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Mayor says deletion of funds hamper completion of S Maui Park Phase 1A

May 19th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares returned to the council yesterday (Tuesday, May 18, 2010) urging members to restore full funding for the South Maui Park and the Fire Department’s helicopter.  Tavares said the deletion of $250,000 for Countywide Parks Facilities would hamper the completion of Phase 1A of the South Maui Community Park.  She said reduction of funding to jobs and services in both areas would have severe impacts in the short and long term.  Her request was denied, but the council has until the end of the month to take a final vote on its version of the budget.

“The budget you will be acting on today contains many areas that I fear will have severe impacts in the short and long terms,” said Tavares.

South Maui Park and PALS coordinator among the Mayor’s Parks requests

File Photo of Mayor Tavares at the Ground Breaking of the South Maui Park.

One area of concern expressed by the Mayor was the reduced funding for positions within the department and the deletion of $250,000 for Countywide Parks Facilities, saying the loss of funds would hamper the completion of Phase IA of the South Maui Community Park.

Tavares said two issues have arisen during construction including the additional cost of hooking up water for the park, and the instability of the soil that was discovered during excavation of the site.

In an effort to identify the $500,000 that she said was need to address the issues, Mayor Tavares proposed that $300,000 in General Funds be taken from the Pu’unene Raceway Park Resurfacing project with the additional $200,000 she proposed to be transferred from the Countywide Bond Fund.

While the Budget and Finance Committee restored some of the Equivalent Personnel positions, Mayor Tavares asked the council today to restore the count to reflect what she had proposed in her version of the budget.

The Mayor also requested funding be restored for the Recreation Leader II position and the District Supervisor position for South Maui, suggesting that funding be obtained from the Self Insurance program funds.

In reference to the Recreation Leader post which is responsible for coordinating the county’s PALS program, Mayor Tavares said, “This program is a model for the state – a truly affordable program for kids during the summer break that helps many families in our community.”

In reference to the South Maui District Supervisor, Tavares said, not funding the position would result in the district being short one worker.  “All the positions in South Maui are critical in light of the addition of the new South Maui Community Park to be completed (Phase 1A) in FY 2011,” said Tavares.

Mayor seeks full funding of Fire Helicopter and Assistant Fire Chief position

For the Department of Fire and Public Safety, the Mayor requested full funding for the Assistant Chief of Operations position saying, “This Assistant Chief is the third person in the command structure preceded only by the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief.  This is the person who coordinates responses to fires and other emergencies.”

Mayor Tavares explained the role of the department in fighting the recent Olowalu fire two weeks ago that burned 1,100 acres as well as smaller fires that have broken out since then.

“We have a well-trained, dedicated team of firefighters and their commitment to protecting lives and property is one we can all be very proud of.  We need to assure them that the resources necessary to carry out their mission will be there for them whenever needed.  This position is critical to the Fire/Rescue Operations Program,” said Tavares, who suggested that the additional $52,600 in funds be obtained from the Self Insurance program line item.

Tavares also sought funding for the restoration of funding for the Fire Department’s helicopter services suggesting that $265,000 be transferred from the Self Insurance program saying it, “would afford the department the confidence that they can call upon helicopter services whenever those services are needed to fight fires or to perform rescues.”

“I don’t believe it was ever your intention that the department hesitate to call up resources necessary to quickly attack fires or perform rescues.  We are all aware that we are in the worst drought in Hawaii in 30 years.  It is reasonable to assume that our Fire Department will be called on many times to deal with brush fires here on Maui, on Molokai and on Lanai, in addition to other fires like the one at a hotel in Kaanapali just a few days ago,” said Tavares.

The Mayor addressed the council saying, “Your work has not been easy.  We all certainly recognize the time and effort all of you have invested in the framing of a budget suitable for these tough economic times.”

