Ask the Mayor: Housing Forum

Mayor Michael Victorino answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Q: I heard there was going to be a housing forum this month at the MACC. Can the public attend this event or is this only for contractors/developers?

A: Yes, you can attend this event! In fact, I encourage you to come and share it with your friends and family.

The Maui Nui Attainable Housing Forum, which is being hosted by the County of Maui and Maui Chamber of Commerce, is set for Oct. 15 and 16 at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

The first day is free to everyone and the topic simply asks: “Are You Looking for Attainable Housing or Rentals?” It will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. and attendees will learn more about Maui County’s housing crisis, receive information on how to prepare for housing opportunities and participate in an open house to view displays of upcoming projects.

Hale Mahaolu will provide a condensed first-time homebuyers class, including details on credit to enable people to have a better idea of what they need to know and do, such as managing debt, to become successful homeowners. Participants will learn about common pitfalls and how they can prepare to qualify for mortgages.

The second day will cost $60 for attendees and include a continental breakfast and lunch. “Getting Attainable Housing & Rental Units Built” will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 16. People may apply for scholarships when submitting registration applications for the housing forum.

To register, visit www.MauiChamber.com or call 244-0081. Scholarship applications are submitted through the chamber.

Want to Ask the Mayor? Submit your Maui County related questions to Mayor Michael Victorino by email to askthemayor@mauicounty.gov, by phone at 270-7855 or by mail at 200 S. High St., ninth floor, Wailuku 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column; to request a personal response to a concern, email mayors.office@mauicounty.gov