Old Wailuku Post Office Investigation Begins on Monday

Old Wailuku Post Office investigation montage by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs Committee begins its Old Wailuku Post Office investigation on Monday, Aug. 12, at 9 a.m. in the Council Chamber.

The Maui County Council authorized an investigation into the potential misuse of county funds appropriated for the rehabilitation of the facility.

The investigation names the Department of Management, Department of Finance, Budget Office, Office of the Mayor, Department of Public Works, and the Department of the Corporation Counsel as subjects of the investigation.

While opponents voiced concern over the cost of an investigation, supporters argued that the alleged initial expenditure of $780,000 for master planning should be the focus instead.

The administration has expressed hopes of resolving the situation and moving forward with the Kalana O Maui Campus Expansion project.  In an earlier statement, the mayor noted that delays are costing the county $150,000 a month in rent for Wailuku office space for various departments that could be accommodated in county owned space if a building is constructed at the former Old Wailuku Post Office site.