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Council Approves FY 2011 Budget on First Reading

May 18th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

After six weeks, eight district meetings and 27 meetings in the council chambers, the Maui County council approved on first reading yesterday its version of the 2011 fiscal year budget.  The vote was unanimous at 8-0. Budget Committee Chair Joseph Pontanilla said the budget committee recommendation decreases the Mayor’s proposed $530 million by an estimated $6 million.

Real Property Tax Rate Adjustments

File photo of Budget Chair Joe Pontanilla by Wendy Osher.

The Budget and Finance Committee recommended that real property tax rates proposed by the Mayor be reduced for improved residential from $5.80 to $5; unimproved residential from $7.25 to $6.25; commercialized residential from $6.25 to $4; and hotel and resort from $8.75 to $8.30.   The committee also recommended that the $6.25 rate for the commercial classification established in the FY10 budget be maintained.

“As property owners will face many challenges from the economic downturn,” said Budget Chair Joseph Pontanilla.  “The committee further noted that real property tax rates for all classifications will remain the same or increase only slightly from the current fiscal year,” said Pontanilla, “and any rate increase will be largely offset by the decrease in real property tax valuation.  This will result in a lower tax bill for many tax payers,” said Pontanilla. 

Rate increases for user fees; bond withheld for Kihei Police Station

The committee also supported increases in user fees in an effort to fulfill the county’s responsibilities for repair and maintenance projects.  The increases, Pontanilla said, are expected to allow for continued self sufficiency of the water and sewer funds, result in improved facilities and operations.

The committee also agreed with the Mayor’s proposal to increase golf rates at the Waiehu Municipal Golf Course.  The move, Pontanilla said, allows the county to decrease the General Fund Transfer to the Golf Fund.

Decreases in funding from the General Obligation Bond were recommended as well as the withholding bond authorization funds for the Kihei Police Station and the Lahaina Fire Station addition projects, pending receipt of additional information.  Accordingly, the proposed bond authorization was decreased by $21.1 million from $45 million to $23.9 million.

Furloughs approved, jobs reviewed

The Budget and Finance Committee agreed with the Mayor’s proposed one-day per month furlough of County employees.  It further recommended deleting most vacant positions in the General Fund except for uniformed fire and police personnel, dispatchers, or any position identified as being crucial to the operations of a department.

Cuts were recommended to some positions including in the Solid Waste Fund, as that fund continues to be subsidized by the General Fund.  Four positions were added to the Department of Finance – Real Property Tax Division, to assist the county in processing and collecting the approximately $20 million outstanding in real property tax appeals and delinquent tax accounts.  The position will also assist with homeowner exemption enforcement in agriculture use determination.

Cost for Bus Service revised

The Mayor’s proposal to eliminate the monthly pass system for the Maui Bus was rejected.  The committee instead chose to recommend modifications to the system instead.  Under the committee recommendations, General Boarding is available at $45 per month for all routes; $30 per month for Seniors 55 years and older, and students with a valid student ID for all routes; and $20 per month for Loop and Villager routes.

The committee also recommended that social service transportation remain free and that American with Disabilities Act Para-Transit Program participants ride at the same rate.

Funding maintained for Youth and Elderly Programs; cut for Fire helicopter

Funding was reinstated to the Head Start Program, summer youth programs, transportation programs, the Air Ambulance, and the Maui Food Bank.  Funding was also maintained for a range of environment and watershed grants.

Funding for the Fire Department’s helicopter was reduced by $90,000 to bring the appropriation in line with prior year’s expenditures.  “The committee recognizes that if there are more fire emergencies than planned, the Department of Fire and Public Safety can utilize funds from the Emergency Fund, the Federal Emergency Management Agency reimbursement, or state wildland fire reimbursement,” said Pontanilla.

CIP projects supported

The Budget and Finance Committee supported all of the Mayor’s requests for CIP funding.  It also added the Puunene Raceway Park resurfacing project to address safety issues for police, fire and public works employees who train at the facility.  Another addition was funds provided for the Nahiku Community Center to match funds under a state appropriation.

