Maui Charter Commission Meets Sept. 30 about Ethics & Boards/Commissions

The Maui Charter Commission will meet Thursday, Sept. 30 at 9 am to receive public testimony about 25 proposals related to ethics and board/commissions as part of its year-long review of proposed amendments to the County Charter, Maui County’s governing document.

In the first agenda item (Theme E – Ethics) there are nine proposals related to the Board of Ethics. 

One proposal seeks to establish an Executive Director position, with responsibilities that include management of day to day affairs, investigations and providing informal advice and recommendations. Another proposal would provide the Board of Ethics with an independent staff and legal counsel. Also on the table are residency requirements for board members, proposals related to board and commission members’ disclosure statements, and the handling of conflicts of interest. 

The second agenda item (Theme F — General Provisions and Boards/Commissions) includes proposals to change how members of boards and commissions are appointed to seats. Competing proposals would place greater appointment power within the jurisdiction of the County Council or an independent selection committee.

Other proposals seek to encourage diversity in board and commission membership; change membership terms to five years; repeal political party membership as a criterion; and ensure remote videoconferencing for all meetings of boards and commissions.

Agenda items are subject to cancellation and will be taken up in the order listed, as time permits. The Commission will receive testimony on the topics on its agenda as it moves from one “Theme” to the next. During the meetings, the public can provide testimony via video or by telephone as the Commission takes up the various Themes. Written testimony can be sent at any time.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions public meetings will be held online via BlueJeans.

The Charter Commission, an 11-person citizen’s committee, wants to hear your thoughts on these, and other, important topics concerning Maui County government.  To offer your recommendations visit mauichartersurvey.org. 

The public is also encouraged to send written testimony via email to  [email protected]. To ensure timely distribution to the Commissioners, written testimony should be submitted at least two business days prior to the meetings. 

For more information and to join Maui Charter Commission meetings via BlueJeans follow the link on the Commission website http://www.mauicounty.gov/CharterCommission.