered at their home thanked Mayor Tavares, Council Vice-Chair Molina, DHHC Deputy Director Jo-Ann Ridao and Housing Administrator Wayde Oshiro. “I grew up in a family of 11 children in rural Oahu, and we always rented,” Au shared with the group. “My whole life I thought I would never have the opportunity to own a home because of the cost. Thank you so much for taking away that obstacle.” Manny Visitacion, who is raising three young daughters, said the program was a dream come true. “For the longest time I was trying to get a house for my kids, and I never dreamed I could do it,” he said. ‘But a couple friends encouraged me to try for the (FTHB) program, and with the help of the Mayor and the Council, I was able to achieve this dream!” Mayor Tavares said, “What a great day for these new homeowners and our County. For these families it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’m glad was available to them. I appreciate the work of the council and especially Council Vice-Chair Molina in making this happen.” No re-payment of the grant will be required unless one of the grantee refinances the first mortgage loan and receives cash; the grantee no longer uses the property as the borrower’s principle residence; or the borrower sells the property within 15 years. If the grantee sells, moves, or refinances to receive cash within 15 years, the amount of $15,000 will be paid back to the County. To qualify for the FTHBG Program, applicants were required to reside in the County of Maui at the time of application; be at least 18 years of age, be a first-time homebuyer and a United States citizen or resident alien; meet income and asset requirements; and not have a greater than 50 percent interest in fee-simple or leasehold land suitable for dwelling purposes. The County set the maximum household income at 140 percent of HUD’s established median family income for residents of most areas of Maui, which is $105,560. The income requirements were adjusted for residents of Hana, $90,888; Lanai, $91,938; and Molokai, $70,238. For more information on the grant program, contact the County of Maui DHHC Housing Division at 270-7351. # # # PHOTO: Mayor Charmaine Tavares and County Council Vice-Chair Michael Molina visited with several families who recently purchased their own home for the first time with the help of a new County grant program. L-R: Manny Visitacion (white shirt) and daughters Tiffany (13), Ashley (16) and Seryna (10); siblings Rudolfo Queja and Irene Queja Bala; Mayor Charmaine Tavares; Councilmember Michael Molina; Joy and Charles Au with son Makahinu, 14 mos.
January 26, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Building Without Permits in Violation of County Code Costly for Property Owners WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui has received payments totaling more than $19,000 as a result of settlements of two cases brought against property owners who were cited by the County’s Department of Public Works for failure to obtain building and other required permits prior to commencing work on their property in violation of the Maui County Code. Defendant Michael Malek paid $10,000 in fines to settle the County of Maui’s claims filed against him in the Second Circuit Court case, County of Maui v. Michael Malek, for doing grading work, plumbing work, constructing a rock wall and building a barn on his Haiku property without obtaining the necessary permits. Seashore Properties LLC, owner of the property on which the Paia Inn Hotel, Paia, Maui is located, paid $9,160 to resolve three disputed Notices of Violation issued to it by County building inspectors. The Notices alleged that Seashore had performed work on the property without first obtaining required building permits. Seashore denied these allegations, filing appeals of the Notices with the Board of Variances and Appeals. The appeals have been dismissed. In addition to these payments, both property owners had to obtain the required permits, paying an additional penalty amount for the issuance of the after-the-fact permits as provided for by the Maui County Code. The County was represented in these enforcement cases by Deputy Corporation Counsel Mary Blaine Johnston. Malek and Seashore Properties were each represented by private attorneys. # # #
January 25, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Charmaine Tavares to Deliver 2010 State of the County Address WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii - Mayor Charmaine Tavares will present her fourth State of the County Address on Thursday, February 11th, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. in the Council Chambers on the 8th Floor of the County Building at 200 South High Street, Wailuku. Sign language interpretation will be provided during the speech. Attendance at the Mayor’s State of the County Address is open and free to the public; however, seating is limited. The public may watch a live broadcast of the speech on cable television via AKAKU: Maui Community Television Channel 53. Radio station KNUI AM 900 will also be broadcasting the speech live. The speech will be re-broadcast the same day at 11:00 a.m. on KAOI 96.7 FM and KAOI 1110 AM. On Friday, February 12, KPMW 105.5 FM will run a re-broadcast at 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. The State of the County will be available online at www.mauicounty.gov/mayor following the conclusion of her speech in the Council Chambers. For more information, please call the Office of the Mayor at (808) 270-7855. # # #