The proposed Fiscal Year 2011 budget, Pontanilla said, “provides the administration with the resources and flexibility to provide much needed services and programs to residents of Maui County.”

Pontanilla further stated that the body did not do blanket cuts, but rather carefully scrutinized funding for each department and non-profit organization.  The Fiscal Year 2011 budget begins on July 1, 2010 and ends on June 30 2011.

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Mayor says deletion of funds hamper completion of S Maui Park Phase 1A

May 18th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares urged the council on Tuesday to reconsider funding for the Department of Parks & Recreation and the Department of Fire and Public Safety. Her testimony was given prior to the passage of the budget on first reading in a unanimous 8-0 vote. The latest adjustments proposed by the Mayor were not accommodated in the latest version of the budget.

“The budget you will be acting on today contains many areas that I fear will have severe impacts in the short and long terms,” said Tavares.

South Maui Park and PALS coordinator among the Mayor’s Parks requests

File Photo of Mayor Tavares at the Ground Breaking of the South Maui Park.

One area of concern expressed by the Mayor was the reduced funding for positions within the Department of Parks and Recreation. She argued against the deletion of $250,000 for Countywide Parks Facilities, saying the loss of funds would hamper the completion of Phase IA of the South Maui Community Park.

Tavares said two issues have arisen during construction including the additional cost of hooking up water for the park, and the instability of the soil that was discovered during site excavation.

In an effort to identify the $500,000 that she said was need to address the issues, Mayor Tavares proposed that $300,000 in General Funds be taken from the Pu’unene Raceway Park Resurfacing project with the additional $200,000 she proposed to be transferred from the Countywide Bond Fund.

While the Budget and Finance Committee restored some of the Equivalent Personnel positions prior to passing the budget out of committee, Mayor Tavares asked the council today to restore the count to reflect what she had proposed in her version of the budget.

The Mayor also requested funding be restored for the Recreation Leader II position and the District Supervisor position for South Maui, suggesting that funding for both posts be obtained from Self Insurance program funds.

In reference to the Recreation Leader post which is responsible for coordinating the county’s PALS program, Mayor Tavares said, “This program is a model for the state – a truly affordable program for kids during the summer break that helps many families in our community.”

In reference to the South Maui District Supervisor, Tavares said, not funding the position would result in the district being short one worker. “All the positions in South Maui are critical in light of the addition of the new South Maui Community Park to be completed (Phase 1A) in FY 2011,” said Tavares.

Mayor seeks full funding of Fire Helicopter and Assistant Fire Chief position

For the Department of Fire and Public Safety, the Mayor requested full funding for the Assistant Chief of Operations position saying, “This Assistant Chief is the third person in the command structure preceded only by the Fire Chief and the Deputy Fire Chief. This is the person who coordinates responses to fires and other emergencies.”

Mayor Tavares explained the role of the department in fighting the recent Olowalu fire two weeks ago that burned 1,100 acres as well as smaller fires that have broken out since then.

“We have a well-trained, dedicated team of firefighters and their commitment to protecting lives and property is one we can all be very proud of. We need to assure them that the resources necessary to carry out their mission will be there for them whenever needed. This position is critical to the Fire/Rescue Operations Program,” said Tavares.

Committee members restored partial funding to the post before passing the item out of committee, but Tavares sought full funding and suggested that the additional $52,600 be obtained from the Self Insurance program line item.

Tavares also sought the restoration of funds for the Fire Department’s helicopter services suggesting that $265,000 be transferred from the Self Insurance program saying it, “would afford the department the confidence that they can call upon helicopter services whenever those services are needed to fight fires or to perform rescues.”

“I don’t believe it was ever your intention that the department hesitate to call up resources necessary to quickly attack fires or perform rescues. We are all aware that we are in the worst drought in Hawaii in 30 years. It is reasonable to assume that our Fire Department will be called on many times to deal with brush fires here on Maui, on Molokai and on Lanai, in addition to other fires like the one at a hotel in Kaanapali just a few days ago,” said Tavares.

