Maui Panel Of Professionals To Address Ag Furloughs

A panel of professionals on Maui will update the pubic on the impacts of potential furloughs facing the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.  Earlier this week, the state announced the temporary restoration of 22 plant quarantine inspector positions that were initially slated for elimination.  The temporary reprieve is good for a single year, but does not cover all of the cuts. Here on Maui, three positions will be eliminated for a total staffing of 11.  The presentation will be hosted by the Kula Community Association on Tuesday, October 6^th.

Photo by Wendy Osher.

The panel was organized by Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares as a way to bring the most up-to-date information to various Maui communities.   Panelists say potential impacts could result in threats to the environment, agricultural industry, tourism, and public health and safety.

The group of presenters include Anna Mae Shishido – Maui County Supervisor of the Department of Agriculture’s Plant Quarantine Branch, Warren Watanabe – Executive Director of the Maui County Farm Bureau, Teya Penniman – Manager of the Maui Invasive Species Committee, and Kuhea Paracuelles – Environmental Coordinator, Office of the Mayor.

The Kula Community Association will host the group at its next meeting, which will be open to its entire membership and the community-at-large. It will be held at the Kula Elementary School cafeteria on Tuesday, October 6th, starting at 6:00 p.m.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)