Press Release January 22, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mayor Charmaine Tavares Meets President Obama in Critical Discussion About Federal Support for Counties WASHINGTON, D.C. - Mayor Charmaine Tavares, attending the Winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, participated in a meeting with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden yesterday at the White House. The President spoke with mayors on the urgent need to create more jobs and invest in communities. President Obama noted that he enjoys meeting with mayors because it reminds him of where he got his start: “Working with folks at the local level, doing our best to make a real impact on the lives of ordinary Americans -- and that's what each of you does every single day. You're the first interaction citizens have with their government when they step outside every morning…It's just not easy being a mayor. But rarely, if ever, has it been more difficult than it is today. Your constituents are feeling the pain of the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression -- not to mention an economy that wasn't working for a lot of them long before this particular crisis hit. Many have lost jobs; many have lost their health care; some maybe even have lost their homes. And they're looking to you and all of us to regain some sense of economic security. And just when they need more from you, you're stuck with falling revenues, leaving you with impossible choices that keep mounting up -- putting projects on hold.” Mayor Tavares responded to the President’s remarks, saying that it was an “amazing opportunity to meet with President Obama. His comments really hit home for us as mayors. The President listened to our concerns about the importance of having federal support make its way through to the county level and I feel that he will do his best to make funding available to us without so much of it first going directly to state agencies before trickling to the counties.” For the full text of President Obama’s remarks and for more information on the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Winter meeting, visit www.usmayors.org. # # # PHOTO: Mayor Charmaine Tavares is greeted by President Barack Obama at the Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C. More information on the U.S. Conference of Mayors
-- 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 January 21, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
County Sponsors “Magic of Recycling” Shows in Schools
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- Nearly two dozen shows will be performed in schools throughout Maui County to teach students grades K-5 about the benefits of recycling, the County of Maui Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today. “The Magic of Recycling” show, which utilizes comedy, audience participation and the visual impact of magic tricks, teaches students what recycling is, how to recycle and why it is important. The 45-minute show, which received the National Recycling Coalition Award for Outstanding Educational Program, has been performed live for over 3 million students in 38 states (including Hawaii) and in England by Timothy Wenk and his staff. The show is the brainchild of Wenk, who has been called “America’s Goodwill Ambassador or Recycling.” The shows being performed locally will include a component on the new plastic bag legislation, which goes into effect in Maui County in January 2011. With 50 million plastic bags used in the county every year, the new legislation addresses the need to keep the bags out of the landfill and out of the marine environment by using reusable shopping bags. “This is an important time to be bringing this recycling message to students, who will play an important role in reminding adults to bring reusable bags along,” said DEM Director Cheryl Okuma. “With the shows expected to reach 8,750 families in less than a month, we hope to increase the rate of recycling in our County and draw attention to the need to begin to change our shopping habits now.” Mayor Charmaine Tavares commended DEM for taking a creative approach to educating the public about the coming changes. “As a former educator and school administrator, I’ve seen first-hand how effective a classroom presentation can be in reaching a student’s entire family,” she said. “This show is a great opportunity to encourage recycling in our community with a message that’s fun and exciting- perfect for our keiki.” Wenk will perform the shows on Maui and Molokai this year. Local media interested in attending a show may call 270-8222; additional background information on the show is available at www.RecyclingShowPress.com. For more information on recycling, visit www.mauicounty.gov/recycle or call the Recycle Maui County hotline at 270-7880. From Lanai, call 800-272-0125 ext. 7880; from Molokai: 800-272-0117 ext. 7880. # # #
Visit the Recycle Maui County webpage...