The Mayor addressed the council saying, “Your work has not been easy. We all certainly recognize the time and effort all of you have invested in the framing of a budget suitable for these tough economic times.”

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$243,000 in grant funds stalled by unsigned contract

April 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

The council’s budget and finance committee spent time yesterday debating grant funding for the Wailuku Main Street Association/Tri-Isle Main St. Resource Center.

Council member Michael Molina questioned reasons for repeated cuts noting a 10% cut in each of the last two fiscal years, and a proposed cut of 25% in FY2011.  Budget Chair Joe Pontanilla proposed an adjustment from the $182,000 funding proposed by the administration to $218,700 instead.

Molina suggested an additional $6,300, saying the increase would help to prevent job cuts.  He also raised issues brought to him over unsigned documents and release of funds. 

Pontanilla said the issue would be addressed next month after the budget was finalized.  “I understand that the grant agreement wasn’t signed, and in order to get paid by this county… some signature is required,” he said.

Officials with the county’s Planning Department say they will not sign off on the document until it has been accepted and singed by the agency requesting funds.  As of Friday, April 30, department personnel said they had not received signature from the agency.

Kathleen Ross Aoki with the Department of Planning said language had inadvertently been left out in the past and was added to the 2010 grant document.  She described the changes as “standard grant language” saying, “it is the administration’s position to make the grant contracts more consistent.”

“By law we cannot process the grant without the grantee’s signature,” said Aoki.  The $243,000 in funding covers the period from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010.  “None of it has gone out,” she said.

The Department of Planning currently handles two grants, one for the Wailuku Main Street Association/Tri-Isle Main Street Resource Center, and the other is a Sea Grant that is obtained through the University of Hawaii.

Wailuku town file image by Wendy Osher.

The mission of The Wailuku Main Street Association Inc. / Tri-Isle Main Street Resource Center, according to the agency’s website, is to foster, promote, maintain and encourage the civic, social, commercial and cultural welfare of downtown Wailuku and other Maui County small towns. The organization was established in 1986 with dual goals of economic revitalization within the context of historic preservation.

Aoki who handled the grant application, takes on the Director post for the Planning Department on May 1, 2010, filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Jeff Hunt.

Lanai councilman Sol Kahoohalahala argued that the issue of concessions should not be dealt with as a budget item.  “This was not the body in which these issues should have been brought up to begin with,” said Kahoohalahala.  “It’s real clear in the charter that when you have an issue with administrative departments, your issue is with the department not with the fact that we are looking at funding,” said Kahoohalahala.

Molina added, “If we’re going to be like this as government officials to criticize organizations to come and plead with us the council to look into a matter, then I think we should look at ourselves.  There is nothing in the law that says we cannot challenge the so called conventional wisdom,” said Molina.

In supporting the Chair’s recommendation, council member Gladys Baisa said, “It’s not a comfortable situation for us to be talking about this here.  I do hope that when we have this meeting, that it will be broader and focused on the whole issue of how grants are awarded to the non-profits after we have appropriated them in the budget,” said Baisa.

The chair’s recommendation was approved in a 7 to 2 vote.

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Citing safety, Budget Chair moves to partially restore several positions

April 29th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

The Budget and Finance Committee today reached consensus to restore funding in varying capacities for several positions that were proposed for cuts earlier this week.

Joe Pontanilla file photo by Wendy Osher.

Budget Chair Joe Pontanilla said a number of positions were added back into the budget for varying reasons.  “The most important reason was the safety of our employees,” said Pontanilla.

He acknowledged the manpower needed to correctly staff county parks and introduced proposals for eight positions with the Department of Parks and Recreation.  The proposal included reinstatement of six-months of funding for: a special events person, 4 positions with the East Maui parks division, a park caretaker on Molokai and a janitor on the Friendly Isle.  The committee also reached consensus to restore a park security officer position at zero funding.

