Ask the Mayor: Leash-Free Dog Park Opening

By Mayor Alan Arakawa

Mayor Alan Arakawa answers some of the most-asked questions submitted to his office staff.

Dear Mayor,

Q: I want to hang a few signs and a banner on my business windows. How many can I hang? Also, what sizes are allowed, and how much does the permit cost?

File photo by Wendy Osher.

A: There is a wide variety of permissible signs and banners, as allowed in Chapter 16.13 of the Maui County Code. The sizes for certain types of signs are limited by the building setbacks and frontages, as well as by zoning districts. Individual sign permits have a $55 filing fee. Banners or promotional signs can be hung for up to 14 days and require a $25 filing fee. For multi-tenant business buildings, a comprehensive signage plan is required. To view the sign ordinance online, go to www.mauicounty.gov/council, then select Laws/Resolutions and Maui County Code – Chapter 16.13. For more information you can contact the Planning Department at 270-7735 or visit the Planning Director’s Office at the Kalana Pakui building, 250 South High Street in Wailuku (adjacent to the County Building).

Dear Mayor,

Q: I heard you mention the county’s bond ratings during your State of the County Address the other night. What exactly are those, and what do they mean for me as a taxpayer?

A: Just as with other municipalities, the County of Maui issues government bonds for sale to the public to raise capital for projects. These bonds are rated by bond rating agencies based on the county’s overall fiscal well-being, which results in the equivalent of a credit score. For the first time in history, Maui County has the highest bond rating in the state, just under a AAA rating. Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings give the County of Maui a AA+ bond rating, while Moody’s Investor Service has bestowed a Aa1 rating. These excellent ratings allow the county to issue bonds at a much lower interest rate, which in turn saves the county and the taxpayers millions of dollars in interest costs.

Dear Mayor,

Q: Are there any dog parks on the island where I can let my dog run free?

A: Yes, the county will be holding a grand opening soon at Central Maui’s first leash-free park, in Keopuolani Park. There is a dog park in Wailea, which is managed in partnership with the county and the Wailea Community Association. And another dog park is currently being built in Makawao, through the efforts of both the County of Maui and community volunteers and donors. I am a firm believer that pet owners need to help keep their neighbors and the general public safe by either obeying the leash law, or enjoying their pet safely in the confines of a fenced area such as a dog park. This is not only a courtesy, it is an important safety issue, so we are glad to help make fenced recreational areas available to pet owners.

ONLINE:

www.mauicounty.gov/finance
www.mauicounty.gov/parks

Want to Ask the Mayor?
Submit your questions about Maui County to Mayor Alan Arakawa via email: AskTheMayor@mauicounty.gov, phone: 270-7855 or mail: 200 S. High Street, 9th Floor, Wailuku, Hawaii 96793. Questions submitted will be considered for inclusion in the “Ask the Mayor” column.