January 19, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fire Captain Lee Mainaga Promoted to Fire Services Chief
KAHULUI, Maui, Hawaii—Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray announced today that Lee Mainaga was promoted from Captain to Fire Services Chief on January 1, 2010. A badge-pinning ceremony took place on Monday, January 11th at 8:30 a.m. at the Kahului Fire Station. Chief Mainaga joined the Maui County Department of Fire and Public Safety on March 16, 1990 and has served at the Lanai, Kihei, Paia, Wailea and Hana stations throughout his career. For more information, contact the County of Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety at (808) 270-7561. # # #
Press Release January 15, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Phase I of Lahaina Watershed Flood Control Project to Begin LAHAINA, Maui, Hawaii - After about 30 years since planning for the Lahaina Watershed Flood Control Project was initiated in the 1980s by the Federal Soil Conservation Service, the predecessor of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the County of Maui, ground was broken at a ceremony today held by Mayor Charmaine Tavares and contractor Kiewit Construction. Other key groups that participated included the West Maui Soil & Water Conservation District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. “I’m pleased that we are moving forward with this long-awaited project that will provide improved flood protection for the residents of Lahaina,” Mayor Charmaine Tavares said. “I remember when my Dad (former Mayor Hannibal Tavares) began working on this project with Buddy Nobriga in the ‘80s. So it is especially meaningful to help break ground today, in honor of the hard work and dedication of the many people who helped see this project through the many hurdles it faced over the decades.” The Lahaina Watershed Flood Control Project is expected to address severe flooding events that have plagued Lahaina over a number of decades by routing floodwaters from the West Maui Mountains around portions of Lahainaluna Road, Luakini Street and the Wainee area of Lahaina Town. A series of channels and basins will be constructed that are designed to intercept runoff before it reaches Lahaina Town, encourage percolation and minimize sediment flowing into the ocean. Some of the significant issues that needed to be resolved before beginning Phase I involved impacts of floodwaters on the near-shore environment, whether there should be one or two outlets into the ocean, the cessation of sugar cane cultivation (which altered the drainage calculations), lack of funding and the purchase of private property for portions of the drainage improvements. Kahu Earl Kukahiko, who gave a blessing of the project just prior to the ceremonial groundbreaking, shared that as a youth in Lahaina, he recalled many occasions of flooding. “During heavy rains, the whole area by Lahaina Hongwanji used to flood- I even remember many stories my dad used to tell me,” he recalled. “I am very grateful to see this project come to life.” Phase I of the anticipated five-phase project has been awarded to Kiewit Construction in a $6.3 million contract that was partly paid for with federal funds. Phase 1 includes the installation of the ocean outlet at Waianukole consisting of two 28-foot by 10-foot culverts, a sediment basin and a drainage channel up to Hoikeike Place. Speakers at the event included James “Jay” Nobriga, Chairman of the West Maui Soil & Water Conservation District, Bill Hollingsworth, State Conservation Engineer with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Jeff Fahey, Project Engineer with Kiewit Pacific Co. # # # PHOTOS:
Groundbreaking (L-R): James “Jay” Nobriga, Chairman, West Maui Soil & Water Conservation District; Jeff Fahey, Project Engineer, Kiewit Pacific Co.; Buddy Nobriga, Retired Chairman, West Maui Soil & Water Conservation District; Mayor Charmaine Tavares; Wes Nohara, Associate Director, West Maui Soil & Water Conservation District; Senator Roz Baker; Greg Kapuni, Civil Superintendent, Kiewit Pacific Co.; Bill Hollingsworth, State Conservation Engineer, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service; and Michael Miyamoto, Deputy Director, County of Maui Department of Public Works.
Right: Mayor Charmaine Tavares discusses the project with Kiewit Pacific Co. Project Engineer Jeff Fahey.