For the Planning Department, there was consensus reached to reinstate six-months of funding for: a supervising clerk and a civil engineer.  Pontanilla noted that testimony was received explaining the primary function of the engineering position to administer federal aid projects, and supervise construction and maintenance functions.  Full-funding was restored for a land surveyor position since there is currently only one existing post, but two people are needed to adequately compile survey work.

The Department of Fire and Public Safety received the reinstatement of six-month’s worth of funding for the Assistant Fire Chief Position.

In the Office of the Mayor, the committee reached consensus to reinstate $27,750 for a part-time budget specialist position that traditionally works for a five month period in helping to prepare the county’s budget.

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Maui farmers seek restoration of funds

April 29th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

The council’s Budget and Finance Committee continues to fine tune details of their FY 2011 Budget.  The majority of public testimony Wednesday morning focused on calls for restoration of funds for farming programs.

Warren Watanabe file photo by Wendy Osher.

In his testimony yesterday, Maui County Farm Bureau Executive Director Warren Watanabe said, “A proposal to take $50,000 away from the Maui County Farm Bureau would critically fracture the county’s efforts to support agriculture and seriously jeopardize the number of excellent programs and ongoing efforts for Maui agriculture.”

The Maui County Farm Bureau is the larges non-profit agricultural organization in the county, representing commercial agriculture operations.

Watanabe said the council funding directly supports a number of programs including the Maui County Agricultural Festival and the local Grown on Maui public education campaign that highlights the importance of buying local.

“The Grown on Maui campaign is important because most of our members and farmers don’t have the resources to do their own promotional campaign,” said Watanabe.

Another program that utilizes county funds is the Ag in the Classroom program that Watanabe said has grown from two 2nd grade classrooms when the program first launched, to participation last year of 15 elementary, intermediate and high schools.

The budget committee plans to finalize details of the FY 2011 budget by Friday, April 30, 2010.

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Latest budget proposal calls for new fare on Loop & Villager routes

April 28th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

The Budget and Finance Committee today heard a proposal that adjusts the fare for passes on the Maui Bus and maintains the free service for riders that utilize the MEO bus.

Maui Bus file photo by Wendy Osher. (From October 2009 blessing event)

The proposal calls for a new $20 per month fare for passengers who use the Loop and Villager routes.  Currently, there is no charge for that service.

Under the proposal the bus pass for all General Boarding routes would increase $10 from the current $35 rate to $45 instead.

There would be no change to the $30 rate currently charged for seniors and students for all routes.

As for the MEO transportation services, there would be no fee for services.  This differs from the Mayor’s proposal which had called for a $1 fee and a proposed reduction in funding.

“In order for us to be viable in our transportation area, it would be good to have passengers pay for services; but in light of all the public testimony that we had listened to throughout the community, as well as in these chambers, a lot of people testified that paying x-amount of dollars would be a hardship.  I feel what is being proposed to you this morning is a viable plan to address most of the questions we had going throughout the community,” said budget chair Joe Pontanilla.

“This is something that staff and I worked all weekend to come up with ideas in regards to how we are going to provide transportation to the people of Maui,” Pontanilla said.

“We had gone through the numbers and basically what we are doing is reducing $600,000 as proposed by the administration regarding providing transportation,” said Pontanilla.

Council member Gladys Baisa, who served for many years as the director of MEO, consented to the proposal saying, “The bulk of the youth and the bulk of the seniors ride on the MEO buses, and they would not be paying.  And that was the saving grace for me with this proposal.”

“This would be a big break for the people who really need it—and that would be lots of our seniors and most of the kids who ride Youth Trans.  The others, of course we would like to see them lower, but at some point, we can only cut so much,” said Baisa.

Because there was no charge on social service transportation, Baisa said, “I think I can live with the rest.”

Council member Michael Victorino asked for clarification of who is eligible for the social service programs offered by MEO, specifically the Rural Bus program saying, “I don’t mind the $45 for all routes, but the other groups I think are a little bit more than what we should be charging.”

