Maui Senators Update Constituents as Legislative Session is Suspended

Hawai’i State senators from Maui released a video Monday afternoon announcing the suspension of senate sessions.

Senate Majority Leader J. Kalani English of Maui announced in the video that the state legislature will be in recess until after the pandemic is over. The decision came as a precautionary move to protect the safety of Hawai’i residents.

“The three Maui senators are here to reassure the people of Maui County that operations of government will continue while we are in recess – the senate and the house will be working,” Sen. English said.

The Maui senators will also limit interisland travel moving forward.

Senator Roz Baker (D-South and West Maui) encouraged Maui residents to continue communication with legislature through email, text and comments – through the legislature’s website.

“We want to know how things are progressing in our various districts and of course, we are very concerned about what is happening on Maui… that things are progressing so folks can get tested and people have access to services,” Sen. Baker added.

Senator Gilbert Keith-Agaran (Wailuku, Waihe‘e, Kahului) stated that unlike other recesses, the recess will not have any committee hearings.

“We will still be working on bills, taking phone calls, and emails…if you need to contact us about any particular issue our staff will still be in our offices,” Sen. Keith-Agaran added.

All submissions for grants and aid submissions will still be considered by the Ways and Means committee despite the cancellation of the hearings.

The three Maui senators also went over guidelines and protective measures from COVID-19, such as social distancing and handwashing procedures.