Maui Budget Committee Nears Final Deliberations

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa with his version of the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget. The Council’s version of the budget is being ironed out in committee with the Chair’s version to be presented on Friday, May 2, 2014.  Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Wendy Osher

The Budget and Finance Committee continues deliberations today on the fiscal year 2015 budget, with a meeting set to reconvene at 10 a.m. in the Council Chamber.

The committee wrapped up its final district meeting in Hāna, Maui last night, and plans to wrap up budget deliberations on Friday.

Today members are scheduled to discuss budget items for the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Housing and Human Concerns, including grants, Chair Mike White said in an announcement.

An update on the county’s post-employment unfunded liabilities will be discussed during the committee meeting on Thursday, April 24, which will be attended by State Budget Director Kalbert Young and State Employees Retirement System Administrator Wes Machida, White said.

Maui Council Chambers, file photo by Wendy Osher.

According to White, recent estimates put the state’s total unfunded liability at about $16 billion, and Maui County’s share at around $345 million.

Thursday’s meeting will also include consideration of budgets relating to the legislative branch and the Department of Personnel Services, according to the announcement.

The deliberations will be followed by a public hearing on the fiscal year 2015 budget in the council chamber beginning at 6 p.m.

White will present the chair’s version of the budget at a meeting on Monday, April 28, at 9 a.m. in the council chamber; and decision-making will continue through Friday, May 2.

The deadline for the council to pass the budget is on Tuesday, June 10, 2014.  If the council fails to pass a budget by the deadline, the mayor’s version of the budget will take effect on July 1, 2014.

Some helpful tips on how to participate in the budget process are available on the County of Maui website.