Maui Dance Advocates Want Maui Rules Re-thought

Photo courtesy, Anthony Simmons.

By Wendy Osher

A group of dancers from Maui held a Flash Mob at the State Capitol last week, in the hopes that lawmakers would support a bill to help liberate dancing rules on Maui.

Under current rules, dancing in places that sell alcohol in Maui County can only be done in a non-consumption area, and must be taped, roped or some how segregated from the rest of the bar.

“If you are not on the dance floor you are not allowed to dance,” said Anthony Simmons, President of Maui Dance Advocates in email communication.

“The Liquor Commission does not have a definition of dancing so if you are bobbing your head, tapping your toe or popping your shoulders you would be asked to stop moving,” said Simmons.

House Bill 1339, introduced by Rep. Kyle Yamashita of Maui, would require the county Liquor Commissions to adopt or amend rules by July 1, 2012, regarding conduct of patrons and to define the term “dancing.”

Simmons said the group has been trying for the past two months to get a hearing on the measure, or at least have it deferred to the senate floor.

In his efforts to rally support, Simmons advised advocates to, “be cordial and nice, but let them know the people of Maui want to dance.”