Arakawa Asks for Public Participation at Charter Meetings

By Wendy Osher

Mayor Alan Arakawa. Photo courtesy, County of Maui.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa issued a reminder to the public today of an opportunity to participate in the upcoming series of Charter Commission meetings in June.

“People are always sharing with me their concerns about the need to review certain County regulations,” said Mayor Arakawa. “Now is the time for them to present their issues before the Charter Commission,” he said.

“The Commission only meets every ten years so please take advantage of this unique opportunity,” said Mayor Arakawa who said the process of submitting proposals gives the public a chance to directly impact government.

Residents, business owners and other members of the community are invited to make suggestions to change current County ordinances or propose new ones.  If Charter Commission members reach a consensus to place a proposal on the ballot, then it has the chance to be voted upon by the public and become law.

A complete schedule of public hearings will be released in the near future.

Those interested in submitting testimony may do so via email, regular mail or by public testimony.

Members of the public may also testify and submit proposals during Charter Commission meetings. The commissioners usually meet every second and fourth Monday of the month, from noon to 4 p.m. in the Planning Department conference room at the Maui County Kalana Pakui Building off High Street. The next meeting is scheduled for June 12.

*** Supporting information courtesy County of Maui.