Public Meetings Planned on Maui FY 2013 Budget

Joe Pontanilla, Budget and Finance Committee Chair, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The public will have a chance to provide input on the County’s Fiscal Year 2013 Budget during a series of district meetings planned over the next several weeks.

After Mayor Alan Arakawa submits his version of the budget during a presentation tomorrow, the Council will then have until June 10 to pass its version.  If no action is taken, the Mayor’s proposed budget would go into effect on July 1, 2012.

The first District meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Paia Community Center.

“”Going out into the community and receiving public input is an important part of the budget process,” said Budget and Finance Committee Chair Joseph Pontanilla.

“Through this process, the Council is able to craft a budget that is in the best interest of Maui County residents,” he said.

Pontanilla explained that members will take a look at necessity versus desires.  “Because we expect County revenues to be even lower than last year, we must focus our efforts, and avoid funding popular desirables that come at the expense of necessities,” he said.

The public is encouraged to provide testimony or feedback on what they think is important for inclusion in the budget.

All meetings start at 6 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.  The district meeting dates are as follows:

• Thursday, March 29, 2012:  Paia Community Center, Social Hall
• Monday, April 2, 2012:  Kihei Community Center, Main Hall
• Wednesday, April 4, 2012: Mitchell Pauole Center, Main Hall
• Monday, April 9, 2012: ***at 6:30 p.m., Pomaikai Elementary School Cafeteria
• Wednesday, April 11, 2012: Lahaina Civic Center, Social Hall
• Friday, April 13, 2012: Lanai Senior Center
• Monday, April 16, 2012: Helene Social Hall in Hana
• Wednesday, April 18, 2012: Mayor Hannibal Tavares Community Center, Social Hall