Ask the Mayor: Unneeded Phonebooks; is Lunchwagon Food Tested?

By Mayor Alan Arakawa

A mobile food establishment. File photo by Vanessa Wolf.

Dear Mayor,

Q: Are all the lunch wagons along Maui roads doing business legally? I enjoy the variety and convenience of them, however my concern is regarding the safety of the food. Is there a county department that inspects them for cleanliness, insuring that the food is being prepared properly, in an appropriate environment? Restaurants need to comply with safety rules and regulations, just was wondering if this applies to lunch wagons and if someone is monitoring this?

A: The county does not have a health department; that function is carried out by the state. Lunch wagons are considered mobile food establishments, and are permitted, monitored and regulated by the state Department of Health (DOH). Inspections are conducted on a regular basis by DOH inspectors who check the lunch wagons’ commissary, sanitizing of equipment and utensils, lavatory, garbage, cleanliness of physical facilities, and water and wastewater systems. The permits issued to lunch wagons also regulate vermin and animals on the premises, poisonous or toxic materials, personnel, and food supplies, protection, storage, preparation, display, service and transportation. To report unsanitary conditions or a lunch wagon that cannot produce a valid permit, call the Sanitation section of the Maui District Health Office, State Department of Health, at 984-8230.

Dear Mayor,

Q: I get so many phone books that I don’t need, and feel it is a waste of trees and energy to print and deliver the books. Is there a way I can choose to not receive phone books that I don’t want or need?

A: Yes – to opt out of any of the three phone books currently published in Maui County, visit www.yellowpagesoptout.com and remove your name from the delivery list(s). The County Recycling Section of the Dept. of Environmental Management receives many calls from residents who do not want all three books.

Dear Mayor,

Q: I want to tell you how nice the round-about in Kihei looks. I see the landscapers there often. How much longer does the subcontractor have to maintain it? What is the county’s plan for upkeep of the bikeway and roundabout— trimming, watering, etc. once the contract expires? It looks so good now, I would like for the county to maintain the present high standards. Many thanks.

A: Since the Kihei bikeway and roundabout were opened last year, the landscaping has been maintained under a county contract with Ka Lima O Maui. The annual landscaping maintenance contract, managed by the Department of Parks & Recreation, is in the process of being renewed. The Department of Public Works is responsible for maintaining the road and related facilities such as signage and pedestrian crossing lights. There are no plans to change the way the areas are maintained.