Series of Community Budget Meetings Begins Today

By Wendy Osher

Maui FY2012 Budget Document cover.

The first in a series of public meetings presented by the Maui Budget Office takes place today in East Maui.

The meetings include dissemination of budget information, and gathering of public input.  Some of the meetings also include presentations on the Community Development Block Grant program.

Testimony provided by community members will help the Budget Department to better evaluate community conditions and identify major issues.

When formulating the budget, county officials consider various economic and financial factors including demographic trends, legal or regulatory issues, social and cultural trends, physical or environmental factors, intergovernmental issues, and technological change.

The following meetings are scheduled throughout the County of Maui to gather information for use in the budget process.

• Hana, Helene Hall: Monday, September 19, 2011.  5:45 p.m. CDBG Public Hearing. 6:00 p.m. Budget Meeting.
• Molokai, Mitchell Pauole Center: Thursday, September 22, 2011.  5:45 p.m. CDBG Public Hearing.  6:00 p.m. Budget Meeting.
• Kihei/Makena, Kihei Community Center: Monday, October 3, 2011. 6:00 p.m. Budget Meeting.
• Paia/Haiku, Paia Community Center: Tuesday, October 4, 2011.  6:00 p.m. Budget Meeting.
• Lahaina, Lahaina Civic Center: Monday, October 24, 2011.  6:00 p.m. Budget Meeting.
• Makawao/Pukalani/Kula, Hannibal Tavares Community Center: Wednesday, October 26, 2011. 6:00 p.m. Budget Meeting.
• Kahului/Wailuku, Velma McWayne Santos Community Center: Thursday, October 27, 2011.  5:45 p.m. CDBG Public Hearing.  6:00 p.m. Budget Meeting.
• Lanai, Lanai Senior Center: Tuesday, November 8, 2011.  5:45 p.m. CDBG Public Hearing.  6:00 p.m. Budget Meeting.

During the budget meetings, there will be community surveys available for citizens to provide feedback on services and priorities. The survey will also be available on the County of Maui website.