Charter Commission Discussion Continues on Proposed Charter Amendments

The Maui Charter Commission will meet again on Thursday at 9 a.m. to receive testimony and discuss additional proposed revisions to the Maui County Charter.   As it moves through its list of 130 proposals placed before it, the Commission continues to encourage public participation at its regularly scheduled meetings held virtually.  

The first order of business at the upcoming meeting  will be completion of discussion on proposals related to Theme F – General Provisions and Boards/Commissions continued from the meeting of Sept. 30.  As this discussion is a continuation of last week’s meeting, no public testimony will be taken on Theme F. A

Among the remaining items are proposals to change the selection process and requirements for people serving on the County’s 33 boards and commissions.  On the table is a proposal to establish an independent Boards and Commissions Screening Committee that would formulate lists of applicants from which the Mayor would select nominations to County Boards, Commissions, and official Advisory Committees. Another proposal under consideration would limit exemptions under HRS 201H for developments not providing a minimum of 75% affordable dwelling units.  Once the Commission votes on these topics, and following a short break, discussion will begin on 23 proposals under the heading Theme G – Planning. 

Under Theme G – Planning, numerous competing charter amendment proposals that would significantly alter the makeup and operations of the Planning Department will be discussed.  

Among them are proposals to:

• create a separate Planning Commission for each Community Plan area;
• create neighborhood boards;
• abolish the Board of Variances and Appeals;
• delete or change Citizen Advisory Committees; and to
• create a Cultural Resources Commission that would identify and report on County lands deemed culturally or historically significant.

There is also a proposal to give some regulatory authority over the Kalaupapa Settlement area to the Molokaʻi Planning Commission and one to remove Kahoʻolawe as a Maui Community Plan area.  

Other proposals seek to revise timelines placed on those involved with land use decisions, and to make Planning Commission membership an elected position rather than a mayoral appointment.  The discussion is likely to take more than one meeting given the volume of suggestions before the Commission related to the County Planning Department

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 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  Charter.Commission@mauicounty.gov. To ensure timely distribution to the Commissioners, written testimony should be submitted at least two business days prior to the meetings.