January 14, 2010 Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Construction of Second Phase of Market Street Project to Begin Tuesday
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- Mayor Charmaine Tavares and Public Works Director Milton Arakawa announced today that construction for the second phase of the Market Street Improvement Project will begin January 19, 2010. The project, which falls under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA - Federal Stimulus), totals $ 2,592,371 and is expected to be completed in December 2010. Goodfellow Brothers is the general contractor, while Aimone-Martin Associates has begun conducting a survey of the structures along Market Street from Kahawai Street to Mokuhau Road before construction begins. The project includes constructing a landscaped island to serve as a school bus stop at the intersection at Piihana Road; constructing new sidewalks, curbs, driveways, curb ramps and concrete sidewalks; installing new signs and relocating existing signs; and replacing the existing roadway with a new asphalt pavement section. The project also includes improvements to drainage systems by installing an underground system that will capture runoff from heavy rains on Market Street and release it into the Iao Stream, and the realignment of a segment of the existing waterline to accommodate the new drainage system. Construction is scheduled to take place Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; some weekend work may be necessary. It is anticipated that one lane of traffic will be kept open with local traffic access; traffic may be detoured through side streets during construction hours. Questions on the project may be directed to Yuki Lei Sugimura, community relations consultant, at 878-1888 or yukilei@hawaii.rr.com. # # #
Press Release January 13, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mayor Tavares Announces Call for Nominations: Volunteer Recognition Awards
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii- Mayor Charmaine Tavares announced today that nominations are now being accepted for the County’s 2010 Volunteer Recognition Awards Program. The community is invited to nominate individuals who provided outstanding volunteer service in Maui County during 2009, and who are committed to making a difference in their community by promoting and supporting volunteerism. “Our volunteers provide much-needed services that are vital to the well-being of our community, especially during these challenging times,” said Mayor Charmaine Tavares. “These awards give us an opportunity to thank volunteers for their efforts, and for sharing their talents and time. I am deeply gratified by the example they set for all of us to follow.” The program, administered by the County of Maui Volunteer Center, is sponsored by Tri-Isle Resource Conservation and Development Council, Inc., which is providing prizes and covering advertisement costs, and Queen Kaahumanu Center, which is providing the venue, set up and sound management. Nomination packets are available online at www.mauicounty.gov/volunteercenter and must be received by the Volunteer Center by Monday, February 22, 2010. Nominations may be returned by fax: (808) 270-8260; by email: volunteer.center@mauicounty.gov; or by mail: County of Maui Volunteer Center, Recognition Awards Program, 200 S. High Street, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793. Nominees must be residents of Maui County who engaged in voluntary service in 2009. No more than one nomination may be submitted by the same nominator. Top winners of the youth, young adult, adult and senior categories will receive a Tommy Bahama’s Restaurant dinner certificate for two. Second and third place winners will receive a Queen Kaahumanu Center gift certificate. All nominees, finalists and winners will be honored in a ceremony on Center Stage at the Queen Kaahumanu Center at noon on Saturday, April 17, 2010 during the 3rd annual Join Hands Fair taking place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Join Hands Fair is a volunteer recruitment event that takes place during National Volunteer Week, sponsored, facilitated and coordinated by the County of Maui. For more information visit www.mauicounty.gov/volunteercenter or call Wendy Stebbins, Program Coordinator of the Maui County Volunteer Center at (808) 270-7150. # # #
Press Release January 13, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Community Volunteers and County of Maui Team Up for Graffiti-Free Skateparks in 2010
WAILUKU, Maui, Hawaii-The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced today that due to the efforts of community volunteer Andrew Beerer and youth from the Boys and Girls Club of Maui, both the Kalama Skatepark in Kihei and Kahului’s Keopulani Skatepark are now “graffiti-free.”
In addition to volunteering his time toward the removal of graffiti from the parks, Beerer and former YMCA Skateboard Camp Director, Davey Delong, created the Maui Skateboard Series. Since 2008 they have worked alongside the Department of Parks and Recreation to provide over 30 skateboarding events in Kihei, Kahului, Lahaina, Paia, Pukalani, Hana, Molokai and Lanai. "We are very fortunate to have Andrew Beerer's assistance which has included this volunteer clean up, monitoring of the maintenance concerns and coordinating skateboarding events throughout the county," said Director of Parks and Recreation Tamara Horcajo. "We are grateful for the many other participants who help to keep the skateparks safe and satisfying for our users." Beerer organized a group of young volunteers, which included skatepark users and youth from the Boys and Girls Club, to paint over graffiti at the skateparks on December 18, 2009 in Kihei and on December 28, 2009 in Kahului. “The skateboard parks are popular and well used, but like all recreation facilities they suffer from wear and tear as well as occasional graffiti and vandalism,” said Beerer. “Helping maintain the skateboard parks and painting over graffiti makes for a better experience that puts skateboarders in a positive light. We encourage the users to take ownership of their parks.” For more information, contact the County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 270-7230. # # # Photo’s attached: “Helpful Kids” photos of Kalama and Keopuolani skateparks.