He expressed concern over the large number of Central Maui residents who reside in public housing and fall in the 60-80% income range.  “I don’t want them to be lost in the shuffle…for them that was probably their means (of transportation),” said Victorino.

While there is no specific criteria for enrollment or utilization of MEO’s Rural Bus service, Baisa said, “Unless we want to get into income eligibility determination… we’re just going to operate on faith that people will not take advantage.  The Rural shuttle service was essentially designed for people who cannot drive and need special assistance… It’s a different kind of service than pulling up to a bus stop and everybody jumping off on,” said Baisa.

Victorino responded saying, “I really want it clear, so that the public understands that there is an alternative instead of paying $20, if they cannot (make that payment).”

“Customarily the people that use this service are people that need extra help,” said Baisa.

For those that continue to use the Maui Bus, Budget chair Pontanilla said, “For a person jumping on the bus to do shopping, it’s going to cost $1 each way.  So at the most, if you shop once a week, it will be $2.”

Discussion on the item concluded Wednesday afternoon.

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Proposal floated to save Air Ambulance

April 19th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

The County’s Air Ambulance could be saved under a proposal raised today before the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee.

After initially requesting the elimination of the service last month, Maui Mayor Charmaine Tavares issued a follow up request to utilize real property revenues combined with emergency funds to cover the county’s share of the bill for the air ambulance service.

The request calls for the use of $234,851 in additional tax revenues that were the result of the certification of real property values.  The remaining $437,364 would come from the county’s $2 million emergency fund for a total county contribution of $672,215.

The total cost of the air ambulance service is $1.2 million annually, half of which is paid for by the state Department of Health.

In a statement issued Monday evening, Tavares said, “Many in the community have requested that I reconsider my earlier proposal to remove funding for the State’s Air Ambulance Program in the County’s budget proposal.”  She continued, “I had hoped to see the State Department of Health and Maui Memorial Medical Center come forward to pay for this important service, which is part of their overall mission. However, the State and hospital appear to be unable to meet this responsibility in Fiscal Year 2011. I urge them to include the full funding necessary for the Air Ambulance in their own budgets in future years,” said Tavares.

“At least we can say the administration has heard the community and has reconsidered something that is really vital for our safety and well being,” said Councilmember Michael Victorino.

 “I share our community’s concern and recognize the importance of this program in a county comprised of three populated islands and many remote communities. While it is unfortunate that the State is not providing the full funding, I am now requesting that the Council consider funding the program through additional real property tax revenue that has just now been certified,” said Tavares.

The air ambulance service was first launched in August of 2004 to serve in the emergency transport of patients from remote locations across Maui County.

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MPD Budget Calls for Furloughs and Position Freeze

March 31st, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

SLIGHT INCREASE AIMED AT COVERING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RAISES

The Maui Police Department presented its 2011 budget request before the council’s budget and finance committee today.  The Department is seeking an increase of about $300,000 in part to cover the 6% pay raise sworn officers are entitled to under the last year of a 4-year collective bargaining contract.  The contract also calls for a 4% step movement for about a third of the department’s 368 sworn personnel. 

FURLOUGHS Expected to impact Dispatch most

The Police department budget also calls for furloughs of HGEA and UPW employees excluding civilians, the chief and the deputy, resulting in an estimated $271,600 in savings.  Maui Police Chief Gary Yabuta said that breaks down to about $34,000 for administration, $36,000 for investigative services, $44,000 for uniform services, and $157,000 for support services.

“Out of this furlough program, we’re looking at about $75,300 for communications staff,” said Chief Yabuta.  “This is going to be the biggest impact with the furlough program because our dispatchers and communications section—to take them out of the program resulting from a furlough—would  definitely impact our ability to respond to 9-1-1 calls and calls for service,” said Chief Yabuta.

FREEZE ON 54 POSITIONS

The department is also proposing to freeze 47 sworn positions for six months, and seven civilian positions for the entire 2011 fiscal year.  Chief Yabuta said the move is expected to save the department $1.8 million.

