Maui Council OKs $559 Million Budget on First Reading

Maui Council 2013, file photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The Maui County Council unanimously passed the $559 million fiscal year 2014 budget on first reading today.

Council Vice-Chair Robert Carroll, who presided over the meeting, made the announcement this afternoon noting that the council’s version of the budget is an estimated $14 million less than what was proposed by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa.

“As council members, our primary role once the budget passes will be one of oversight,” said Vice Chair Carroll in a press release.

“We look forward to renewing our efforts to ensure the budget is administered in a way that is consistent with the policies it encompasses,” he said.

During the budget review, the council reportedly voted against a proposal introduced by Councilmember Michael Victorino that sought to provide lower water system development fees to an estimated 1,250 applicants on the Upcountry Water Meter Priority List.

According to information released by the Council Services office, the proposal heads back to committee for further review.

Victorino provided comment in a county issued release saying, “My intention was to help our Upcountry residents, but I respect the council’s decision.”

The budget faces second and final reading on June 6. After passing final reading, the approved version is scheduled to take effect on July 1.