Your 2023 Maui County Council Guide: Everything You Need To Know
Here’s how you can make your voice heard in local government by attending a council meeting or submitting testimony.
The nine-member Maui County Council plays a key role in the things that most affect our everyday lives on Maui, Molokai and Lanai, and has committees specifically dedicated to matters such as housing, water, the economy, parks and roads.
Making your voice heard is important, so we’ve compiled a list of the need-to-know details about Maui County Council.
How Can I Attend Maui Council Meetings?
are usually held at 9 a.m. on the first and third Friday of every month in Wailuku.
The County Council meets at 200 S. High St. Look for the tall Kalana O Maui Building situated on a lawn behind the historic Wailuku Courthouse. Kalana O Maui is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.
Once you’re inside, take the elevator to the eighth floor. You’ll find the council chambers there.
Where Can I Park?
You can park in the spots along High Street for two hours.
Can I Watch Maui County Council Meetings Live?
Livestreaming council meetings is easy — no hassling with finicky Zoom rooms! The council broadcasts meetings directly to its .
Tune in early to find instructions on how to submit video or phone testimony.
Where Can I Find Council Meeting Agendas?
Council meeting agendas are posted on the and organized by meeting date. You can also sign up for email alerts to stay abreast of updates.
Agendas must be posted at least six days ahead of the meeting under Hawaii’s , which sets the rules for open meetings. The exception would be if there’s an emergency event where swift action is needed.
Here’s an example of how bills look on an agenda:
How Can I Look Up Bills?
You can here. You’ll find basic details such as the title, description and date of creation on the search screen.
Click on the hyperlinked bill name in the leftmost column for more information about a specific piece of legislation. On this screen, you can see where a bill has been and where it’s going. You’ll also find related reports and videos, and can see which committee is reviewing the matter.
What Are The Maui County Council Committees?
The County Council has several committees tasked with hashing out the details of proposed bills to make sure they’re in shape for a vote before the full Council. They oversee topics such as the budget, housing, water and agriculture.
You can find a online — click on the hyperlinked names for a full list of members, prescribed duties and current meeting agendas.
How Can I Submit Testimony On Bills?
There are several ways to voice your thoughts on bills and resolutions.
In Person
People are welcome to testify in person at a council meeting on any items on the agenda. All speakers will be given the same amount of time to talk about each item, per county rules.
Remotely
Can’t make it to the council chambers? You may be able to submit live testimony at a closer to your neighborhood. Check the council meeting notice to see if it’s an option.
In Writing
There are a few ways to get your testimony in the hands of the Office of the County Clerk ahead of a council meeting. Just be sure to submit it by noon on the business day before the meeting to ensure that members have the chance to review it.
- Email county.clerk@mauicounty.us.
- Use the county’s form.
- Fax it to 808-270-7171.
- If submitting written testimony at the meeting, the county clerk asks that you bring 16 copies for in-person distribution. If you’re attending the annual budget session, bring 18 copies.
Phone Call Or Videoconference
Follow the instructions near the front of the meeting agenda packet to learn where you can call in. Details can also be found if you tune in early to the county’s livestream on .
Special Accommodations
People who require accommodations due to a disability can contact the county clerk at least a few business days ahead of the council meeting. If you’re attending a committee meeting, contact the Office of Council Services.
Who Are The Maui Council Members?
A of Maui’s nine council members can be found on the county’s website. They each come from different parts of the county.
There, you can also find email addresses for each member. This is a great place to start if you’ve got any issues in your neighborhood that you hope to bring to the council’s attention.
What Are The Maui County Council Districts?
The Maui County Council doesn’t have district boundaries for voters. The council does, however, have “residency areas.” Each of the nine council members must live in the residency area they represent.
But council members are elected at-large, which means anyone in the county can vote for all nine seats, whether they live in the area or not.
Each residency area also has an where the public can ask questions or give live testimony.
Residency areas include:
- East Maui
- South Maui
- West Maui
- Molokai
- Lanai
- Makawao-Haiku-Paia
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Civil Beat’s coverage of Maui County is supported in part by grants from the Nuestro Futuro Foundation.
