Police Chief to Speak on Safety at Kula Community Meeting

Maui Police Department Swearing-in Ceremonies for Chief Tivoli Taaumu and Deputy Chief Dean Rickard. Photos by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

Health and safety are the focus of the upcoming meeting of the Kula Community Association, scheduled to take place this Wednesday, Feb. 18 in Upcountry Maui.  Guests speakers include Maui Police Chief Tivoli Faaumu, Kula Hospital and Clinic Medical Director Dr. Nicole Apoliona, and Maui County Community Emergency Preparedness Response Team program manager Charnan Carroll.

Chief Faaumu will discuss ways in which the department can better communicate with the public, and how to reduce the level of fear among residents, according to an event announcement.

The 29-year police veteran will also address traffic issues, bicycle safety, and police presence Upcountry.

Also in attendance will be Dr. Nicole Apoliona, Medical Director for the Kula Hospital and Clinic, who will share the latest legislative efforts to authorize Kula Hospital and the Maui Memorial Medical Center to enter into an agreement with a private entity.  The talks are aimed at transitioning the facilities and operations into a new private, non-profit Hawaiʻi entity.

Finally, Charnan Carroll, program manager with Maui’s Community Emergency Preparedness Response Team or CERT, will speak on how to prepare and respond to emergency situations. CERT training prepares participants to stay calm and useful in a natural disaster, and to be helpful to your family and neighbors. CERT training also educates residents on how fire, police, first aid, radio communications and weather reports work to keep safe during an emergency.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Kula Community Center, with refreshments available at 6:30 p.m. before the start of the meeting.

All members of the Upcountry community are invited to attend.  More information is available by calling (808) 283-4376.