OVERTIME BUDGET – FLAT

In all, the MPD is asking for $35.6 million in salaries for FY2011, compared to $35.29 in FY2010.

The Police Department’s overtime budget remains flat in 2011 at $4.9 million. But Chief Yabuta called the figure “a little bit unrealistic” because of the raises guaranteed under collective bargaining.

OPERATIONS BUDGET – FLAT

The MPD Operations Budget proposal is flat at $7,968,047 compared to he previous 2010 fiscal year.

EQUIPMENT BUDGET

The Maui Police Department is asking for $931,000 for its equipment budget, down from the $948,000 the department sought in the current fiscal year.  The figure includes 18 patrol vehicles at $47,000 each, 20 tasers at $1,000 each, 70 ballistic vests at $500 each, and a single culpascope at $15,000 to replace a technologically out of date device that was donated to the department 15 years ago.  The device is used by hospital staff when validating trauma in a sex assault victim.

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Reaction and Public Input on Mayor’s FY 2011 Budget Begins March 22

March 15th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff

By Wendy Osher

The Maui County Council’s Budget and Finance Committee will begin review of the Mayor’s FY 2011 Budget next week after officially receiving the document from the Mayor today (Monday, March 15, 2010).

“The news was certainly sobering in terms of the amount of revenue, or lack thereof that the county will be getting for this Fiscal Year 2011,” said Council Vice-Chair Michael Molina.

“I can support many of the Mayor’s proposals, however there are some issues that will generate some discussion with the proposal to raise property taxes and the furlough issue.  I anticipate those two items will generate a lot of discussion,” said Molina.

Testimony with regards to the budget starts Monday, March 22, 2010.  Typically the meetings run from 9 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m., depending on if the council has public hearings in the evening throughout the various community plan regions.

For the week of March 22-26, 2010, the following meetings will take place:

  • The first evening meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at the Kihei Community Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.
  • That will be followed by a meeting the following night, on Wednesday March 24, 2010 at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center at 6:30.
  • The meeting for Hana will be held Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Helene Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Additional meetings are planned in communities throughout Maui.  A complete calendar is available at www.mauicounty.gov/council.  Public comments are welcome from March 22 to the second and final reading of the budget in May.

Molina called the mayor’s approach to furloughs “conservative” saying, “If we’re going to be raising real property taxes, yet furloughing our employees for only one day, versus two days like other counties, I anticipate there will be some discussion on that.”

Click the following list for a complete budget calendar for public testimony:

Maui Council Budget Calendar for Public Testimony

By Wendy Osher

The Maui County Council’s Budget and Finance Committee will begin review of the Mayor’s FY 2011 Budget next week after officially receiving the document from the Mayor today (Monday, March 15, 2010).

“The news was certainly sobering in terms of the amount of revenue, or lack thereof that the county will be getting for this Fiscal Year 2011,” said Council Vice-Chair Michael Molina.

“I can support many of the Mayor’s proposals, however there are some issues that will generate some discussion with the proposal to raise property taxes and the furlough issue. I anticipate those two items will generate a lot of discussion,” said Molina.

Testimony with regards to the budget starts Monday, March 22, 2010. Typically the meetings run from 9 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m., depending on if the council has public hearings in the evening throughout the various community plan regions.

For the week of March 22-26, 2010, the following meetings will take place:

  • The first evening meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at the Kihei Community Center beginning at 6:30 p.m.
  • That will be followed by a meeting the following night, on Wednesday March 24, 2010 at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center at 6:30.
  • The meeting for Hana will be held Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Helene Hall at 6:30 p.m.

Additional meetings are planned in communities throughout Maui. A complete calendar is available at www.mauicounty.gov/council. Public comments are welcome from March 22 to the second and final reading of the budget in May.

Molina called the mayor’s approach to furloughs “conservative” saying, “If we’re going to be raising real property taxes, yet furloughing our employees for only one day, versus two days like other counties, I anticipate there will be some discussion on that.”

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