Credit to: Andrew Beerer
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. # # #
PRESS RELEASE November 27, 2009 IMMEDIATE RELEASE MOLOKAI RESIDENTS IN HOOLEHUA AND SURROUNDING AREAS URGED TO CONTINUE NECESSARY WATER CONSERVATION HOOLEHUA, Molokai - Repairs to Department of Hawaiian Homeland’s 2 water pumps at the Kalae water well that began in early November and impacted hundreds of homesteaders in the Hoolehua area on Molokai continues. Residents and businesses in the affected areas are reminded to continue necessary water conservation efforts by restricting lawn watering, avoid washing cars and taking shorter showers. Non-essential water use should be limited. In order to maintain safe water levels in the water reservoir, a temporary 4” emergency water line was installed. Since the 4” line is smaller than normal, a lesser amount of water is being pumped to meet the needs of water users in the Hoolehua and Kalamaula areas. As a result, on November 10, DHHL issued a 50% reduction notice to Hoolehua residents to help lessen the risk of running out of water while the repairs are being completed. Continuing a support partnership between the County of Maui and other Molokai water suppliers, the County’s water system is helping to supply water to DHHL’s system during repairs. Earlier this year, when the County’s system underwent emergency repairs - DHHL provided water to the County to assist Kaunakakai residents by maintaining safe water levels for the Kaunakakai water reservoir. To ensure that fire suppression needs are not compromised for both the impacted Hoolehua area and the surrounding areas providing water support, Fire Department Captain Travis Tancayo headed a coordinated effort between agencies to avert any escalation of the situation. Tancayo credits the work of many in helping to prevent a dangerously low water supply situation from worsening. “With the guidance of Pacific Electro’s Marty Johnston, the group was able to collaborate and resolve how to get needed water to the reservoir while DHHL’s pumps were under repair,” said Tancayo. “Everyone involved worked weekends and nights to develop the response plan, get materials and lay pipes so that people could have water available. We're very grateful for Kualapuu Ranch and ranch owner Kevin Komkowich's assistance. The pipes were laid on the ranch's property and their support and understanding of the urgency were instrumental. We were then faced with needing to cut the road to lay the temporary water line and Pedro Ranch stepped forward with heavy equipment to help get this done. By having many people and agencies work together we were able to respond rapidly and help our community and that also includes our residents and businesses that took steps to immediately conserve water. The public’s help is always crucial and appreciated” Anita Wong, DHHL’s deputy director gave special recognition to Molokai Properties. The company reactivated its Well 17 in order to provide a needed water source for the Kalae Reservoir. “Molokai Properties’ help with Well 17 was essential,” said Wong. “Rex Kamakana and the water department personnel worked tirelessly to make it happen and we appreciate their hard work these past few weeks.” Wong also commended Monsanto for the company’s help with providing 2,700 ft of a high density 4”water line pipe needed to allow for water to flow to the reservoir from Well 17. “Monsanto not only provided the needed pipe material, the company also made available a large crew of workers to install the pipe over a 3-day period using specialized tools.” The County of Maui is providing water to the Kalamaula area and will continue to assist DHHL until repairs to its two pumps are completed. Repairs are expected to be completed sometime in the first week of December. Impacted residents and businesses in Hoolehua and Kalamaula are asked to continue conservation efforts. # # #
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
February 8, 2010 - 3:30 p.m. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CANCELLED the HIGH WIND ADVISORY for THE HALEAKALA SUMMIT.
The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CANCELLED the HIGH WIND ADVISORY for THE HALEAKALA SUMMIT.
Winds have dropped below 30 MPH on Haleakala summit. The winds will continue to slowly decrease over the next 24 to 36 hours. 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 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
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.
Alternating traffic only, expect delays. North bound lane on South Kihei Rd will be closed from 8 am to 3 pm on weekdays for the installation of a 12" potable County waterline by contractor Goodfellow Bros.
We invite the community to submit nominations for outstanding service rendered during 2009 for the Volunteer Center Recognition Awards Program. The purpose of the program is to inspire individuals to make a positive impact on the lives of others and in places where it can make a difference. Nomination Forms must be post marked by February 22, 2010. Prizes include Tommy Bahama's Restaurant Dinner Certificates, Queen Kaahumanu Gift Cards and tote bags with goodies. Nomination Information Packet
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